Organizing Report and Inspiration

For those of you who are naturally neat and organized and wondering what all the fuss is about...you'll be glad to know this is my next-to-last decluttering report!

For the Rest of Us....
I reached my goal yesterday of completing 20 hours of decluttering since my last report on 1/5/09! That gives me a total of 90 hours since 7/10/08, when I set the goal of 100 hours. It's taking a lot longer than I thought, but I'm getting there!

As I've mentioned before, I'm living and working in the spaces I'm clearing, so there have been times that I felt like I was on a treadmill with the decluttering. Picking up the pace a bit this month has helped a lot, though. My husband and I are seeing clear evidence of my organizing efforts (and so is the Goodwill Store donation center)!

Inspiration for the Journey...
...from Michelle Passoff's book, Lighten Up! "Every time I took a quantum leap in my growth, I noticed that I would clean physical clutter.... I thought it was curious that I responded in this way to personal expansion, so I decided at one point to conduct an experiment to see whether if I reversed the process and cleaned clutter first as a way to foster growth if it would work. It did! And, it was fun. I began to make a game of exploring the relationship among oneness with myself, harmony in the world, and my physical environment."

So there you have it. That's what all the fuss is about!

Cheers,
Susan

P.S. Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. See last week's post for details about my "Cupid's Bow" Couples Coaching Special, a fun, one-time experience especially for the Month of Love!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Good News About Creativity and Aging

Here are 12 reasons why creativity and aging make great partners:

1. You may have more time to create after raising kids and/or retiring.
2. If you're a grandparent, this wakes up your creativity as you see it in the little ones and as you use it yourself to entertain and communicate with them.
3. You are clearer about your wants, needs, values, and preferences and how you want to express them in your art.
4. Your self-esteem may be stronger and can hold up better to criticism and stereotypes.
5. You probably feel more free to be who you really are, and that will come through in your work.
6. You may be in a better financial position to support the launch into the creative field of your choice.
7. You may have a clearer mission (see last week's post) about how you want your art to serve the world.
8. You may have more time for fun and relaxation, both of which open you up to the creative process!
9. Wonderful technology to support your creative and marketing efforts is available now that was not around when you were younger.
10. Mentoring and/or being a role model for younger people can be very rewarding. Even others in your age group may be inspired to follow your lead.
11. Being creative is a great way to keep your mind active and healthy as you age.
12. Your experiences and personal growth have enriched your potential for creative output.

So don't say, "Oh, I'm too old to start painting (or writing, throwing pots, etc.). Instead, say "My age is adding a whole new dimension to my work!" Plant your creative seeds in the rich soil of your life experience, and see what emerges!

Still not convinced? Email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up a complimentary trial tele-coaching session so we can apply these points to your specific situation.

Wishing you fulfillment always,

Susan