living our best life possible – organization

/ simplywendi
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Chronic illnesses tend to have a dreaded side affect of memory issues which can be  extremely frustrating.

Through the years, I have experimented with different approaches towards keeping myself organized and on track.  The ways have changed as the kids have grown,  but I have found that now they are in their busy stage of life, I must keep a very detailed  schedule.

At this time,  I use my cell phone and a wall calendar to keep track of daily appointments, celebrations, work schedules, really anywhere I need to be and when.  Then, I write out my daily to-do list on an index card so I can carry it with me throughout the day (if I don’t forget it, that is 🙂 )

Which leads me to this week’s questions, How do you keep yourself organized?

Please take a moment to share!  I deeply appreciate all of you who take the time to leave information in the comment section.  I have learned a lot from all of you and I am sure others have too!  Thank you.

 

 

~ wendi is the author of three books and can be seen here.

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120 thoughts on “living our best life possible – organization”

      • What really helps me is to organize my life once a year. Usually at the end of the year I start sorting everything out, organize my life and make action plans. I also clean my entire home. all of this clears my head. I am not sure what chronic illness you have but I will check out some more articles on your blog, it must be in there. By the way, my mother is also chronically ill. She has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. She is bound to her chair and has bad sight. So I can relate! Life is not easy with a chronic illness! But keep up the good work yes? Best wishes, Mentje

        Liked by 3 people

      • That sounds like a wonderful plan Mentje’s. I am thrilled that you have found something that works for you and gets you ready and organized to start the new year.
        Yes, if you look in my “about me” section, I mention the chronic illnesses I live with and yes, it is very hard.
        Hope you have a blessed day.

        Liked by 1 person

    • I love that you are old school…….I also use to write my lists on a piece of paper but it was as portable as I needed. I would fold up the paper, stick it in my pocket and completely forget about it. 🙂
      Thank you so very much for stopping by and commenting…..I really appreciate your time and tips! 🙂

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    • thank you so very much for taking time to stop by and leave a helpful tip! my husband keeps trying to encourage me to do that too, but I am afraid that since I am not technologically advanced, I can’t figure it out.
      Maybe now I will give it a try.
      Hope your day is treating you well! 🙂

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      • I print my own monthly calendar spread, which is now in a ring binder organizer. I shared this on my blog in the last month or two, as I use it for other things.
        I will always use paperbase over technology. 😊

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      • I agree with paper over technology! But, I always have my phone with me in case one of the kids need me. But I love that you keep all of your stuff in a binder – organized and know where all your stuff is located. Win – Win! 🙂

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  6. The struggle is real. I carry a little 2 year pocket planner that fits in my purse, but lays on the table when I’m home to make notes as needed for appointments, places to go and notes if I need to take food or something with me. I also keep a few pages from a little stack of post-it note type lined paper stuck in the front under the inside front plastic cover for grocery items, notes or errands that I need to do. I also set alarms for appointments on my phone to go off 2 or 3 hours before my appointment, so if I miss it in my planner, I get notified early enough to get dressed and make it to my appointment on time.

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  7. I use a white board, upon which I write a daily list of “to dos” and important events – it helps me stay organized as well as providing a visual record of my day’s accomplishments (and is also good for doodling on). Unfinished business is readily apparent and re-prioritized (usually for the next day). I also employ my iPhone calendar and reminders, but really consider that a “backup” to the white board – and do think that the exercise of writing out the tasks I want to accomplish helps me recall them. One drawback to the white board, though: the pens are smelly and they dry up quickly, so I may eventually get a chalkboard and chalk to replace it. 😉

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    • I love that you use a white board, I do have one on my fridge so we can leave notes as to what leftovers on inside.
      It is so cool that you have found something that works for you on a daily basis, which is so imporant.
      Bless you for taking the time to stop by and comment, I really appreciate your time. I hope today brings you smiles 🙂

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  10. When its a family members birthday, I call my mom. She’s 90 and can still whip off a thousand things that I would not even attempt.
    And actually after this post I realise that we are all becoming dependent on our electronic organizers so we don’t use our memories properly.
    Mind you, in your case, and mine, when you are in chronic pain it does make it very difficult to focus on those things so a organiser is a must. I use my cell phone for everything but I just got a new one and when I transferred all my data from the old one it refused to talk to my old calendar and I ended up losing everything.
    Oh what I could do with a secretary. I’ll go you halves in one 😂

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    • You are absolutely correct Mark, we are too dependent on our electric devices – we no longer even have to remember our own phone number let alone someone else’s 🙂
      But you are right, pain changes you and I am so thankful that I have my phone to help me get through the day.
      I am so very sorry that your old phone would not play well with your new one, that sounds like a big mess.
      I would love a secretary….maybe we could get a intern (cheaper 🙂 )
      thank you so very much for visiting, I really appreciate it when you stop by and leave such beautiful comments.

      p.s. your mom sounds AMAZING!

