That something would be my mojo, my get up and go, my “let’s do a happy dance for no other reason than just to be silly” attitude. What I am is in a funk and I can’t seem to kick it to the curb. I have no idea what’s causing it or what I need to do to snap out of it. But I do want to, oh boy do I want to but apparently not bad enough to actually do anything about it. I’m just going through the motions each day completely lacking energy and motivation.
I know I’ve got it bad too by the amount of organizing I’m doing. I know, I know, I just said I had no energy or motivation but organizing is my procrastination tool of choice because when I’m zoned in on an organizing project I don’t have to deal with focus on anything else. Real important organizing projects too with such a sense of urgency I must drop all other household duties in order to get it done before the world comes to an end. So while I haven’t washed my kitchen floor in over three weeks you’ll be happy to know I have somehow found the strength to re-organize my container for my containers, again.
Did I mention I’m a junkie? Clearly I’m the last person you should be taking advice from. I really should have some kind of disclaimer on this here blog shouldn’t I?
So where was I? Procrastinating. Oh yes I am. I should be telling you about all the wonderful ways you can organize your home offices for this month’s round-up or working on the talk I’ll be giving in November at the Professional Organizers in Canada conference in Toronto or even painting my kitchen (considering we only bought the paint two years ago!) but nope haven’t done any of it.
But I did get this done:
Before:
After:
(I was able to put the no longer needed change table to better use!)
Believe me when I tell you that you just can’t get a high like that from a clean floor!
I’ll be in and out of the blog over the next couple of weeks trying to get my act together but I’m not making any promises. Menu Plan Monday will still go ahead though and hopefully I’ll have some friends drop by here to help you with those home offices. You know, friends whose blogs don’t need quite the same freak disclaimer as this one 🙂
Try not to worry about me. I’ll be busy procrastinating. I do believe my tampon drawer needs to be organized again. Sigh.
Any suggestions for me?
Maria Keel says
While I find myself chuckling a bit because your sense of humor is still very much intact, I do share in your loss of something, although that’s why I have a great therapist & good medication. I too used to be like this, all else had to stop immediately & I could not be torn away from whatever cleaning or organizing project I was so adamant about finishing. Blogging does help, sharing does help because you’ll find there are many of us out here in the world & we can band together in times of loss & look together for a way to find whatever we’ve misplaced & maybe even find a few new things along the way.
Kim aka GoofyMamma says
Funny! I just wrote a post on procrastination lol. If you need a laugh I have a few funny posts that might help out. Just go to my Just for laughs or Friday Funnies. We all get in slumps, trust me. I think slumpy should be the 8th dwarf lol.
Blessings my friend.
Kim
Marianne says
Well, if you’re sure it’s nothing serious…(my thyroid does that to me), I recommend a box of kleenex and a stack of sappy movies. The kitchen floor can wait until someone gets stuck on it.
That’s a lot of baskets…but it bugs me that the yellows (and whites, and..ok, all the colors) are not together (yeah, I have CDO – the obsessive’s obsession)!
Avlor says
I’ve been fighting a similar thing all summer. If it continues – make sure you get your thyroid checked as Marianne siad (TSH, T4 and the antibodies test) and make sure you’re getting good sleep (i.e. can’t sleep or not waking up refreshed => go to doctor). People do go through slumps though- hope you’re out of yours soon!
Carla says
I am so sorry that you’re going through a slump. I have been there before too and it’s not fun. Please do find some help, whatever that might for you. I’ll miss your posts, but I totally understand.
And on another note…I have never really had an ‘overstock’ of containers…but in cleaning out and packing up to move I discovered over a dozen UNUSED containers! So now, I am going to have to organize my containers and maybe even get a container for my containers. 🙂 Oh man, have I mentioned i LOVE organizing?
Marcia "HDMac" McFar says
Funny! My desk is going to be my procrastination projeect but I haven’t posted the pic yet.. (Procrastination??) lol… I will in a day or two….I just don’t want to shock anyone and I want to enjoy my clutterfree/organized kitchen! lol
Tamy~3Sides of Crazy says
Laura for me this funk is coming from the weather change that’s occurring here in the north woods. Days have gone from warm to cool, but not too cool as have nights also. Running around closing windows, not knowing what clothes to wear for the whole day, etc… I know mine is coming back the cooler it gets – I’m just not a warm weather girl. Good luck finding yours!
