Finding the space for things that really matter with Ali Kaufman
Simplifying is a worthy cause
So, this is the kickoff. My first column for the first say-it-like-it-really-is working mom web site.
I’m Ali Kaufman, and I’m going to be the one keeping it simple for you working moms.
An odd choice, you might think, since I’m not the working mom of any human dependents, but I am the dedicated “mother” to the organizing + clutter coaching business I gave birth to (and now, freakishly enough, seem to be married to). I am also responsible for loving, walking + unconditionally sustaining Wilbur, my oversized Pomeranian who is basically as loud as all of your kids combined, and depending on the day, can be equally disobedient. I do it all with that same “I can do it all!” spirit you working moms all know + love (to hate), too.
That said, I think simplifying is a worthy cause for all moms, and probably since you are working non-stop from the time your alarm clock turns on the coffee pot until your TiVo tucks you in at night, so do you.
But make no mistake: You’ll find no Martha Stewart-isms here. We all know that simplicity can be a sloppy process, and Martha would have a heart attack if she came to your house.
So, let yourself off the hook already. If you have happy, healthy kids and a reasonably functional, peaceful household, you’re ahead of the game. If you don’t, well, stay tuned…
Keeping it simple isn’t about living in a layout from last month’s Real Simple magazine. It’s about the feeling you have when you are actually away from your “stuff.” It’s about making time + space for making fun – of yourself, and with your loved ones – out of the dysfunctions in your life.
Do this: Grab a piece of paper, start a spreadsheet, use your toddler’s finger paints, whatever… Think about the mental, physical and cyber spaces where you live, learn, love, play and work. Capture the feelings you would imagine you’d feel in each space if it were simpler, or more organized.
NOTE: These should be separate thoughts, lists, drawings, haikus or any other creative expression that gets the job done, for each space, and they should NOT be confused with what each space would LOOK like when they were simplified. That comes later. Just capture the feeling of what living life in your head, heart, home + hard drives would be like if you had simpler space of mind (having what you have, whenever + wherever you need it).
And if any of you want to show off that “I can do it all!” spirit that got you into this mess, there’s extra credit for you if you share your homework with the rest of us… E-mail your vision for feeling like you have a simple, organized life to here.
In the meantime, embrace your clutter. And brace yourself. Keeping it simple takes some serious self-awareness – and an even more serious sense of humor!
Interested in becoming a Get Your Genius Resident Genius?Click here to contact us and please include your bio, a link to your website and a few sentences why you feel working mothers can’t live without your expertise.