Hey First name / friend,

Last week I talked to you about the big transitions we are going through as a family. With all the chaos, I found myself overwhelmed, irritated and desiring to take back control – ready to declutter, reorganize, and find ways to embrace the chaos.

Well, as fun as it can be. 

 

With summer break coming to an end and all our unplanned renovations nearing completion, it was time to tackle our garage this past weekend. I started the day in crazy-mom mode, but I quickly realized that my bad mood was putting everyone in a bad mood. I shifted perspective, turned on some music, split up tasks and we planned a fun activity for afterwards.

 

I think it’s important that my kids understand that having two parents in big careers comes with a lot of privileges (eg, we outsource laundry and cleaning), but it also means that we all need to work together to get the not-so-fun stuff done to make room for all the fun things we want to do. Teamwork means the task gets done faster, and it teaches them valuable skills. 

 

From personal experience, I can tell you that turning cleanup into a game transforms the atmosphere and gets everyone engaged. So grab those brooms, dance a little, and force some fun into getting a space organized.

With our lives moving at a hundred miles an hour, our homes can sometimes look like they've been hit by a whirlwind. That's where the "one empty shelf, one empty drawer, one empty container" rule comes in. It's a straightforward concept with a profound impact. By intentionally creating space – physically and mentally – you're giving yourself room to breathe. 

 

So, go ahead, declutter that shelf or drawer, and make space for what truly matters.

Life has its own way of throwing surprises our way - like my basement flooding causing an unplanned renovation. Between work, family, and everything else, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Here's a truth I've learned: there's never a "perfect" stage where everything falls neatly into place.

 

But that doesn't mean we can't find our own version of balance. Instead of waiting for the chaos to pass, let's embrace it. Let's face it head-on, with a sense of purpose and a willingness to adapt. That's where the real magic happens – in our ability to make the most of the present moment.

As we venture into the weeks ahead, remember that small changes can lead to big transformations. From turning chores into fun activities to finding your own rhythm amidst the whirlwind, these insights are here to help you navigate life's journey with a sense of joy and intention.

 

Stay tuned for more real talk, practical tips, and a sprinkle of inspiration in our next newsletter. 

 

Until then, keep embracing the chaos, my friends.

P.S. On Thursday, September 21, I’ll be speaking at the Firefly Summit, hosted by Women in Business After Hours in South Bend, Indiana. Would love to see you there. Here’s a link with more information.

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