http://www.ohsoorganized.com/So now on to the interview! I hope you enjoy!
Rachel: I love that
you still work hands on with clients. What is your favorite thing about working
hands on with someone who is chronically disorganized?
Linda:Whether my
clients are chronically disorganized or not, what I enjoy most are the
wonderful relationships that develop. Particularly with my CD clients, these
relationships are long lasting. I feel very lucky to be invited into my
clients’ lives and be partners with them as they navigate change and witness
the “ah-has.” Since I tend to work with my clients for an extended period, I
experience many life transitions with them. I love the variety, the challenges,
the connection, and the creative aspect of my work.
Rachel: What was one
of your biggest mistakes as a new organizer?
Linda: Perhaps the biggest mistake I
made as a new organizer was that I didn’t have clear enough boundaries. I found
myself in uncomfortable situations too many times. It took me a while to
establish guidelines so that there would be no unwelcome surprises for my
clients or myself. I used the difficult situations as learning experiences, but
it would have been better if I had anticipated at least some of these issues
ahead of time. One of the most valuable classes I took to help me think about
these issues was “Boundaries and Ethics”, which was co-created by my colleagues
Sheila Delson and Terry Prince for the Institute of Challenging Disorganization
(ICD).
Rachel: The ICD has the most fabulous classes. Thank you so much for this information! Setting boundaries has been one of my biggest challenges. It's nice to know that there are resources for new organizers that address this, and that even the best have gone through this challenge.
Rachel: What advice do
you have for new organizers wanting to work with the chronically disorganized?
Linda: The best
advice I can share for any organizers,
new or veteran that wants to work with CD clients is to seek out education.
Without knowledge and training, organizers run the risk of doing more harm than
good. The best source for information, education, and strategies for those that
work with the CD population is ICD. This association attracts experts that share
their resources, strategies and research about chronic disorganization. The ICD website has info including free fact sheets, teleclasses, publications, and
conferences.
Rachel: When you
aren't organizing, writing books, speaking or blogging, what do you do for fun?
Linda: I love to have fun! This includes taking
Comedy Improv classes, dancing in our living room or at Zydeco gigs, taking
walks by the two rivers and in the woods, laughing with my husband and
daughters, baking, getting together with family and friends, going on road
trips, watching movies, and having adventures with my wonderful husband of
almost 30 years.
Rachel: I love your
website, and of course read your bio. I wanted to ask you - why a purple front
door? What does this mean to you?
Linda: From early on, I always loved the color purple. I
enjoy other colors too, but have a special “thing” for purple, which has only
intensified as I’ve grown. Embracing all that we’re passionate about whether that’s
color, people, or work, is essential to living joyfully. Let the things you
love surround you. Let the work you love be part of your days. Let those you
love know it. Embrace your passions.
Rachel: My favorite color is purple as well, it started when I realized that the amythest was my birthstone. I love your doorway idea, what a beautiful way to celeberate this marvelous color. Thank you so much for this interview.About Linda:
Linda’s Contact info:
Email:
linda@ohsoorganized.com
Phone:
914-271-5673
Website:
http://www.ohsoorganized.com
Twitter: @LindaSamuels
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ohsoorganized/
Thank you so much, Rachel for inviting me to be a guest on your blog. You asked great questions and I enjoyed answering them. How nice to meet another fan of purple! I loved meeting you in person at the NAPO-New Orleans conference and I look forward to seeing you again soon. Will you be in Denver for the ICD conference? I hope to see you there.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda and Rachel for sharing this. I completely agree with Linda about seeking out education and the value of ICD. It makes all the difference for your value to your client in having a greater depth of knowledge.
ReplyDeleteHello Linda and Ellen! Thank you both for stopping by and commenting. My sister is getting married 9/21 :) All the way out here in Santa Barbara. I wish I could somehow join remotely! I am so glad that you offer downloads after the conference - another GREAT thing about ICD!
ReplyDelete