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Embracing Change as an Instrument of Gratitude and Growth

10/8/2020

10 Comments

 
I just returned from a walk in the brisk fall air. I love fall. It is by far my favorite time of the year. I spend much of the summer anxiously awaiting its arrival, and I mourn its passing as mild, sunny days give way to winter's chill. 

The reasons for my fondness of fall are many, but this morning as I observed random leaves floating to the ground, one in particular stood out in my mind: change. I like the change in the weather, the change in activities, the change in focus, and the changes in nature. 

All this got me thinking about the concept of change, especially when considered in conjunction with some other aspects of my walk which I will share in this post as well.

We are currently undergoing a major life change. We are moving houses. I'm both excited and overwhelmed by the prospect. That is the thing with change; it can be both uncomfortable and exciting at the same time. For instance, there are many things about my current home that I love and will miss. That said, there are even more things about my new home that I am eager to enjoy. Instead of focusing on what I am giving up, I am trying to appreciate those things that I love about the old house and the enjoyment those things have brought to my life. I will look back on them with a nostalgic fondness and appreciation. I will not pine away for the loss of them. Instead, I will focus on the new experiences and opportunities that my new home affords. 

Change can take many forms, but certain types of change are commonly experienced. My walk brought to mind a number of metaphors for change which I would like to share. 
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In recent months much of the world has experienced a narrowing of the path ahead. COVID-19 has restricted people's ability to work, socialize, and function freely. Many people have keenly felt the limitations imposed by these external constraints. Others have instituted their own personal constraints in an attempt to protect themselves and their loved ones. 

At the same time, many people have utilized this time of reduced external opportunities to reflect and build inwardly. There have been so many marvelous examples of people using this time of restriction to expand their lives in meaningful ways by focusing on family, rethinking priorities, tackling projects, and purging the unwanted from their lives. 

When the path before us narrows, we can choose to see it as a limitation or an opportunity. In reality, it is both, We can utilize the duality of the circumstance to look back with gratitude and insight regarding the distance we have traveled while simultaneously focusing our efforts moving forward. 
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Sometimes, the road ahead gets steep. Troubles seem to come in bundles. Life gets a little (or a lot!) hard for awhile. At such times, we can find ourselves asking, "What next?!" as new problems present themselves. It can feel as though we are endlessly climbing. 

Just as climbing a steep hill in real life makes us physically stronger, climbing metaphorical hills can make us emotionally and intellectually stronger. The beautiful thing about hills is that they always end in an enhanced perspective. When we get to the top, we can see farther, understand our position better in relation to everything around us, and know better how to plot the course ahead. 

It can be tempting when trudging uphill to focus downward on the next step. While this method will keep us moving forward, it does little to make the journey more bearable. Instead, why not pause periodically to catch your breath and look back at the distance you've traveled? Doing so can instill feelings of gratitude, accomplishment, and hope. When you resume, try to look up and enjoy the ever-decreasing distance between yourself and the summit. 

Thinking in terms of time management, responsibilities, and other burdens, we sometimes need to lighten our load for the upward trek by laying aside, if only for a time, those things that are extraneous and superficial in order to focus on what matters most. What matters most at any given time will change with our circumstances and needs. Don't be afraid to tell others, "My path is steep right now. I need to lighten my load." Depending on who you tell, they may actively look for ways to help lessen your burden. 
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They say that what goes up must come down. When we get to the top of life's metaphorical hills, we are typically faced with a steep decline. After the difficult upward trek, it can be tempting to let gravity and our renewed energy pull us downward at an ever-increasing pace. Better to walk carefully and intentionally, enjoying the newly gained perspective. 

Following a challenging time, give yourself grace and patience as you slowly add meaningful things back into your life. Resist the urge to invite too much into your life too soon, be it activities, commitments, or stuff. 
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Occasionally, something really big comes along. It might be an illness or injury. It might be the loss of a job or a loved one. Whatever the case may be, such life changing events tend to demand an inordinate amount of our time, attention, and energy. They force us to yield to their demands and set other aspects of our lives on the top shelf to gather dust for a time.

Such events or circumstances are largely unavoidable, and in many cases, unpredictable. Many of my clients are just emerging from (or still caught up in the midst) of a life-changing situation. Their routines have been derailed, and their personal surroundings have suffered as a result. With all their energy and effort focused on managing the 'big thing' in their life, things like order and organization have yielded. That's normal, but it doesn't have to be permanent. 

