Comments for Metropolitan Organizing

Comment on Art Experts Speak Out About Collecting by Hazel Thornton

Hazel Thornton — Sat, 12 May 2012 15:23:22 +0000

Good points about art vs. craft. I think, too, that the more one is following someone else’s example, or using patterns and directions, the more it is “craft”. But when the design comes from inspiration, and is new and unique, it can be considered “art” (even if it’s useful, or someone else has been inspired independently to do something similar).

Comment on 5 Baby-Proofing Tips by 5 Minute Organizing Challenge [January 2012] | Organize to Revitalize!

5 Minute Organizing Challenge [January 2012] | Organize to Revitalize! — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 23:08:48 +0000

[...] It’s a bit of a sequel to my guest post for Geralin Thomas about things you should do to baby proof your home. Did you baby proof before or after you brought your little one [...]

Comment on 5 Signs of Anger-Related Difficulties by Linda Connors

Linda Connors — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:00:35 +0000

Good article on Anger management. I feel often the way we deal with anger is related to our childhood. How did the parents and family cope with emotions and anger. The more anger is suppressed the more it erupts at the smallest thing. This is often seen, as stated above, in road rage.

Comment on Breathe Easier! Going Greener with Household Cleaners by Janet Barclay

Janet Barclay — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:47:47 +0000

I stopped buying dusting sprays several years ago, but have noticed that one of my tables needs more than just a wipe. Now I know how to make my own eco-friendly furniture polish! Thank you so much!

Comment on Hoarding vs. Collecting: Three Defining Attributes by Caroline

Caroline — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 02:15:22 +0000

This was an awesome read. I do watch hoarders mainly because it makes me sad and then happy when things get better. I am working on becoming an organizer as we speak. I would not say I am a hoarder and do not like to use the word used loosely. I saved things for no reason because I felt I bought them and should make some money out of them; It was always a monetary attachment. The reason I decided to become an organizer is not because I am naturally organized. I can naturally develop systems in my head quickly. Coming from a person who had a storage unit, a huge amount of stuff in my basement to where I am now is motivating and uplifting. My closets and drawers are beautiful. There was a constant need for me to “get organized” or take my clothes to the resale shop. It was sucking the life out of me. I want to use my experience and help others. I want to make a difference because I know I can help change others for the better. I have actually saved money and avoid buying things I don’t need. My life has changed drastically. I have felt the withdrawal from my belongings at first, but it wears away a day or two later. I empathize with hoarders because I have felt that empty feeling before. Now to pitch things is a breeze and it makes me happy. . .

Comment on Four Personalities that Save Stuff by Linda Samuels

Linda Samuels — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:41:37 +0000

Hi Geralin- This is a great post about some of the challenges we face in letting go. I’m thrilled to have you as our “Ask the Expert” guest this month on my blog where you continue this important conversation about letting go. I’m so glad you pointed our readers to your post, “Four Personalities That Save Stuff.” I know it will be useful to many in identifying the areas they may be getting stuck. That’s always the first step. Once we identify the challenge, then can move on to making the changes we desire.

In looking at your list, I suppose I fall somewhere in the “sentimental saver” group. I’m not hard core. I don’t save everything, but I do save what reveals things about relationships, a loved one’s development, or insights into who they are. With our daughters in particular, I’ve gone back to those “special” saves and created albums of their writing, photos & drawings that tell a story of their lives to that point. I can see their growth, humor, creativity, and their essence page by page.

Do I save everything? No. I save what has meaning.

Comment on 5 Questions a Parent Should Ask When Looking for Resources for a Depressed Child or Teenager by Dr. Sheras

Dr. Sheras — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:43:32 +0000

Hi Holly.

Thank you for your question. In general, as I mentioned in the article, parents may get the best results if they approach the issue with their child by expressing their genuine concern in an empathic, calm, not-judgmental way. Reaching out and discussing concerns to the current primary care physician or pediatrician is often a feasible and effective first step for many families. This physician should be able to point parents in the right direction in terms of finding the appropriate mental health professional to address the issue.

Without knowing this family, I cannot provide specific details about how to address this issue. However, please feel free to contact me directly if you would like to discuss it further.

Regards,

Dr. Sheras

Comment on 5 Questions a Parent Should Ask When Looking for Resources for a Depressed Child or Teenager by Holly Shum.

Holly Shum. — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 06:27:24 +0000

Hi thank you for posting this article! I am trying to help out my friends whose children show some problems of expressing their feelings. As the kids speak in English, and the parents only know Chinese, what is the best way to ensure the communication is effective? Also, what kind of help and what kind of doctor they should go to at the first place? Because they are aware of some warning signs, but they feel helpless as they cannot communicate very well with the school teachers and not clear about the clinical process.
I wonder if you have any specific suggestions for them and how should they ensure their kids to learn and develop the best in the house?

Comment on Organizing the Organizers by Janet Barclay

Janet Barclay — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 15:26:48 +0000

Absolutely, Lauren! No one should have to work for nothing…

Comment on Organizing the Organizers by Lauren Halagarda

Lauren Halagarda — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 14:52:48 +0000

Great to know all those details, Janet! Will keep you in mind for referrals.

Janet wrote: “I was really tempted to buy a MacBook Air last year, but decided to get a Dell XPS 15z when my tech person (who is a family member and works for food) pointed out that he doesn’t support Macs.”

Ha!Ha! Love it:) My “tech support” clients (aka. family) don’t pay me in food, I think I need to up the ante!

Lauren