Mom's Holiday Meal Assistant

When I was a little girl my mom began including me in holiday meal preparations as soon as I was capable of polishing silver and setting the table. I hated polishing silver, but loved being able to help her. It made me feel important and helped me feel really connected to Mom and the spirit of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

From silver polishing and table setting I graduated to making my grandmother’s special sweet potato casserole, getting out all the necessary serving dishes and serving spoons, and helping Mom serve all the tasty foods. Then I washed the dishes. That too was not my favorite chore, but it seemed a good way to thank Mom for all her hard work.

I was the only daughter, so it was just Mom and me in the kitchen on a Thanksgiving or Christmas morning. We worked as a team and loved being together making a special meal for the rest of my family.

Had Mom not enlisted me as her assistant in the kitchen during the preparation of holiday meals at an early age, I have a hunch I wouldn’t have the fond feelings for the holidays that I do. Being included empowered me, provided powerful connections between Mom and me, and precious memories and a love of the holidays. Thanks, Mom!

© 2012 Clutter Clearing Community | Debbie Bowie

“Author, Organizing Expert and Feng Shui Practitioner, Debbie Bowie, is a leading authority on clutter clearing to attract more of what you want in life. If you’re ready to clear clutter and move your life forward, get your FREE TIP SHEET, “Feng Shui Tips for Instant Success” at http://www.clutterclearingcommunity.com.

I help people clear clutter and create new order in their homes, offices and in their heads. It is life-changing work that I am so honored to do. When I began this work about twelve years ago I had no idea that my work would have such far-reaching positive effects in the lives of my clients.

Perhaps one of the most important benefits that clients receive from the feng shui clutter clearing process I use is that they are able to cut through the noise of their life and get clarity about who they are and what really matters to them.

I use the Love It, Use It or Lose It method of clutter clearing, a process that invites clients to look at an object and evaluate whether they love it or use it. As a client is making their decision, which sometimes entails telling me the story of the item, I listen to the tone of their voice, watch their body language, and essentially read their energy. Often, before the words are even out of their mouth, I have a good sense about whether the item is one that is worth keeping. Their energy tells me.

In the process of making those decisions, sorting love it and use it items from hate it or “I don’t care about it” items, clients have the opportunity to gain clarity about what really matters to them. Their focus on the task at hand, however, can make it difficult to discern the bigger picture, the information that is coming out during the process.

That’s where I come in. My part in the process is to give feedback to clients about what I am seeing as they make decisions. I let them know when I observe that something makes their heart sing or shuts them down. I share information about patterns that are emerging and the information we are getting about what is currently important to them. It’s a very rewarding collaborative process. I help them see where their heart is guiding them.

When you begin clearing clutter, see if you can discern the bigger picture. With each decision, pay attention to what it may indicate about where your heart is leading you. Try to determine what you are learning about your current values, what currently matters to you. What matters to you changes over time. Making decisions about what to keep and what to discard can inform you of your heart’s direction. When you are clear about your heart’s guidance, it’s so much easier to make decisions in all areas of your life.

Last Friday I visited a BNI (Business Network International) meeting with the intention of promoting my upcoming seminar, Organizing for Productivity and Success, and asking for contacts with church community outreach programs. Being a card carrying introvert, it has been years since I walked into an unfamiliar BNI group. When I entered the dimly lit meeting room, I thought I was walking into a men’s club. The room was filled with middle aged men. At one point in my life that sight would have sent me running. To be alone in a room full of men would have scared me to death!

I was surprised to discover that my experience today was completely different. Though I had a moment of thinking, “Hmmm. . . what have I gotten myself into?”, I quickly recovered and thought, “I can do this. This is going to be an adventure!” Looking back, I realize that I grounded myself by setting my intention–to have an adventure.

I also intuitively chose a seat where I knew I would feel comfortable and empowered, with my back to a solid wall and a full view of the door, near a man who was kind and welcoming. He was the president of the group. As if he knew exactly what I needed, he told me about the group members and their professions. By the time the meeting started I was feeling peaceful and curious about all those men.

During the meeting I realized that I was seated across the table from a man with whom I’d gone to high school. Even though I hadn’t known him well, since he too was an introvert, that familiar face was comforting. Another blessing of this adventure!

I promoted my seminar. I told the group who I am and how they could help me with my business. But, the biggest gift of the meeting was my being able to see how far I have come in my own journey of healing, growth and becoming a competent self-employed professional. No longer plagued with anxiety and free floating fears, I was able to be fully present and empowered. What a great way to end a busy week!