Cosmic Construction: Organizing Your Days According to Astrology

Original post 2014 via Some Like It Organized

I believe we all are energy and what we DO with that energy can be powerful (TWEET THAT!).  Even more so when used in conjunction with other like energy simultaneously. This is similar to why Feng Shui works. In other words, a ton of people doing the same thing at the same time for the same reason. I'm sure you can understand why this concept in general is so powerful. 

We all have things to do. We all talk about there not being enough time to do it in. We all take on more than we can handle at some point and then complain why our lives aren't what we want it to be. I know how easy it is to get caught up in the "what life gives you" storm. We can all sure use any help we can get. Am I right?

That's why I get excited to utilize the universe for success. Here are 3 ways I've had success in constructing my days, weeks & to-do list according to the cosmos. 

Astrological Significance of Days of the Week

"Have you ever noticed how each weekday has a distinct feel to it? Each day of the week is governed by a planet or a luminary (moon and sun), and so each day has a special energy and feel to it according to its overruling planet. We can use astrological meaning of days to enhance our progress every day of the week. Being aware of daily planetary properties can facilitate alignment of our thoughts and allow a better flow of productivity throughout our days and weeks.

Learning the planetary personalities and each meaning of days opens a whole new realm of potential growth. A fabulous flow of energy can be created when we work with the planetary attributes rather than blindly moving through our week. Simply put, knowing astrological meaning of days gives us a secret weapon for success and productivity because we are working with the cosmic orbits, not against." - Avia Vanefica from http://www.whats-your-sign.com/astrological-meaning-of-days.html

Here are my suggestions on what you can plan for each day that would be most beneficial:

Monday - MOON - introspection, meditation, determining emotions (write, set boundaries, feel into desires).
Tuesday - MARS - Take action on new/old projects (organizing!), plan a full day, stay active/energetic.
Wednesday - MERCURY - Communicate (email, speak, phone, blog...), connect, travel, go to doctor.
Thursday - JUPITER - Do anything that you want to grow/increase in size, meetings, planning.
Friday - VENUS - Love someone (you count!), dates, creativity, finding pleasure in necessary tasks.
Saturday - SATURN - Cleaning, preparation, studying, adventures
Sunday - SUN - Rest, cooking, learning, fueling, nurture, be bold, wish.

Time of Day Scheduling

Just like days of the week, the time of day has an impact on your productivity. Each hour is also ruled by a planet, but that gets too convoluted for me. Let's just go with the sun schedule here. Some of this might be obvious, but try to put a deeper meaning into what you schedule for each timeframe. 

DAWN: Ease into new energy, decide on intention as light emerges so you can "see" better

MORNING: Schedule something new, work on the hardest tasks needing the most energy or tasks that you desire expansion from.

NOON: Starting at 12pm, the sun is goin' down and that affects on our actions. After noon until evening is a great for working towards projects/goals, studying/learning and clean up any "mess" (whatever that might look like).

TWILIGHT: Wrap it up! Take it slow and be more alert as "shadows" are appearing, enjoy the transition.

NIGHT: Quiet rest and rejuvenation, secretive behavior or introspection, endings (think relinquishing duties/responsibilities or releasing of something no longer needed).

The Moon Cycles

The moon, as our closest planet, is SO POWERFUL. Especially for us Women! Each moon cycle is ruled by another planet and therefore comes with different traits/personalities/strengths. We can honor each 2 week cycle by living according to what the corresponding planet of the month represents. You can find information on what each month's planetary moon combo is online (google it). In general, keep these guidelines in mind for each phase:

NEW MOON - A fresh start to set intentions for the month and especially the next two weeks. It's the time to start new endeavors, begin processes and create. As the moon is waxing (getting bigger), we are able to harness that growth in our own lives, just like I mentioned in the morning time above. 

FULL MOON - Big & bright, this means we can see the darkest spots in our lives. It's our spotlight to celebrate. We are supported in "illuminating our shadow sides". As the moon is waning (getting smaller), it's the time to release what is no longer serving us such as habits, people, endeavors or beliefs. 