When circumstances force your to yield to their demands, know that yielding, by it's very nature, is temporary. Whatever the passing obstacle, it will pass, and it will once again be safe for you to continue on your way. Don't berate yourself for "letting things get out of hand". They are just things, and over time you can regain a comfortable level of control. 
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While it would be nice to always be assured of a straight and shady path (like the one above), that isn't how life works. ​That's actually a good thing. An unbending path is a boring path void of opportunities to test ourselves and increase our strength. 
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I purposefully saved this image for the end. This part of the path is located toward the end of my walk. As you can see the path ahead curves. The sign, in fact, indicates multiple curves ahead. There are curves ahead for all of us, and we often can't see what lies around the bend (as is the case here). That's why it's good, when we get the chance, to sit down on a comfortable bench and rest. While we're at it, we might also take a moment or two to toss out any "trash" that is burdening us before stepping back onto the path to see what's around the corner. 

Change is inevitable. Change is often difficult and almost always uncomfortable. Change is also necessary and beneficial. When viewed with the proper perspective, change can be an instrument for gratitude as we look back on past experiences and the ways in which they have shaped and blessed us. Change can also be a precursor and instigator of growth in our lives as we adapt to our shifting circumstances and improve ourselves in the process. 

It isn't only our circumstances that change. We change over time as well. Our interests, tastes, needs, wants, and preferences change. Often, instead of letting go of things that held meaning or interest to our former self, we cling to them. Our progress on the path ahead, be it hilly, curvy, or wrought with obstacles, will be easier if our burden is lighter. Letting go of the things that no longer represent who you are and what matters to you, leaves you free to welcome the changes ahead. 
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How has change impacted you? What insights have you gained as you have overcome challenging times? 
10 Comments

Organizing for Injury or Illness

9/23/2020

8 Comments

 
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. This just means that there are product suggestions included within the text. Should you click on one of the links and decide to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission. I only suggest products I love and and have experience with that are directly related to the content in this post. Thank you for your support! View my Disclosure Statement for more information.
When problems arise, my organizer brain immediately takes in the situation and starts looking for ways to improve the physical environment in order to make it more functional. Such has been the case recently. I have just returned from two and a half weeks of assisting my mom who is recovering from a broken hip.

Long term illnesses or injuries, such as my mom's, can make it difficult for a person to function comfortably within his or her normal surroundings. The more that can be done to accommodate the recovering person's needs and abilities, the more comfortable that person will be physically, mentally, and emotionally. Often a few simple changes can make a big difference in a person's ability to comfortably do for themselves as much as possible. 

In this post, I would like to share some suggestions for things you can do to make the physical environment more user-friendly for someone who is recovering from a serious illness or injury. 
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Remove Obstacles

One of the first things I did after arriving at my mom's house was to remove the throw rugs from her bathroom floor. They may serve a useful purpose, but in her current situation they are more of a hazard than a help. I washed them and set them aside to be replaced later when she is stronger and better able to get around. 

A person suffering from a serious illness is often in a weakened state. This can also be true of someone who has been injured seriously. Anything you can do to help them get around more easily is desirable. This may mean moving furniture around temporarily to create a more direct path from point A to point B. Look around the environment with new eyes searching for anything that could be a tripping hazard, sharp corner, obstacle, or other potential danger and find a way to minimize the risk. 

Make Things Accessible

A person who is seriously injured or ill is likely to have limited mobility. They may be bed-ridden or just camped out on the sofa for a time. Their ability to reach things and do simple tasks is probably reduced. This can be tremendously trying. Finding ways to make things easier to access will help them retain a degree of independence and greatly reduce their level of frustration. Some of my favorite solutions include:
  • Using clear plastic bins with handles to group items within a cupboard.  My favorites are actually designed for organizing the refrigerator, but they work great just about anywhere. The handles make them easy to grip, and they slide nicely in and out of the cupboard making it painless to reach items deeper in the cabinet. They function like pull out shelves, only they are much less expensive and easier to "install". Instead of the shelf moving, the contents of the cupboard slide in and out inside the bin. As an added bonus, they come in a wide variety of sizes, so you're sure to find one that fits your needs. 
  • For the person who is bed-ridden or sofa bound, a tabletop organizer is a great way to keep all the essentials within arm's reach. 
  • A bedside storage organizer is another great way to keep regularly used items close at hand. One side slips under the mattress to hold the caddy in place, and the other side hangs down beside the bed. They come with multiple pockets for storing reading material, glasses, phone, remote control, and more.