Queen B says
I am so sorry you are in a funk. I hope it passes quickly.
I’d head straight for the chocolate.
Amy @ MomsToolbox says
Hang in there girl. It’s no fun to be in a slump. Take all the time you need… we’ll be here for you while you’re slumping and long after.
And I’ll even say a few prayers for you.
Sometimes when I’m feeling icky I write about it the old-fashioned way: with a pen and paper. And I don’t share it with anyone. I just write for myself.
And you know what… even while you’re feeling slumpy, you’ll still be motivating me and the rest of us who enjoy your blog. Maybe this will give us a chance to check out those archives. 🙂
Cindy says
Enjoy the break! I do love that you enjoy organizing your organizing containers though! I’ve been doing extreme organizing the past two weeks and you would really love to be in on this. I’m having a HUGE garage sale Saturday so hopefully after that I’ll have some get up and go that won’t have gone up and went too!
Stacey says
I think it is the fall. It always makes me a little “curl-up-in-a-ballish”! I want to watch lifetime movies with a blanket and some icecream. Sigh. Perhaps working out? If you already are, perhaps changing up your work out routine to give you more of a challenge – will give you more energy and hopefully get you back in focus. (Or at least a place to process and perhaps figure out why the funk.)
We all go through it, my friend, and we are praying it ends quickly for you!
Susanne says
I am the queen of procrastination! But I must admit I’m the opposite of you in that I’ll put organizing off but a clean floor and carpet make me giddy with happiness. I know, I need a life.
chupieandjsmama says
I feel the same way. And I’m not even organizing (although I did totally tear apart the spare room and move all the furniture around – again!). I just can’t seem to get it together. Maybe we just need a little down time from summer….I’d like to snap out of it though. I have tons of things to do.
Tanna says
You too?! I have my office torn apart right now trying to re-organize it. I was getting stressed out from the new school year schedule. So I started organizing and redecorating. 🙂 Ho hum, this too will pass.
Creative Triplet Mom says
Oh man Laura, I feel the same way! Unfortunately, for the past 2 days I have been suffering a migraine headache. It always happens when I’m stressed and the seasons change as I always wind up with a sinus infection. I did, however, finally this morning picked up the pile of clothes my husband had on the floor in our walk in closet for months and purged some of it and set up an appointment to get it out of my house finally. Now, I think I”m going to lay down as I have a bad headache still.
Annie says
I’ll come and help you paint (even though I’m not allowed to put on second coats). But remember I also have my mess of a kitchen cupboard!!
D. says we have to plan a trip to visit one day…once things settle down here at school!
Sandra says
Laura, I’m sorry you’re in a funk, but I have to tell you if I could have a funk like yours and still organize that good, I would take it LOL
I hope you start feeling better soon, I’m not too peachy lately either, especially today, woke up with a major sore neck and it’s irritating me LOL
Hugs,
Sandra
Pam says
i guess it’s contagious. I am so sorry. Hope we both feel better real soon.
Lynnebee says
Dang! I’ve been wanting to do my tampon drawer too..thanks for putting thzt idea in my head!
Virtually Organized says
I’ve been there, too! And it doesn’t help when fall sets in and the days get shorter and darker.
Take some time for YOU, make sure you get your thyroid checked, and if it gets really bad, talk with your doctor. Hormones can get out of wack WAY earlier in life than women realize. If that’s not the case, there’s nothing wrong with taking a little medicine to get you over this slump.
If organizing makes you feel better, go for it! But if you’re looking for motivation to stop procrastinating, come check out my Procrastination Challenge at Virtually Organized!
Feel better!
Forgetfulone says
You’re the third person today who has remarked about a lack of inspiration.
Forgetfulone says
I don’t know why I sent my comment! I wasn’t finished. Lack of focus, perhaps? I think many of us are in a funk right now. Perhaps it’s all the back-to-school hoopla?