Fascinating, huh? 
What are you going to schedule now that you know which days are best for what?

Cheers to the cosmos,

3 Smart Stress Cures

April is Stress Awareness Month, so I thought I would share my favorite tips on combating the evil S word.

Original post 2014 via Some Like It Organized

When we let ourselves get stressed, it causes loads of illnesses, increases risk of disease, makes us fat, yadda yadda yadda. You're smart, you know this.

We all know we shouldn't have stress, but we still do, right? What I want to get into right now is how you can actually flip that switch the moment you recognize stress.

What stresses you out? Why do you think it stresses you out? Think about it...if what stresses you out brings you to a level that is not supporting you, why do you let it happen?

I am inspired by my friend Crystal this week when she told me a story of her and her boss. She explained how stressful her job has been and what negative, projective energy her boss always has. It was so draining and when she finally realized what was happening, she said to her boss straight up "You know, I can't do this anymore. I'll finish out the week, but I'm done. My highest priority is my spirituality and I do not less stress into my body. I feel like working with you does that to me, so I need to let this go." WOW! Way to go, sister! I love how she stood up for her values so strongly.
 
It's funny to me when I realize what is stressing me out. I most often think "WHAT?! this is bull$#!%"  It's because I KNOW that I am not paying attention to something important to me. Sometimes, we gravitate towards the emotions we are comfortable with too. If we grew up in a stressful environment, we might find stress to keep us in our comfort zone, subconsciously. Or if we have friends that are a lot of drama and stress, we take that on to fit in.
 

A Few Common Stress-Inducing Situations & How to Combat Them

1. Anxiety
Here's the deal: you are living in the future and using your imagination in a way that is not serving you. Thanks to one of my mentors Christine Hassler, this was an eye opening idea to me that changed my whole view on anxiety. I definitely believe it's possible to deal with anxiety without medication, but do understand those with chronic anxiety need much more support than talking it out. For those that have it occasionally, I invite you to become bring yourself back to the present when this happens. Meditate, breathe, ground yourself, whatever it takes. 

2. Overwhelm
For this one, I am excited to share this amazing quote from my coach Jeannine Yoder, which blew me away when I heard it:

"Overwhelm is the mistaken doubt that the resources are not available to fulfill your wants and needs."

Right?! Brilliant. You have everything you need at your fingertips for what you need to do in this moment. Maybe the perception needs to be expanded a bit. Or perhaps there needs to be a little more patience. Often times, we know something should be a certain way and are not happy about it. It's in those times we fully let go after doing the best we can and trusting it will happen as it should that brings the most peace.

3. Overworked & Underplayed
One of my consistent no-nonsense teachings is for everyone to schedule their play time. It's so crucial to mental health as it is physical. Plus, often the play activities are just that: active! Win-win for feeling fulfilled and physical activity which combats stress in and of itself.

What about those who are actually UNDERworked...maybe you are not working right now or in between jobs and playing too much? If that is you, I would still say stick to your hobbies (not to be confused with going out all night) but look for work as much as you are willing to work. For example, if you want to work 30 hours per week, start actively searching for jobs, filling out applications, writing your resume, networking, etc for 30 hours a week. Putting in that effort will get you something in no time AND it is "doing all you can" so you can feel comfortable playing afterwards. 

TELL ME: what is stressing YOU out right now? You're not alone, let's get the conversation going. 

Time is on Your Side

original post from 2013 via Some Like It Organized

Do you constantly find yourself in a whirlwind of activities, duties or stressful situations that make you feel like a victim of your own life? The concept of time, whether you believe it's an illusion or not, will always be a struggle if you are perceiving it as one. We are all given the same amount of time, yet some seem to reach success and life balance better than others. Those people should be your first clue that time can actually work for you, if you know how to leverage it.

Time management has been on the forefront of my life lately, whether it's helping out a friend or client realize their potential. I felt compelled to write about this precious asset of ours and explain some techniques and insights that have worked for me. 