Utilize Effective Tools


We are fortunate to live in a world where energy saving, work reducing devices abound. What's more, many of these gadgets are specifically designed for people with limited mobility, strength, energy, and/or dexterity. Here are some examples of tools designed to make doing basic household tasks easier.
  • After using a long-handled dustpan with broom I will never go back. Why bend over and sweep, sweep, sweep when you can stand upright to accomplish the same task? This is a must for anyone who has difficulty stooping or bending, and I highly recommend it for even the most agile housekeepers. 
  • Hefting heavy laundry baskets or  hampers can be hard on even the most hale among us. For someone with strength and mobility issues, it presents a real challenge. A wheeled laundry hamper with retractable handle is a great way to transport laundry without having to heft it. I personally prefer one with a retractable handle because wheeling it from one place to another does not require stooping or bending. 
  • Vacuuming is another task that can be impossible for someone struggling with illness or injury. A robot vacuum cleaner will do the work for you on the schedule you select. My daughter and son-in-law have a robo vacuum. They named it Dusty, and my granddaughter considers it a member of the family. It appears in all her drawings of her family.
  • A reacher grabber tool can solve a myriad of challenges. I use mine to get socks out of the way back of my stack-able washing machine. Otherwise I have to get on my hands and knees and crawl half way in the washer! It's great for reaching items overhead or under foot and perfect for reducing back strain and other discomforts. 
  • When my husband broke his arm, the occupational therapist introduced us to this non-slip material. It's double-sided, easy to clean, and can be cut to any shape you need. Use it to keep items from sliding on a flat surface or for gripping things. 
  • I first discovered Eco Cloths while working at a specialty kitchen store, and I love them! These tightly woven micro-fiber cloths clean with just water. No chemical cleansers required. I recommend them for any household, but they are especially nice for people with limited mobility and dexterity because all you need is a damp cloth. No juggling a spray bottle while wielding a cloth. These cloths allow you to clean with one hand. 
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Often a person recovering from serious illness or injury spends a good deal of their time either in bed or lounging on a sofa. It can be frustrating to be confined to a small space, but there are a variety of products available to help make the experience more comfortable, and possibly even more productive. Here are a few of my favorites:
  • We got my mom this tablet pillow last fall when she was recovering from pneumonia, and she loves it! She has gotten so much use out of it. It makes working or watching on a tablet easy and comfortable. 
  • Depending on the type of headboard you have, it can be almost impossible to sit up comfortably in bed. This bedrest back support pillow allows you to have comfortable back and arm support. What's more, it can be used in other locations as well to include on the floor. 
  • I recently purchased this breakfast tray for my mom, and it is working out wonderfully. In addition to eating off the tray, she uses it to write on, prop her tablet pillow on, pay bills and balance her checkbook on. You could also play solitaire or other card games on it to pass the time in bed. As a bonus, when not in use, the legs fold under to create a slim profile that can easily be stored within reach between a bed and night stand. ​
  • This bed wedge pillow set relieves a variety of discomforts from acid reflux to back pain and more. It can even help reduce snoring. One section allows you to rest in a semi-recumbent position, and the other section can be used to elevate the legs. 
  • This lap desk offers another alternative to the breakfast tray and serves many of the same functions. What I like about this option is the cushy base which rests comfortably on your lap. I also like the slot on the top for propping up a cell phone. 
  • TV trays are great for serving food to a sofa bound person. They can also be nice for someone confined to their bed. Sometimes it's nice to sit up and swing your legs around and work or eat off of a hard surface for a change of position and perspective. 
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Bathroom safety is often a concern for someone who is recovering from illness or injury. In our family we have found the following items to be particularly helpful in providing needed support and comfort. 
  • This tension mounted security pole is great for helping a person with mobility issues get up and down safely and comfortably. I love the swivel feature that allows you to move the handle section out of the way when needed. 
  • My mom's most recent injury has really highlighted for me the value of handrails and grab bars, particularly in the bathroom. Install them near the toilet, shower, and tub to make transitions safe and smooth. 
  • A good sturdy shower chair makes bathing possible for a person with limited mobility or strength. Bathing is something few of us really want assistance with, so anything that allows a person to bathe independently without fear of injury is a blessing. 
  • I can't recommend removable shower heads enough whether or not you're recovering from an illness or injury. In addition to making bathing easier, they also make cleaning the shower or tub simpler. For a person who needs to shower while seated, they are an absolute must. 
