Ready to tackle your organizing projects and not sure where to start.  We are giving you all the deets here today, follow these steps and you are sure to make some major progress on your organizing goals.  Just remember you are only one person and can only do so much at a time so don't get down on yourself if things aren't going as quickly as you imagined.  Stay with it and your future self will thank you! 

So… what are my favorite types of labels? PICTURE LABELS! When my kids were small, years ago, I was not the fun mom. Every evening (ok sometimes more often), my kids had to clean up their toys. If they were big enough to dump the toys, they were big enough to help clean them up. I learned right away that it is hard for kids to remember where something goes if they can’t read the label. That’s when I started putting Picture Labels on all the bins. My oldest is 20, so this was back before I even knew label makers existed. I would take a picture of the toys in a bin or find an example online, write the word underneath and attach it to the pull handle of the bins. The picture paired with the word also helped them to learn to read. Once I discovered a laminator, I upgraded to laminating the picture card. This made the labels so much more durable. Once the kids could see what went inside, it was a game changer. They were a lot more willing to help and they learned independence and life skills along the way.​

When my kids got old enough to be in school full time, I started working as a Paraprofessional at their school in California. This is where I really learned the value of a picture label, as well as a laminator and Velcro 😊. Not only did picture labels help kids put their toys away, but it helped them navigate life! I was blessed to be asked to work in a self-contained Autism classroom. Not only did my love of picture labels grow, but I fell in love with working with the kiddos as well. I learned so much in my 3 years there, about how a simple picture label (of all sorts) could help a child learn routines, communicate their wants and needs, READ, and yes even clean up their toys in the classroom. 😊 
Over the years, before I found my dream job as an organizer, I have been fortunate to work in several different ESE classrooms, in 3 different states. No matter where I worked, whether it be in an Autism Classroom, EBD classroom, or 3 year old Preschool classroom, it was evident that picture labels and communication were an essential part of life. Next time you drive down the street, look around and notice how many “picture labels” of all sorts are EVERYWHERE. ​

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Did you have a chance to check out the article I was interviewed for in Parents Magazine Florida? If not check it out here and don't forget to check out some of the other great articles in the January issue.  

HELPING YOUR KIDS STAY HEALTHY: PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELLNESS PODCASTS FOR KIDS

18 SIMPLE WAYS TO INFUSE EACH DAY WITH LEARNING​

Are New Year's Resolutions your thing? If they are and they work for you, GREAT! I am truly glad to hear it!

New Year's Resolutions used to be my thing but I seem to keep drifting further and further away from them. For many years I would go hard for several weeks and then life would happen, I would slip up and then start to lose steam. Once I lost steam I would start to feel like I failed, lose all further motivation, and then it was over. My resolution was just another failed attempt.  Sometimes. I think there is so much pressure that it becomes easy to get defeated if/when you slip up or fall short. When I decided that New Year's Resolutions no longer worked for me I decided to choose a word to focus on and that felt more intentional and something easier to stick with, which was precisely what I likely needed during those particular seasons. 
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I am here to remind you that if you set a goal or a resolution and it's no longer working for you it's ok to say that.  It's ok to scratch that and set a goal that is better suited for you and your current season of life no matter what time of year it is.  Also, don't hear me wrong...your goals don't have to be centered around productivity, having more, or being more of a certain way, etc.  Your goals should truly be something that adds value to you and your life. Sometimes that means taking something off of your plate or setting boundaries in areas where stress seems to creep into your life.  

As I get older the years seem to go by faster so while I think it is very important to be intentional, set goals,  and have a vision for your future, I don't particularly like the pressure of a New Year's Resolution and I want more than just one word.  I think the power is in constantly evaluating your goals throughout the year and staying motivated to strive to reach those goals.  
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​The past couple years I have created a vision board and I do really enjoy that process and the diversity of it.  For me it usually encompasses goals that are personal, family centered, and business related.  I hang it in my closet where I see it in the mornings and evenings (sometimes more).  It seems to be a great visual reminder of what is important to me so I don't forget in the day to day hustle.  I also love that if my goals shift I can just adjust.  Nothing says what you put on your vision board is permanent.  The vision board is meant to keep you pushing towards goals that work for you. 

​I think it's important to remember that progress happens in the small steps that lead to larger distances so our small steps DO make a difference!  My final reminder is to give yourself grace if you slip up or if things don't go perfectly the way you want.  We are all human and just because things aren't going perfectly or you have had a set back it doesn't mean you should give up.  Maybe it's just time to reevaluate and reset! 

I would love to hear your thoughts...
​Do you set resolutions? intentional words? Goals?  Vision Boards? 
Is the new year just another day for you?