"I never have time for ________."

If you consistently find yourself saying you don't have time for this or that, know that you are actually giving yourself an out, so you don't have to deal with that specific thing. It's important to realize what your limits are, and you are actually setting a boundary when you state this. You are also affirming a belief that whatever the thing is, it's not important. Now, that can be good or bad. Sometimes we all DO need to say this to ourselves or others so they know that it actually isn't important to us and to not go any further into it. An example of this would be a toxic acquaintance or a home chore that should be the duty of another family member. Most of the time, however, that "thing" is something we actually want to do deep down inside. Maybe it's a hobby that you've always wanted to take up or an organizing project that has been on the horizon for months now. Those are things that will enhance your life if you tackle it. 

So what's stopping you? If other obligations are holding you back, maybe it's time for a re-evaluation of priorities. Often times I find that clutter (especially mental clutter) is just a bunch of misplaced priorities. Society norms and and standards can make us feel like we have no control over our minds, but that's exactly what we can be sure we do have control over - our thoughts. When we realize our thoughts are the foundation of our lives, miracles can happen and we begin to harness our own power. To put it bluntly, when it's important enough, we make the time. 

"If only there were more hours in a day."

This might be another way of saying "I don't have enough support in my life." What do you need in order to take care of what you want? Do you need a babysitter? A maid? A driver? A body double? You can hire a professional or call in the help of friends and family. I'm a firm believer in knowing your strengths and delegating your weaknesses. Do more of what you're good at, and less of what you're not - because it's almost guaranteed that you won't do a great job if you dislike doing it, probably spending more time on it that you should and wasting your energy. Of course there are always things we simply must do in life that we aren't going to like, and those should be done with as much fervor and enthusiasm as possible so as to enhance our mental state which in turn motivates us even more for the things we love to do. To get back to the point, it's always best to get more clear in ways you can be supported so that you feel comfortable and at ease with life, which in turn makes you accomplish more. This includes yourself, too. I encourage you to write at least 5 ways you can increase your support level either by something you can do for yourself, or ask of another. 

That brings about another idea, gratitude. When we are more grateful for our time, it usually appears more abundantly. Start to notice the extra pockets in your day - driving to the supermarket or your first cup of coffee - Enjoy those little moments so they can add up to big moments eventually. They will also make you happier and more present, something we all can enjoy more of. Sometimes I find myself complaining about the task I'm doing. I have to catch myself and change my perception of the situation before it gets out of control and ruins my whole day. Complaints bring you and everyone around you down, and they are often a disguise of us trying to escape the current feeling. Is there a shift you can make in yourself to appreciate what you're working with better? Do you need to set a boundary and eliminate something or leave the room? Be grateful that you always have a choice. 

"I'll get to that when I have more time."

There is a phrase I tell my clients and loved ones often, in regards to time management: "Your passions & hobbies are equally as important as your work & chores." If you only did the dirty work, how could you even imagine a wonderful, balanced life? Putting gratitude aside for a minute, let's look at that idea. Are you the type of mom that puts her kids and husband first? Are you a stressed out workaholic? Are you a people pleaser? Most of these common scenarios yield a common result: burn out. Making time for your needs, your desires and your values will only benefit everyone in your life, including you. That's where the misconception of balance comes into play. I hear people asking for help getting organized so they can have more time with their loved ones - meaning right now they don't make the time for it because they are putting all their energy into the wrong places. Work backwards by recognizing the time that needs to be spent on you before anything else. This is kind of like the airplane rule of putting the air mask on yourself before putting it on a child next to you. You can't help anyone unless you help yourself first. Those guitar lessons, that painting, that spa day or the time with close friends that puts you in the best mood, up your energy levels, give you more appreciation for life and keeps you grounded. Wow, when you put it that way… 

I hope this has helped you see that you are in control of your time, your life and your priorities. Our time goes where our values and beliefs lay. 

To your timeliness,