Lynn, I get so many messages in my regular inbox and my biznik inbox that I don't even have the time to read them all. This one caught my attention and I not only read your whole post but everyone's comments. This topic is so timely. I had my break-down similar to yours near the beginning of the year when I cried on a friends shoulder and vented about how burned out I was.
Being a professional organizer, this is hard to admit. We should be able to be so organized we don't get overwhelmed right? Well, as we all know being a sole-business owner is exhausting as we have to wear so many hats and have so many demands on our time.

So...here is how I have turned my life around:

1. I say 'No, thank you' more than I did before. Saying 'no' is so powerful in maintaining balance.
   

2. I have a work-out partner. It took a while to find someone that I not only enjoy working out with but who's ideal work-out time matched mine perfectly.
   

3. Sunday is always family day. I don't schedule clients or do work on Sundays. It is my day to catch up the laundry, grocery shop for the week, get the house all put back in order and spend time with the family. This allows me to go into each busy week refreshed and 'organized'.
   

4. I started scheduling more time with my friends and less with business associates. I had gotten so wrapped up in my business that this had gotten out of balance. It is easy to 'network' yourself to death if you aren't careful. We need our great girlfriends love and support to recharge our batteries.
   

5. I also allow myself to let e-mails sit in my inbox longer than I used to. I used to think I had to respond to everything every day. Thus, I spent many late nights responding to e-mails that could wait. Now, I generally stay up late one night a week and 'catch up' on things that were non-urgent but I do want to respond to.
   

6. Lastly, I got very very clear about my vision for my business and very focused on the MOST IMPORTANT things to spend my time/energy on. I let anything else go that doesn't not fully support my business, my lilfe, or my family.
   

7. these things did not happen in this particular order but this is the order they 'came' to me today.
   

Thank you for putting this out there and hopefully everyone has gotten some really great ideas from each other!

Maulitta Brown www.clearintentionsnw.com

I love your article. I also love that someone other than a Professional Organizer is writing about the importance of being organized.

Wonderful! Thank you!

Maulitta Brown

This looks amazing. I was training by Tamra Flemming a process called Life Architecture (coaching process) in which being 'curious' is a huge factor. I cannot come this time but if you do the event again, I hope I can make it.

Love it!

My week is booking up so I won't be able to make it but hopefully you will offer this again. Thank you!

Well, given the pouring down rain and the fact that I'm now battling a cold, I think I better un-RSVP myself.

Great idea though - I hope to do it some other time.

Jessie, Way to go on creating such a popular event!

Looks fun - it is a bad night for me but maybe next time!

I may be able to come - I'll check back in tomorrow if not.

Turns out I won't be able to come after all. I can't wait to hear how it goes! Maulitta

Good stuff Jessie!

Oh, great idea Jesse. My vision board needs updating but I'm busy this day. Maybe I'll host another one down the road a bit.
You've been on my mind all week...

This looks very interesting and I'd love to attend if you offer it during the day sometime! Maulitta

OK! I'm so sorry, something came up and I have to cancel. Hopefully next time... Maulitta

This looks amazing - I hope you do it again. I have to be at another event at 6pm so I don't think it will work for me this time.

It looks like I'll be able to make it! Looking forward to meeting everyone! Maulitta

I'm going to un-RSVP myself. I'm sort of 'resetting' my schedule right now and really revamping how I handle my time/my days/my weeks/my month. In order to do that effectively, I'm cancelling a lot of things and then will slowly add things back in. I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Can't wait to see you soon!

I thought this was a GREAT event and a WONDERFUL way to start out the month! Thank you so much.

Maulitta