Soon Americans celebrate Independence Day. This may be my favorite day of the year, for a couple of reasons:
- I love summer. Hot weather and a beach are my ideal combination.
- No gifts or special obligations are required. Just grab a cool drink, cook out, be thankful, relax and maybe attend a parade.
- I am very patriotic, and so thankful to live in this country where I’m free.
- It happens to be my birthday.
Seven years ago, when I was forming my company, I chose the phrase, “Freedom Through Organization ” to be my tagline. I love the word freedom as it evokes a variety of positive emotions.
As we approach Independence Day, I thought it might be timely to consider a few nuances of freedom, and share how I believe they relate to living an organized life.
| Freedom means…. | Living organized means… | In other words… |
|---|---|---|
| Living at liberty, rather than under confinement or restraint. | Having space to move around in our living and working environments. | Less is more. |
| Living free from external control or interference. | Minimizing the impact of outside forces on our private spaces. | We hold the power to decide what to acquire, what to retain and what to let go. |
| Possessing the ability to determine our action without restraint. | Mindfully considering our options and obligations and making the choices that are best for us. | We need to set our own priorities and establish our own agenda. |
| Being released from bondage, captivity or slavery. | Removing commitments and belongings that weigh us down with worry, fear, self-criticism or guilt. | We own our stuff, not the other way around. |
Some may imagine that freedom implies a lack of obligation, work or rules, but this really isn’t so. As Thomas Jefferson said, “Rightful liberty is unobstructed action, according to our will, within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others.” We have freedom in this country because we willingly submit to a Constitution, Bill of Rights and legal code.
Likewise, to be organized, we can’t behave as if our choices don’t matter. For example:
- Purchasing recklessly undermines our ability to save and can result in financial ruin.
- Acquiring too many items can make it hard to find what we need, when we need it.
- Failing to prioritize can leave us feeling that we aren’t pleasing anyone, including ourselves.
- Holding onto things we don’t want, need or use clogs up our space and hampers productivity.
- Not putting things away can result in loss or damage of precious possessions.
- Pretending we don’t need to write things down means we are likely to forget things that are important.
- Failing to plan leaves us vulnerable to spending the day reacting instead of accomplishing.
- Denying that we need help creates unrealistic expectations and undue pressure.
The birth of this nation more than 200 years ago took sacrifice, commitment and compromise. Freedom was deemed worth the effort, and because of this belief, I now live in a country with a government “of the people, by the people and for the people.” (Abraham Lincoln, The Gettysburg Address) We have a voice (no matter how small) in determining how the country is run, which is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Pursuit of the organized life is similar, requiring both self-discipline and self-control. It isn’t about being perfect, or having a “photo worthy” space. Nor is it a formula for avoiding life’s pitfalls and trials. Instead, living organized is about choosing to do what it takes to create an environment in which we are content to live. I find that freeing. Do you?
Aw, this is my favorite time of the year, too and truly excited for summer and all that lies ahead. Also, wish you a very, Happt Birthday now, too!! 😉
Janine Huldie recently posted…Luvs #SharetheLuv Coupon Offer
Thanks, Janine. Sort of a big one that I’m trying to ignore:)
I agree and am proud of our constitution . Ps. Happy Birthday !!!
Thank you so much for the birthday wishes. Rules really do bring freedom. We couldn’t do something as simple as play a baseball game if we didn’t agree to the rules, right?
Love the chart you included with the various meanings and how you boiled them down into simple phrases. My favorite is “we own our stuff, not the other way around.” Our choices matter so much in regards to whether or not we lead organized lives. I now get why you’re Instagram handle is “1776lady.” Wishing you a Happy Birthday!
Freedom FROM our stuff controlling us; freedom TO do live with more options. I love it, Seana! This is uplifting and empowering — like you!
I’m feeling the “uplifting and empowering” Julie. That is a great summation of how this process can make us feel. Thanks for the comment, and wishing you a very happy Independence Day!
Love this! Wonderful post, Seana!
Thanks, Veronica. Let’s celebrate freedom!
You find the most incredible analogies! How on earth do you do it???
And you have a great birthday.
Scarlet was due and born on July 9th but I remember eating carefully that July 4th in case any of it was my “Last meal.” So I ate two hot dogs and got a bit worried! All was fine.
It is a good holiday for a birthday, although when I was little, I couldn’t have a party because everyone was with their family doing fireworks and BBQs. As an adult it is nice, because I never have to work on my birthday! I remember that “careful eating”… crazy that she was born on her due date – that never happens!
Happy birthday Seana!
This post epitomizes all that our clients want in their organizing and productivity journey; freedom to live the life they have imagined. Your chart captures essential thoughts in living that life. Thank you for your clarity.
Thanks, Ellen. Living free is so important… we shouldn’t be in bondage to our possessions!
Happy Birthday Seana! I, too, love the word freedom. My egret-taking-flight logo represents rising above one’s clutter and finding the freedom of getting organized for life!
Hazel Thornton recently posted…How to organize your family tree at any budget
I think your logo totally embodies that concept of freedom – one of my favorites out there! Wishing you a wonderful Independence Day, Hazel!
And here’s another reason I like you, Seana – you were born on the 4th of July! Big smile. I agree with you that this is my favorite time of year and the 4th of July is one of my top favorite holidays. Oh, and I like organizing, too. 🙂
Susan Santro recently posted…Red White & Blue Dessert for 4th of July
I think we have many things in common, Susan. So great to have “met” in this way. Hopefully we’ll cross paths face to face someday! Happy Independence Day!