HOPE beginnings
When starting HOPE in 2007, I was excited to help clients with ALL of their organizing needs. I loved taking on any challenge but quickly learned that some things were more fun than others (garages were last on the list and closets were on the top of the list).
In 2012, I joined the Association of Personal Photo Organizers (APPO) and quickly learned that I really enjoyed combining my passion for organizing and my love of photos. As the first Certified Photo Organizer in Nebraska, I have seen the growing need for helping people with their photos and memorabilia.
At the recent APPO conference, I had the opportunity to be a part of the second APPO Masterclass (application required, a high-level, peer-to-peer learning session for APPO members whose business focus is photo organizing). During those few days, we started using the theme LET’S GO for where we all wanted to take our businesses.
LET’S GO!
In order for me to LET’S GO, I want to be able to help as many people as possible with their photo organizing. One big thing that Lisa Corrando (our facilitator) had us do was create a DONE WITH list. It really helps put some other things in perspective.
In order to really LET’S GO, I have come to the conclusion that I need to LET GO (aka be done with) a few things. Most significantly, I need to steer my focus away from other kinds of organizing (closets, kitchens, office, etc).
Changes to HOPE Organizing
As of May 1, 2019, HOPE organizing will not be taking on any new home/business organizing clients, and the website is in the process of being updated to focus on photo organizing. It’s not that I can’t still organize a storage room or that I don’t enjoy helping someone find the floor in the room (if you are an existing client, I will still work with you!), but this will allow me more focus to do the type of organizing that brings me the most joy and flexibility.
How does LET GO apply to you?
It’s time to ask yourself what things in your life you need to LET GO of so that you can LET’S GO?
Do you have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear?
Let go of a certain percentage of what you have so that it’s easier to see what you have while making it much easier to find something to wear.
Do you have an abundance of cooking supplies or even food, but then often eat out or grab something on your way home because it’s too much work? Or are you overwhelmed when you look in a cupboard?
Let go of 25%-50% of the food and supplies so you can come up with some standards that are easy to prepare.
Do you keep every piece of paper that comes into your home?
Let go of about 75% of paper by simply asking yourself, “what will happen if I don’t have this next week, next month, next year?” Most of the time you can probably get a copy online.
Do you have stacks of magazines that you want to read?
Let go of anything that you can’t read in the next month. Some people may be able to keep three and others ten. You have now freed yourself to read new issues when they come in. Read one at a time and move on.
Now things are going to get a bit more challenging…
Do you have a current relationship or even past relationship (romantic, friendship, family, work) that you need to let go so that you can truly enjoy the other relationships in your life?
How can HOPE help you to LET GO and LET’S GO? Let’s start the conversation!