Your before and after photo looks great.
Debi says
Oh Laura, I’m sorry you’re in a funk! I’ve been much the same myself lately. For me, I think it’s back to school. I just love having the kids around all the time, and it always gets to me to send the boys back to school. I hope the yuckies lift soon! And in the meantime, just don’t eat off the kitchen floor. 🙂
susieshomemade says
There is a lot of this funk going on. Maybe it’s the change of seasons. Maybe it is some strange bug but, you aren’t the only one writing about it. So know, you are not alone. I think that if organizing makes you feel centered in an uncertain time, go for it:-)
rrmama says
I hate that you are in a funk. I was in one this past weekend and hated it. Then I found your back pack station courtesy of the Queen B. And I feel in love! I immediately mapped out a plan and started my back pack organization station. I have completed mine and it will be on my blog tomorrow! I even let my boys help. Thanks so much for the great idea.
Dianne says
Well, I just want to say THANK YOU! I am not organized by nature, and I’m very ADHD too boot, and a creative soul, so that’s three strikes, but I also crave order, so I have issues to say the least. I’m thanking you and forever devoted to your site, because I came here expecting to find more of the same … someone who will tell me “it’s easy, just do this and viola!” I secretly want that magic bullet, and yet I know better! Still, I look and low and behold, I find… A real person who makes me feel normal. We all have funks, I hope yours breaks soon. Get some new scenery if possible, that helps me. Good to find you! I’ll be back!
Kristy says
The only thing that works for me, is to force myself to use whatever I’m using as a procrastination tool, as an incentive for getting other things done.
If all I want to do is sit at watch TV, I don’t let myself watch it until I’ve crossed five things off my to-do list. In your case, no more organizing until you mop your kitchen floor (or whatever it is that you most need to do).
Hope this helps – good luck!
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome says
HA! You are a junkie if when procrastinating you organize your organizing tools.
Too bad I won’t be at the POC conference to hear you speak.
(goes back to lurking…)
Ask The Dietitian says
You probably just need a new goal. . . How about coming over to http://www.IowaAvenue.com and teach us all about organizing our kitchens. just a thought!
Shannon says
Maybe you’re just kind of burned out right now and need some time to recharge. Take care of yourself – I love your blog!
jodi says
Hey, I’m with ya Sista! I’m blaming my funk on the fact that I haven’t been to bed before midnight since the Olympics began. Thankfully last night was the last of the political conventions down here in the States. Now maybe I can get some rest, and get back on my feet!
Elaine says
I am struck by how many of us feel funky at this time of year. I now use a sun lamp in the a.m. to get more ‘sunshine’ in my life, b/c I realized I always grew funkier as the days got shorter in the fall (symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder). It helps.
But, my best piece of advice is to just accept the ebb and flow of your emotions. Sometimes you can conquer/organize the world. Sometimes you can’t and ‘just’ organizing your baskets and containers is all you can do. I find the more I chafe at my funky feelings (instead of riding them out), the longer the funk lasts.
Be kind to yourself.
Sarah says
Any suggestions for you, you ask as you head off to organize your tampon drawer? Why, yes. Declutter & find something else to do with that tampon drawer. Decluttering gives the same high that reorganizing does, you know. It may sound crazy if you’ve never read up on one, but menstrual cups are so much cleaner and easier to use than tampons, safer (no dioxins, bleaches, or other carcinogens that are in tampons), and best of all, hardly anything to store!
http://www.divacup.com but there are many other brands & styles. (Lunette, Instead, & Moon Cup, to name a few) Read the FAQ & testimonials before writing me off as a weirdo. 😛
I’m only slightly jealous of your no-longer-used diaper changing table. Not so much for the original repurposing and wonderful organization (which are inspiring, mind you), but really for the fact that you no longer need diapers. I know that day will come here too, but it just seems forever away.
Sarah S. Chicken says
Um yesterday I redesigned my office with help from some friends, so I hope to enter your challenge when you post about it. 🙂
Organizing Mommy says
Lately, God has impressed upon me that I need Him and His Word. Hope this helps. I’ll be praying for you.
