Organize 365 Podcast

Well the time is here! Abby is finally getting a back surgery we knew would need to be done despite all the cortisone shots and physical therapy. I don't share this so you can plan when your next family member needs you for a surgery. I'm sharing all my planning thoughts and iterations because where else do we hear this stuff? How do you learn how others plan? This is for any event you have coming up that requires a lot of shifting and planning. I'm going into a time where there will be a plan and I can not just "not feel like it." I have to do what is on the plan in order to have success. Operation "Take Care of Grayson" What does this mean for me? Full time primary care giver to Grayson. Honestly, I'm using the lens that this is a unique opportunity to spend these months with Grayson and support Abby. The first thing I knew I needed was to think about how I was going to entertain this active big 4 year old. I have a routine I am going to try out based on tiny details of care that Grayson needs and what he's used to. And I've thought about a lil lunch box I can pack for on the go, what all needs to be in my purse at all times for Grayson, and a backpack in the back of the car with things we may need when we are out. The routine is in small chunks of time that I can start to give back to Abby as she recovers. Next Layer: The Family When going into a time of new demands on your time and capacity, you need to look at it in reverse order to figure out how to still meet as many personal and family obligations as possible. So next my brain went to the rest of my family. How will I care for Greg, Joey, and help Abby through recovery. Greg has this trip to the Keys planned to take with Joey and his dad. It's important and I encouraged them to still take it. It's during the first week after Abby's surgery. I'm asking Greg to take on a few tasks to make sure we all get fed and Grayson gets to and from Daycare. I've been reading up on this surgery and the recovery process. I have tried to consider the physical things Abby may need to aid her in her recovery. But I have also been considering the emotional toll this may have on her. Might be tough watching me play mom to her child for a while. I will do my best to include Abby to keep her spirits up. And the physical therapy! Likely I will have those scheduled before the surgery takes place. I'm sneaking in an adult field trip before surgery to fill my cup and one after Abby's surgery to give me something to look forward to. I also looked at work and rearranged the things I need to be in person at, to the mornings, when I will be in the office. I've decided to work from home for the first week. And Saturday showed itself as a day I can take advantage of being in the office because Greg can be home with Abby and Grayson on Saturdays. I will be working on my dissertation starting now because I have time and then Saturdays. Please cross your fingers all the research I'm going to do in advance about Prospective Memory will be worth it because I have not got the green like on this yet. But it's a risk, for times sake, that I have to take. How Will My Planning Day Workbook Look This Time? So after taking 32 minutes to tell you all about my planning, I opened the Planning Day workbook. I walked through the workbook and shared, off the cuff, my thoughts about how I will plan according to each page. Ha! I was actually caught off guard on a couple of upcoming things like birthdays and our anniversary. Yeah, Abby needs an oil change and I checked but my car is good for a while. These are the things you should be thinking about going into something this big, what can I get done now to make this upcoming busy time more smooth? I am trying to think of everything. I will continue to mull over my calendar and rearrange things as necessary. This is a ridiculous amount of planning that my future self will thank me for doing. This is the kind of detailed planning we do in Planning Day! EPISODE RESOURCES: The Sunday Basket® Planning Day Sign Up for the Organize 365® Newsletter Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend and be sure to tag Organize 365® when you share on social media!

Heather S., a mental health counselor and mother of five, shares her transformative journey through organization and self-care. She discusses the emotional challenges of caregiving and how the Sunday Basket® helped her manage a busy household. Heather emphasizes the importance of self-care in organization, tackling grief, and mindful living. She also reveals creative strategies for holiday preparations and how decluttering can empower families, all while navigating life's ups and downs with resilience and a sense of humor.

Dive into the art of planning in 120-day chunks, inspired by the rhythms of nature and life events. Discover how seasonal energy can boost productivity and reshape personal organization. Explore the balance between academic ambitions and family commitments, and learn intentional strategies for managing time effectively. Hear personal stories about navigating the challenges of pursuing a PhD while keeping family life vibrant and fulfilling.

Dive into the fascinating world of habits and routines, discovering how they shape our daily lives. Learn the importance of strategic planning to establish productive habits that align with personal goals. Explore the influence of environment on behaviors, and how simple changes can lead to better choices. Hear personal anecdotes about childhood planning experiences and their impact on productivity today. Balance work and family life while embracing leisure, utilizing tools like self-tracking technologies to enhance well-being and enjoyment.

Explore the current economic landscape, reflecting on how uncertainties mirror past crises like COVID-19. Discover the diverse responses to these challenges, from those overly cautious to proactive decision-makers. Delve into job security and the stock market's unpredictability, all while navigating the complexities of tariffs and supply chain issues in small businesses. Learn about the impact of sourcing challenges on product quality, and gain insights on effective household management strategies during turbulent times.

Julie D, a dedicated member of the Organize 365 community, shares her journey of creating effective systems to manage her home and family life while caring for a son with autism. She describes the challenges of parenting and advocacy in special needs education. Julie discusses her past experience in retail, likening her home management to running a small business. The conversation covers the power of structured planning, time management techniques, and the joy found in everyday routines, all while navigating family dynamics and community involvement.

With a PhD nearly complete, the host reflects on personal desires and the need for a household makeover. Budgeting becomes the focus as they tackle living space renovations after prioritizing family needs for so long. They share insights on reclaiming time and resources for personal projects, emphasizing self-care amid family dynamics. The challenges of home management while transitioning into grandparenthood provide a relatable backdrop for exploring individual priorities and navigating change.

Elaine Willing, an Army wife and lead for the new military PCS initiative, shares her journey of coping with the challenges of relocating 12 times as a military spouse. She discusses the emotional toll of frequent moves, including the relationships built and lost along the way. Elaine emphasizes the importance of establishing community quickly and offers insights into the unique needs of military families during these transitions. Listeners gain practical tips on organization, emotional resilience, and strategies for smoother relocations.

Explore how the concept of home has transformed into a personal sanctuary post-COVID. Discover insights on whether to hire contractors or tackle renovations yourself, balancing time and money constraints. Delve into the complexities of e-commerce, including tariffs and shipping challenges. Unpack the influence of media on financial perceptions versus personal realities. Finally, learn strategies for managing household finances like a business, ensuring stability and planning for future needs.

Monique, a professional organizer certified by Organize 365® for over a decade, shares her insights from a recent Small Business Mastermind. She highlights the unique bond formed among women entrepreneurs and the surprising lack of organizers among attendees. Intriguingly, they discuss the crucial link between admin tasks and business success, emphasizing the value of hiring help. Monique also reflects on how organizing not only boosts mental clarity but can transform lives, making a strong case for proactive organizational support.