Self-Care September Day 10: Put it Back Where it Belongs

If it sounds simple, that's because it is. 

But let's not be tricked into thinking something simple requires no effort or can have no impact, because small hinges can indeed swing big doors (meaning even small changes can yield huge results,) AND getting in the habit of returning things to their rightful place requires forethought and attention around having a rightful place already designated. 

As I tell my clients, there is not one correct way to get or be organized, but you have to be willing to try doing things in different ways until you find what works for you.

Disorganization is essentially just our stuff being out of place, making it harder to find things when we need them. This can zap our energy, our time, our mood and in some cases, our money (if we have to re-purchase things we can't locate.) Cultivating this particular habit of putting something back where it belongs is an act of kindness for your future self.

Possible ways this might look:

• When you come home, put your keys back on the hook or in the bowl by the door or in their designated purse pocket.
• If you pull a credit card out of your wallet to pay for something, put the credit card right back in your wallet when you are done. 
• Put the dirty dishes immediately into the sink or dishwasher. (Or take it one step further and wash those dishes right away.)
• Put the dishtowel back on its hook.
• Put the jar of peanut butter back in the pantry. 
• Put your dirty clothes directly into the hamper or laundry chute. 
• Put your clean clothes away as soon as they come out of the dryer, off the clothes line, or home from the laundromat.
• Put your toothbrush back in its holder.
• Put your hairbrush back in the drawer.
• Put the wet towel back on hanging rod.
• Put the book back on the shelf.
• Put the art supplies back in their bin.
• Put the remote control back on the coffee table tray.
• Put the watering can back in the cupboard. 
• Put the blanket back in the basket. 
• Put the jacket back in the closet.
• Put the re-useable grocery bags back in the car.
• Put the phone back on its charger. 

These examples may or may not apply to your particular life, but you get the idea. Taking the time to put it back in its place, whatever "it" is and wherever the "place" may be, will save you time, energy, and money in the long run.

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Self-Care September Day 10: Put it Back Where it Belongs
Today, your task is to go into the most disorganized area of your home or office, set a timer for 15 minutes, and start putting things back where they belong. Bask in the sense of satisfaction this provides. 

​The more often you do this, the less often you'll have to. 

I love and will see you really soon!
xo,
​Coach Alex