" FOCUS is what drives PRODUCTIVITY" - Paul Burton

"When you're focused on something is when you're actually getting something done. When you're running around trying to keep the ball in the air, all you are doing (functionally) is being the ball." - Paul Burton (full quote)

"Where your talents and the needs of the world cross, there lies your vocation." - Aristotle

focus on what's WORKING...

"We’re wired to focus on what’s not working. But
Murphy asked, “What IS working, today, and how
can we do more of it?”

You’re probably trying to change things at home or
at work. Stop agonizing about what’s not working.
Instead, ask yourself, “What’s working well, right
now, and how can I do more of it?”

A quote from Chip & Dan Heath (authors of "Made to Stick" & the soon-to-be-released "Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard") from Seth Godin's FREE 82-page e-book "What Matters Now" http://www.squidoo.com/Whatmattersnowfreeebook


respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

#best09 challenge...

Still playing Gwen Bell's The Best of 2009 Blog Challenge. Today's topic...something that really made you grow this year. That made you go to your edge and then some. What made it the best challenge of the year for you?

A real challenge of mine over the year, was a colleague of mine whom I admire, time after time leaving me feeling horrible. So recently I made a very conscious decision to stay away, you know, like I was allergic. No hard feelings - do people hate nuts, dairy, wheat, etc. just because they can't eat them?? - not out of fear, just allergic. And just like that I was protected from the elements - like I was wearing Wonder Woman bracelets - like a superhero!

The thing that made it the best challenge of the year was that I took it. I didn't hide from it or be overwhelmed by it. I worked out a solution, and went with it. I looked out for myself, in such a healthy and mature way. There is only good to come of this.

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

“People are energized by getting things done. Energy then begets more energy and more productivity.” - Julie Morgenstern

more meaningful upcycling...

From the http://wishingowls.littletreeyoga.com site: "Do you have a favourite pant, blanket or fabric item that means the world to you but you keep away in a drawer or closet? We can turn it into a beautiful loving friend and have already made them out of denim jeans, velvet dressing gowns and baby slings just to name a few...Each hand stitch is a stitch of love, care and magic and is what Lou believes makes these little friends so treasured as they seem to find new homes as quickly as she makes them...They all have their very own star pocket that hides a secret opening to look after your all of your wishesand dreams in, while you sleep."

You could have a framed two-dimensional work made up, labelling what part came from where on the back. You could even have matching artwork and Wishing Owl made up. I'm envisioning opposite fabrics making up owls for twins. I particularly love the twinkle in their eyes & the star on their backs. Now doesn't this beat storing a whack of fabric in a plastic bin in your garage??

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

what to do with well-loved t-shirts...

Own some well-loved t-shirts that you just can't get rid of, but really (please!) can't wear either? Try out this local company who can turn it into a super cool T for the next generation.

From their site..."Using previously owned and loved adult size t-shirts purchased from thrift stores, Barking Hippo creates original “mini me” toddler t-shirts, toddler dresses and baby onesies... If everyone bought one reclaimed garment each year, it would save an average of 300 million gallons of water and 400 tons of chemical dyes."

The prices in the shop are very reasonable and you are really buying a one-of-a-kind shirt. Mother Nature & your wallet will love you...not to mention the style police!

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

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(photo by Renata Sinclair Photography)

#best09 book...

Back on track with Gwen Bell's The Best of 2009 Blog Challenge... the book that touched me.

I began reading "I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids" a few months ago, but I couldn't really get into it. Then a couple of weeks ago (as I was having "a day" ) I grabbed it, flopped on my bed and read it with tears streaming down my face. I no longer felt all alone with my challenges and guilt - it completely resonated with me right there at that exact right moment. I highly recommend it!

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space.

Visual Girl

#best09 article...

I thought at first that I needed to begin this post (Day 3 of The Best of 2009 Blog Challenge) with a disclaimer that it really has nothing to do with organizing, but then I realized that it has everything to do with the RESPECT aspect of my business.

The article that blew me away this year, and that couldn't have come at a better time was this one from mcpactions: http://mcpactions.com/blog/2009/10/12/how-should-i-price-my-photography-words-of-advice-from-jodie-otte/.

The article is a very in-your-face & very detailed guide (no matter what your business is, really) on how to price products & services. It really lays it all out there on what your time is worth, and in the end, is it all worth it? The article specifically breaks it down for the Moms out there, equating time spent (working) to time lost (with family). It forces you to place values on what you do. All of it. And prioritize. If big effort and little reward is your life, it is time to rethink things. If your house and home are falling apart because you work, but you are barely, if at all, paying the bills - including daycare - can you justify it?

This article prompts a really good reality check. I've shared this with my entrepreneurial ladies from my Smart Cookies (http://www.smartcookies.com/) inspired Money Group. It is eye-opening. Just try it.

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space.

Visual Girl

#best09 restaurant moment...

Wow! Well I blew Gwen Bell's The Best of 2009 Blog Challenge on day 2!! I guess because I already blogged about my best restaurant moment already, or maybe because this is a good opportunity to prove that no matter what your goals are, don't give up on them just because you blow it one day.

So...here is my original blog titled "grateful" http://visualgirlhometherapy.blogspot.com/2009/07/grateful.html For the record, I had the same meal with a good friend of mine later in the month - we both did, actually. We originally went to another local restaurant, but they were having a private function - go figure. Same deliciousness & equally good company. Thanks S. and Yay!! Arm's Reach!

Now off to today's blog topic!

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space.
Visual Girl

#best09 trip...

Not a trip in the traditional sense, but somewhere in my "back yard"... I love my trips to Room 6. www.room6.com And how fitting, as I discovered Gwen Bell (who is hosting this whole Best of 2009 Challenge in the first place) on Room 6's twitter. I constantly lose myself (in a good way) in all the glorious eye candy Megan fills her store with. Function meets beauty? This store's got it. Local designers? Iconic stuff? Got it. Friendly service? You guessed it! The boutique's tagline is "special things for nice people", so right off, I am filled with niceness, simply because I am there!

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

the best of '09...Gwen Bell style...

I just discovered this powerhouse of a woman late last night, and how fitting that she has begun the Best Of ‘09 Blog Challenge well, today! I am always asking my clients to think and behave out of their comfort zone, and so I am off to "walk the talk" so to speak. I really tend to downplay the whole New Year thing - seriously, I only buy the school year day planners - so this will really be a challenge for me. So without much toe-testing of the water, off I jump!

If you would like to join me, check out http://www.gwenbell.com/blog/2009/11/30/the-best-of-2009-blog-challenge.html

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

goal tending...one line at a time...

This product is a great way to keep on top of your goals - be it financial, home, health, work, vacation, etc. - with very little pressure, and an easy way to track the previous years. Check it out: http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Apartment/Bookstore/Books/One+Line+a+Day+Journal



respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl