Letting Go of My Organized Life

There are so many phases of life and each one brings many changes and unforeseen circumstances. Growing up, small children dream of adulthood, and they envision the thought of getting older to be fun and adventurous, and even though there is some truth to this, there is definitely not that level of carefree blindness that many anticipate.

My whole life has been planned, pretty much by myself, it's just my personality. This is a strong characteristic of my choleric temperament. I love to plan my days, my weekends, and even envision the next five years. Yes, I am one of those nerds who enjoys buying a pocket calendar and happily keeps a record of each upcoming month. Prior to four children this portable calendar probably wasn't necessary, but now it is a crucial part of my day, no longer just a cute accessory. Honestly, how could anyone keep an entire family's schedule only in their head?

Lily Pulitzer Calendar

My overly scheduled A-type personality, brought quite an adjustment into adulthood, in more particular, motherhood. I am not referring to the transition from college into a career, because those were the glory years. That was a time when I could try new things, enjoy my life with my husband. Those "honeymoon" years brought beautiful children, the opportunity to stay home with the kiddos, and many other exciting adventures. The difficulty came when I realized that it was impossible to plan out my life. Extremely structured schedules were just not possible with many small children. Schedules were needed with the children, but flexibility was paramount. My once perfectly planned schedule was now a thing of the past. I was only trying to stay above the rising tide and sometimes completely forgot about that little pocket calendar, until I missed an important appointment or meeting. A bit of humility never hurt anyone...

It was at this same time that I realized I needed to let go. Life was hard, really hard with small children, but neither would I trade any of it for the whole world, not even for my perfectly organized pocket calendar. I didn't need to be organized or right on schedule, even though it still drives me bananas when we are running late. What I needed was to start enjoying the life. A life full of chaos, happiness, frustrations, and pure exhaustion. This was the good life and it was only until I let go of that little pocket calendar (an overly structured schedule) that life began to have more meaning. I was able to focus more on my husband and my family, instead of the plans for the weekend. My daughter has this "planner" type of personality, which is a great trait, but I have also reminded her (and myself) that it's important to be flexible and let go!

Are You a Distracted Person?

Live Life with a Purpose: The Perfect Day!

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” 

― Eleanor Roosevelt

We all have busy lives that revolve around one or many different aspects of our life, whether it's family, friends, children, husbands or our careers, but oftentimes we forget to look at life on a broader scale. Oftentimes we miss saying hello to a neighbor because we are in a rush to leave the house and get the kids to school, or we spend an entire luncheon on our phones instead of having a constructive conversation with family, and even at work we get so caught up in our responsibilities and shut ourselves off from our co-workers by spending the entire day at our computers with headphones on and never say "Good Morning" or "Have a Nice Evening".

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” 

― Ralph Waldo Emerson

These actions which may not begin as intentional will increase and multiply like a bad habit. They will become part of who we are and our daily routines, which is truly unfortunate, because we are meant to be social beings. We thrive on social contact and interaction. Yes, I know that not everyone is an extrovert (Sanguine or Choleric Temperaments), but even introverts (Melancholics or Phlegmatic Temperaments) need those moment of social stimulation, even if it's a smile and a quick "hello" or sending a card in the mail to a friend, or enjoying a cup of coffee with family while the kids are running around crazy. No matter the case, we all deserve to receive social etiquette from others, but we also must remember that it is absolutely necessary for us to initiate it as well!

So, it's time to get off of our phones, open our eyes to the desires of others and begin to live life with a purpose!

Closet Organization: Close It or Closet It

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

Even with an incredibly busy weekend, my husband and I (mostly my husband) were able to organize several area of our house!  So I thought it was appropriate to discuss closest organization based on our temperaments.  How do you organize your clothing closet?  Does your temperament have anything to do with your system of organization?  Do you prefer to keep your closet door closed or open?  It's all on how you organize it!

http://provocmanners.polyvore.com/

Choleric: A typical choleric will more than likely organize their closets based on type of clothing and color.  They find it easiest to choose an outfit by organizing each piece of clothing into a similar category such as shirts, sweater, dresses, etc. and then each category is placed together by color. Sorry choleric, you are the most anal-retentive without being an over the top perfectionist!  Is this too extreme?

Melancholic: If you are wondering which temperament has the highest degree of perfectionism?  It's the melancholic, who are extremely thoughtful and consider various options before making a decision.  Their closets are typically not all similar as color may work better for some and organizing by type of clothing works better for others.  However, their closets are the most meticulous as they are extremely concerned about keeping the condition of their clothing in pristine condition.  Way to make us look bad, Melancholic!

Phlegmatic: This is the temperament that would more likely prefer to close their closet door rather than keep it open.  A typical phlegmatic is the most likely to not have a specific organizational system.  They are extremely dutiful, but oftentimes put organization to the wayside.  If they have become accustomed to a disheveled closet, it will be very difficult for them to change their methods as they don't prefer change.  Stability is comforting.  Who doesn't like comfort?

Sanguine: We all know the sanguine love the social life and this is exactly how they organize their closets.  It's all based on future social events, dressy sweaters near cute skirts or dress pants.  Work clothes will be put together for the days at the office and fitted tees/denim are organized together for those casual events.  Only a sanguine will understand this method of composition.  Way to make it all about the social events even arranging your closet, Sanguine!

How do you organize?

What's in Your Cup of Coffee?

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

So tell me, how do you like your coffee?

Black?  Cream?  Sugar?   Flavored syrup?  Whipped cream?  A touch of cinnamon?

Whatever your coffee preference, you will be surprised how it relates to your portfolio, your resume, your life experiences and even your future plans.  Do you make the most of your talents and experiences while using them to further your passions, career or hobbies?  Or do you sit by the wayside hoping someone will notice your talents and only plan on utilizing them if you are given constant recognition?  If the latter is true, then you have much to learn!  It is time to look beyond yourself!

It seems like we have lost any sense of the words "personal pride" and now focus on fame and celebrity status in our culture.  It almost doesn't matter how you get there.  Unfortunately, this is detrimental.  Instead of working our way to the top, many people don't want the work, they want to be at the top because, well, they believe they deserve it!  Really?  Seriously?  This is a lazy way of thinking and it will catch up with you.

How can you take your talents and use them to further your lot in life?  Simple, discover your passions, what moves you to succeed whether personally, financially, emotionally, etc.  What's in your cup of coffee?  What are your talents?  Usually one gift can be used in several different ways, how amazing!

Word to the Wise...  Don't be a bragger, most people don't want to hear you talk about yourself.  You will be surprised how people will highly value your opinion, your time and your talents if you don't need to put them on display!

www.retroclipart.com

What does your coffee drinking say about you?

Black Coffee:  If you prefer your coffee without any additives, you are probably not very bending in your life decisions and don't stray from the constant norm.  This is a great quality, meaning you are very reliable, but be prepared, your opinions may not always be the best for everyone else.  Show your talents, use your God-given gifts, but remember to occasionally step out of your comfort zone.
(Melancholic or Phlegmatic Temperaments)

Coffee with Cream: You can't drink coffee without cream?  Then you are reliable, organized and flexible.  You are probably stubborn because unfortunately you can't drink black coffee or coffee with sugar; you have restricted yourself to a specific taste!  This means you know what you want.  Luckily you are flexible not only with your creamer but with life situations as well and can make quick decisions.  You are able to vary the amount of creamer without freaking out!  (Choleric or Phlegmatic Temperaments)

Coffee with Sugar:  These are the people who love the sweet things in life.  Not just sugar-wise but they take advantage of every adventure life throws at them.  Talk about flexible, these people are willing to try anything.  However, they like to try many things all at once, they get really excited and they may have a difficult time following through as new excitements pop up.  If you want to have a great time, find a coffee-mate who loves their sugar! (Sanguine Temperament)

Now this isn't an exact science, but it sure is a great conversation starter the next time you have one of those awkward pauses at a meeting or lunch date.  Ask your friend, how do they like their coffee?

What's Your Drink of Choice?

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

We all have that "signature" drink.  One that we go to in times of need, in times of sorrow, times of joy or times of relaxation.  The funny thing is that we usually don't change our drink based on our mood.  If you're a champagne person, well, you go for champagne all the time!  Maybe Mimosas in the morning, a French 75 (see recipe below) with lunch and a pink champagne cocktail with dinner.  Whatever your drink, we can guarantee that it has evolved with you overtime, but it is always "your drink". 

Did you ever think that your "preferred" drink might say something about you?  Don't panic here, it isn't a bad thing.  There may just be a common denominator between your temperament and your choice of drink. 

Sauce of Life Tip: Most people are a combination of 2 of the 4 temperaments. 

Which two temperaments do you relate to? 

Choleric: these people are usually drawn to be leaders with ambition, passion and energy.

Melancholic: these are the perfectionists who are typically introverted, but are very thoughtful.

Phlegmatic: these people are content with stability and don't stray far from what's comfortable.

Sanguine: these are the social, fun-loving people who want to enjoy life and rarely lack confidence.

WHAT'S YOUR DRINK OF CHOICE? 

http://www.dailyclipart.net/clipart/red-wine-clip-art/

Margarita: Sanguine (can't miss out on a party!)

Corona Beer: Melancholic or Phlegmatic (not likely to take a risk)

Champagne: Choleric or Sanguine (Choleric drinks this for position and Sanguine drinks this for pleasure)

Scotch: Choleric (drinks to portray leadership or power at a business dinner)

Red Wine: Choleric or Phlegmatic (Choleric drinks red wine for prestige and Phlegmatic drinks red wine for consistency)

White Wine: Sanguine or Melancholic (Sanguine drinks white wine to taste the sweetness of life and the Melancholic drinks white wine for the taste of perfection)

Martini: All 4 temperaments will drink from the many varities of Martinis, but which temperament will use this as their "go-to" drink?  It's the Sanguine!  That "kick" from a Dirty Martini helps the party get started!

So which temperament will be showing itself tonight?  Can we guess your temperament by your drink?

www.freeclipartnow.com

French 75 *
2 ounces gin
1 ounce lemon juice
1 teaspoon simple syrup
Champagne

Shake gin, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice, and strain into a champagne flute. Top with champagne, and garnish with a long, thin lemon spiral.
*http://cocktailenthusiast.com/2009/12/15/mixology-monday-the-french-75/