Heavenly Homemaker says
I think it’s funny that you organize when you are procrastinating. Guess what I do? Yep, I bake! Go figure!
Bonnie says
Been there. Too often to even want to count. The advice is great, especially the part about your thyroid if it goes on too long. My recent bout with it turned out to be “womanly stuff” and I was actually grateful they could find something medical. Weather can be a factor. When it happens, I try walking. If you’re not already a walker, try to head out for 15 minutes a day (or more if you want) every day if you can. The fresh air and exercise has a tendency to clear the cobwebs from my head and pumps the blood up enough to get me motivated again. I’ll be praying for you!
Janice says
Organizing Mommy hit the nail right on the head. Only God’s Word can impart hope. And this isn’t the kind of hope that says, “I hope I get out of this.” It’s the kind of hope that says, “I have a confidence in my future. I have hope. All is not lost.”
You very well may need to have your physical needs checked out. But, once you have a proper grasp on your spiritual needs, the physical and emotional fall into place beautifully.
Check this out for more info.
http://www.gtbc.org/
*click on Spiritual Help*
Also, check out the audio recordings for your encouragement.
Lord bless you!
~In Christ Alone~
Sandra says
C’mon! We need you for OUR inspiration! I’m thinking about starting an organizing business in my area, and I love to use your blog for great tips. I hope you get to feeling better soon.
Katie says
I saw your site recommended on another blog. This read was well worth my time. Hilarious! I can totally relate! Thanks for the laughs 🙂
ter says
I hear ya about the funky-ness and wanting to be organized…. I’ve been in the same kinda mood!
I’m really glad you reminded me that it’s Office Organizing Month! OH BOY! I really need to organize my office area….Hopefully I’ll have time… I already lost one weekend (the long weekend – spent most of it at the hospital) and for some reason whenever I start organizing my desk I end up being distracted… I wonder why that is… could it be…that there’s a whole world to explore on my desk… in my computer?? 😉
Michele Helms says
Oh it is so strange how organizing can begin to clear ones mind! I bet the mojo is on its way!!!
Sandi says
This happened to me a while back. I usually have lots of energy, but I just did not feel good and could not shake it. It turned out I had a UTI. No other symptoms, no fever, just did not feel good. Took a round of Cipro and was good as new.(actually I had to take about 2 rounds)It was really bad…. I will pray for you…
Kristen says
It is just so nice to know that you are human and get in these funks too 🙂 I hope that you find your mojo soon, but in the meantime, enjoy the break and relax!
sonja says
hello 🙂
i find myself in these slumps from time to time – usually happens when i realise my life has become monotonous and the drive to create or experience something new is lost in the daily grind – something out of the ordinary usually comes along to bring me hope that life is not day in day out – wake up tired – make school lunches – do the daily errands and work – school run – dinner – bathtime routine – bedtime stories – washing up – drop into bed exhausted again… i recommend being very gentle with yourself and doing something out of the ordinary to treat yourself.. whether that is go to a lovely coffee shop with a best friend and talk all day or go for a hike with a friend to a scenic place… its about bringing the beautiful extrodinary into your day..and then planning it again so you have something to look forward to.. i hope this helps… be compassionate to yourself
Beth Ann says
Love you!
Thanks for all the inspiration!!!
Organising Queen says
Strange – I’m also in a bit of a funk- I know why mine’s happened though.
It’s the HOT weather. You know I LOVE winter weather and am afraid, we are totally in spring now. But spring with summer weather (30’s) so I’m blah…
annie says
I’d have been happy to get to the before. My before is not suitable for small children. I just found you, guess I’ll have to come back and learn a thing or two.
Lee Ann says
I have to ask, is that cubbies filled with empty containers…lol. My husband would look at me like I had a screw loose. He JUST DOESN’T understand, you need to have them on hand, for…whatever comes up! I have a changing tables in bonus room holding house accumulated stuff!
Laura says
Yep that was my container for my containers in my old house when I had a ton of extra space for such things. Sadly in my new house my “extra container” space is much much smaller 🙂