Dear Clients and Friends, Last weekend, my minivan was stuffed with bedding, furniture, clothes, photos, rugs, and even a small fridge. While all these things were leaving my house, they were not being discarded. My daughter had carefully selected each item for the next stage of her journey — her first year of college. I’ve been thinking about abundance lately, considering its qualities, observing when and how I experience it, and being curious about how my clients experience it. Some people might have looked at our car filled with stuff and labeled that as abundance, and in some ways it is. But the abundance that I am most curious about is a sense of enoughness that’s full of peace and movement. It is a quality of fullness of heart, of rightness of place, and of solidness of self. It's the joy of putting aside what no longer serves your journey and being willing to create space for what’s ahead. We set up my daughter’s dorm room so that it was perfect for her, and, as I gave her a last hug, I didn’t grasp for more or try to hold tightly on to her childhood; instead I witnessed her fullness, rightness, and solidity. She had exactly what she needed — for her room, yes, but also for her body, mind and spirit — to step into what’s next for her. That is true abundance. As we transition to Fall let’s bring this idea of abundance into our homes, our relationships, our work, our rhythms, and our hearts. In the spirit of the season, Sarah Thompson
Clean Slate Home Organizing |
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The Abundance of the Season Nature is giving up her bounty this time of year. How can we harvest the gifts of the season and carry this time with us through the winter? In September we often focus on the loss of summer, instead of eagerly welcoming the new rhythms that come with autumn. Yet deliberately noticing the change of temperature, light, colors, patterns, and routines grounds us in the abundance of the present moment, allowing us to experience the “enough-ness” of now, without longing for what was or getting caught up in what’s ahead. Here are some ideas to embrace all that Fall offers: Give yourself time to be outside. Pick apples, take a walk in a meadow, enjoy a last swim, hike with people you care about, regularly observe a nearby tree as its leaves turn, go to a harvest festival. Be intentional about connecting with others. Traditionally, the harvest season has been a time to gather food and prepare for the unknown of the winter months. This year, with the lack of certainty around how the pandemic will unfold, it feels even more important to spend time with those who are important to us. Create space for what’s important to you. Pick an area of your home, maybe the mudroom or the garage or a closet or a single drawer, and organize it so that it sets you up to enjoy the season. |
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“Keep It Simple, Baby!” 4 tips for a more peaceful transition to the school year With school back in session and families figuring out their new rhythms, I’m reminded of a conversation I had many years ago with a wise kindergarten teacher who told me that it takes about six weeks for young children to adapt to a new routine. Her advice, which I used with great success when my kids were little, was: "Keep it simple, baby!" To bring ease, simplicity, and connection to the new school year, consider structuring your at-home routine around these four pillars: Plenty of time for unstructured, free play after school. This gives kids a chance to debrief and process the busy day and helps them find their own natural rhythms. Warm, nourishing snacks. While intentionally preparing snacks takes effort and planning on the part of the parent, it truly does support your child’s body, mind and soul. Early bedtime. Children need deep rest throughout the year, but especially when they are adjusting to new routines. Fewer after school activities if possible (at least for the first 6 weeks). Allow your child to settle into the pattern of school day and develop confidence in their routines before adding more new things to their schedule. While these suggestions are most important for young children, even older kids benefit from a good pause after a long day of school...heck so do I! |
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How can you create spaciousness now? Even though I am busy, I feel lighter just by asking myself how to create spaciousness. I’ve been incredibly blessed these last few months with a very full work schedule. (Thank you for all of your referrals!) The constant busyness became an invitation for me to take my own suggestion and explore how I could allow for an abundance of time in my day —time when I can just let myself move at a pace that is natural for me, full of joy and ease. I’ve discovered two things: it’s very hard for me to give myself this time, and that it’s the days when I feel like I don’t have time to be “unscheduled” that I actually need it the most. Of course we know that it’s not just children who need space in the day without the pressures of work or school or activity. Adults also need the space to just be, to restore, and reset. For some of us, moving in the direction of spaciousness might look like gardening, listening to music, lying on the couch, or tinkering, while others might find joy and ease in reading, going on a walk, calling a friend, or simply taking a breath and looking out the window. Allowing for the abundance of time in your day is not necessarily about adding more activities you love; rather it’s about welcoming the feeling of expansiveness and abundance — however you experience it. I invite you to give yourself the permission and time today to pause —even for a moment — and not do not do anything except follow where your heart takes you. I can help you discover the synergy between your space, systems and priorities so that you can begin to cultivate new patterns and bring more harmony and ease to your life. |
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Mudroom Management The Four-Bin Method for Keeping Your Entryway Organized The four seasons — and all the gear that comes with each season — are integral to our way of life here in Vermont. But dealing with all those bulky items can be never-ending. My four-bin method for organizing your seasonal gear not only ensures that the right gear is accessible at the right time, but it means you only have to deal with your stuff three times a year! The first step is to gather four large plastic bins with covers, a marker, and labels. Label the bins: Winter, Spring/Summer/Fall, Shoes/Boots, and Accessories. September: Pack away any lingering spring jackets and summer gear in your Spring/Summer/Fall bin. Evaluate for size, wearability, and enjoyment, and put only the items that you truly love into the bin. Intentionally bring out the fall gear that works for you at this stage of your life. In Late October: Pull out your winter items, and sort and purge You don't want to wait until the first snow to discover that you don't have snow pants that fit your 5 year old! Pare down and pack away any fall gear in your Spring/Summer/Fall bin. In April: Evaluate your winter items, and put away the things you’ll be excited to see next winter. Bring out the spring and summer gear and check for wear and usability. In my family, the bins for our Shoes/Boots and Accessories primarily alternate between our winter items and items for the rest of the year, but I encourage you to adapt this system so it works for you and your household. TIP: I also like to have a separate basket for each family member that holds their hats, mittens, etc. This makes it easier for people to find their own stuff and know where it needs to go. For younger children, it’s helpful to use a larger basket so things don’t spill out when little hands go digging for their favorites. If any of this feels overwhelming, please know you don't have to do it alone. I can offer support and calm as you declutter your space and streamline your stuff. |
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Nurturing Community I send inspiring updates seasonally. If you'd like to support my work, please forward this newsletter to a friend or visit my website. To learn more about my home organizing services, moving services or family coaching sessions, find Clean Slate on Facebook and Instagram @cleanslatevermont or email me at sarah@cleanslatevermont.com. |
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CLEAN SLATE: Bringing ease to your home, your move, and your family life. |
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