  • We recently discovered this toilet seat riser with handles in conjunction with my mom's recovery. Like bathing, most people strongly prefer to get on and off the toilet by themselves. This allows a person with strength and mobility issues to maintain that coveted independence. 
  • A good non-slip bath mat is recommended for any household, but it is particularly important for people at risk for falls. 
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While working at the kitchen store, I discovered some really great kitchen gadgets designed to make accomplishing basic tasks simple and pain free for people with strength and dexterity challenges.  Here are some of my favorites.  
  • My mom has used porcelain dishware for years, but these dishes are heavy, especially when lifted in a stack. My mom is 4'11" tall, and the dishes go in a cupboard above her head. A better, safer solution was clearly needed. This set of lightweight all-purpose dishware is perfect for her needs. In addition to being lightweight, they are eco-friendly, unbreakable, microwave and dishwasher safe. What more could you want from a set of dishware?
  • A good jar opener is a must for anyone with grip issues. I like this one that mounts under the cabinet because it doesn't take up valuable space in a drawer. It also works on pretty much any size jar. 
  • My husband got this kitchen multi-tool set for my mother for Christmas last year, and I'm totally getting one for us after using hers. There isn't a package you can't open with one of these tools. As a person with arthritis, I appreciate the pain free options these tools provide. 
  • This easy pour spout makes it possible for weak hands to pour milk or juice from a jug without spilling. 
  • My kids got me an electric can opener a couple of years ago, and it seriously brings me joy! It never even occurred to me that I needed one, but I wouldn't want to live without it now that I have one. It's another amazing tool for opening stuff without pain, and it's fun to use!
  • The Zyliss Easy Pull Food Chopper is hands-down my favorite kitchen tool. Just give the handle a few pulls and you're done! It's so easy, and it's fun. It makes a tedious, and potentially tiring task, quick and simple. We affectionately refer to ours as the "duck chopper" because of the noise it makes when you pull the string. 
  • Lastly, I recommend a set of kids' safety knives for anyone with shaky hands, difficulty gripping, or limited hand strength. My grand kids are able to cut, slice, and dice a vast range of foods using their knives, all without fear of injury. Why can't that be true for an adult as well? It may not be ideal, but it's way better than cutting yourself.  
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As you can see, organizing for injury or illness is not complicated, but it does take some thought. The key is to identify specific needs and work from there to find the best solution. Anything you can do to make a recovering person more comfortable and better able to enjoy some independence is highly desirable! 
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  • Home
  • About Sheri
    • Contact
    • Services >
      • FAQ
      • The Organization Process
      • Packages & Plans
      • Presentations
      • Results
      • Why Hire an Organizer?
  • Organization Basics
    • Declutter Your Home >
      • Basics of Home Organization
      • Household Cleaning Schedule
      • Tips for a Quick Declutter
    • Basics of Decluttering >
      • 4 T's of Decluttering
      • Clutter vs Decor
      • Coming to Terms with Your Clutter Personality
      • Conquer Clutter
      • Principles of Organization
      • The Proven Process for Organizing Everything
      • Purge Like a Pro
      • Rules for Decluttering
      • Steps to Declutter
      • Systems for Decluttering
    • Organizing by Room >
      • Bathroom >
        • Bathroom Storage Solutions
        • DIY Bathroom Wall Storage
        • Declutter Hair Accessories
        • Declutter Your Makeup
        • Declutter Your Medicine Cabinet
      • Bedroom >
        • Bedroom Storage Solutions
        • How to Declutter Clothing
        • How to Organize Your Closet
      • Entry
      • Home Office >
        • Declutter Your Files
      • Kids' Rooms >
        • Toy Storage Tips
        • Toy Storage Options
        • Maintaining Kids' Rooms
      • Kitchen >
        • Primary Kitchen Work Zones
        • Secondary Kitchen Work Zones
        • Movable Kitchen Storage
        • How to Declutter Kitchen Cabinets
        • How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets
        • Kitchen Cabinet Space Savers
        • How to Declutter a Refrigerator
        • Tips for Organizing a Refrigerator
        • Meal Planning
        • How to Organize Recipes
      • Pantry >
        • Pantry Inspiration
    • Storage Solutions >
      • Assessing Your Storage Needs
      • How to Create a Whole House Storage Plan
      • Storage Kits
      • Storage Unit Dos and Don'ts: An Organizer's Perspective
    • Information Management >
      • How to Establish an Information Management System
      • Declutter Papers
      • How to Organize with Lists
      • Deciding What Paperwork to Keep
    • Family >
      • How to Raise an Organized Child
      • Teaching Kids to Work
    • Productivity >
      • Stop Procrastinating and Declutter
      • The Myths of Multitasking
      • 7 Strategies for Single Tasking
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