Well, I think that we can say winter is truly here. It’s a snowstorm outside and I couldn’t get up the 10^th St hill or the 9^th St. Hill this morning before they sanded!The way I look at it, it’s a great time to do those little 20 min jobs indoors that we’ve been putting off for too long. Also, let’s get the house ready for Christmas this weekend!Some of us need a little spirit lift on these dull days. Here are some tips from my favourite Feng Shui teacher, Vicky White, for just that lift that we need.Do you want to know what you could (note I didn’t say should) on these days that we are inclined to stay in?——-Patti1. Replace your light bulbs with full spectrum bulbs. These mimic sunlight and trigger the production of serotonin. They are a white light that has all the colors of the spectrum. They are widely available. You can also purchase a light box emitting light at least ten times the normal amount of light. You sit 2-3 feet from it for 20-30 minutes each day. 2. Keep your front entrance clear and welcoming. Clear snow and leaves to ensure the energy can find its way into your home.3. Include salads in your diet. They will give you yang energy and balance the heavy foods often eaten at this time of year.4. Declutter. There is a link between depression / low energy and clutter. Decluttering those things that are unfinished, unused, unresolved, tolerated or disorganized will raise your energy. Spend 20 minutes a day and give your energy a boost. Remember, 20 minutes is your friend. Set a clock, go for it and feel your energy rise.5. Clean your windows and have a clear perspective. Not only will that let more light in but when you look at the world through a murky lens it changes what you see.6. Add the color orange. Orange brings joy. Maybe a bowl of oranges in the kitchen or on the dining room table? A little goes a long way.7. Take time to be outside as much as possible. When the sun does come out take advantage of it but, even on a gray day there is sunlight getting through and you’ll absorb some Vitamin D. With a good raincoat and shoes you can go walking or hiking. Being in nature taking deep breaths will do wonders for you.8. Highly sensitive people are even more prone to being affected by SAD and seasonal changes. Take this questionnaire to see if you fit the definition of a HSP. It explained a lot when I discovered I was a HSP and gave me the support to be extra kind to myself.9. Ask for and be open to support. Sometimes we need our friends to remind us of what we know. And, sometimes we need them to jolt us out of a limited view of our options and ourselves.With these tips you’ll nourish yourself and thrive on these short, cold days. (Please note that if you are suffering from SAD, or from depression that doesn’t seem to be seasonally related, please consult your health care practitioner.)

Well, I just got home from Vancouver where I attended the Professional Organizers in Canada conerence. It was informative, fun, and confirmed to me that this is a part of my business that can help people change their lives! There are 0ver 500 of us in Canada, and those in business for several years are thriving business owners. They can pick and choose their clients. I will still accept anyone who needs my services and do the best I can for their issues of clutter, disorganization, time management, and flow in their homes and offices. I’m pumped!

I went straight from the airport to Midland where I spoke to 45 women on time management and space management for 2.5 hours! I have a power point slide presentation with a bit of wit and wisdom. It was my first real paying speaking gig!

So now I will get back to my writing and recommending of good articles and web sites.

My favourite site these days is called www.zenhabits.net. Sign up to receive their articles every day or so. Highly recommended!