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  11. great way to go. … I use a wall calendar, designed by me with my photos and sayings. Plus lists, keep a running shopping list and chore list. When they are crossed off and messy I start another.
    Much better feeling than electronic lists a I can easily reflect on what I’ve achieved 🙂

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  12. I don’t usually have a lot to keep track of on a daily basis but I want to cover all the bases so I write out a paper list, then put it in my phone. The phone is always with me. On busy days, I list priorities so I don’t backtrack and use more gas than needed. I’m also eliminating as much from my lists as possible so I have less to do. Good luck with a tough job.

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    • I love how you do a double duty with your list! I sometimes do that too as my phone as it is also always with me.
      🙂 I also love how you arrange your list to use as little gas as possible, you are my kind of person! I am the exact same way and if I can take something off my list, I do that too! 🙂
      thank you so very much for stopping by today, I deeply appreciate your time and comments – bless you! 🙂

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  13. Ok. I keep my calendar on my phone. I also have a planner for setting goals and projects and things I’m interested in doing. And I always carry a notebook with me to jot down notes and ideas. This works for me

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  14. My husband had convinced me to try using an electronic calendar shortly before I was diagnosed with my chronic illnesses. I am so glad that he did! Now I can just enter things on google calendar on my phone, and it syncs across devices to my tablet also. It sure helps me when I am in such a foggy state of mind now. I hope that you are blessed with a beautiful week with your family, Wendi!

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    • Hi Bettie! I love that your husband helped you figure something out that works for you. I think an electronic calendar that my entire family could put their info into would be amazing. Thank you so very much for stopping by and commenting, I sure do appreciate your time and effort. God bless you! 🙂

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  15. Generally I have a good memory for things, but like you I find if I am tired or feeling off it I forget. I keep things on my phone to remind me. I used to have a diary and planner in the UK old fashioned mode written down I do not really like putting things on my phone. I cannot buy the stationery here. Wendi it is the only way to remember things especially if you have family events to remember.

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    • I am so sorry you cannot get the stationery you like where you live now, that must be frustrating.
      I also do not putting information into my phont but as you pointed out, it is the easier way for me to keep track of everyone’s schedule.
      Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting, I really appreciate your time and visit. I hope today is good to you! 🙂

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  16. Thanks for sharing!!.. for today, I make a “wisg” list on what is affectionately referred to as a “boogie board”.. as for tomorrow, it is a new adventure, Que sera sera…. 🙂

    “Any piece of knowledge I acquire today has a value at this moment exactly proportioned to my skill to deal with it. Tomorrow, when I know more, I will recall that piece of knowledge and use it better. “ Mark van Doren

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    • Oh I love the way you put together a wish list instead of a to-do list, what an awesome way to look at it! Maybe I need to call my daily list a wish list……..because, you are right, it is really just a wish.
      Thank you so very much for stopping by and leaving such helpful comments 🙂 Hope your day is treating you well.

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  18. I use the Notes app on my phone for almost everything. I have a separate notes page for Ideas for my work-in-progress, blog post ideas, to-do lists, things my two different grocery stores have that the other doesn’t have, movies I want to see someday, etc. Before that, I used post-it notes a lot (I used to joke that I kept them in business). I still use them, but my phone is almost with me, and I can just jot down something in the app when it comes to mind. Otherwise, I might not remember it later.

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    • Just looking through the comments, and a couple of other things came to mind. For years I have kept a big calendar in the kitchen, big enough to write in the squares. I keep birthdays, events, dr. appointments, etc., there. It was a lot more critical when we had three kids in school, to coordinate everyone’s school, youth group activities, practices, etc.One of my favorite things to do is fill out all the birthdays and anniversaries on a new calendar at the beginning of the year.

      I also have a small paper notepad on my desk. I often write the day’s must-do list there, and I love crossing things off. 🙂

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    • I use my notes and reminder apps on my phone too. I don’t know what I would do without them as my thoughts can slip away faster than I could find a pen and paper. Thank you so very much Barbara for taking the time to comment on how you keep organized. I deeply appreciate your input! 🙂

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  20. I am the Queen of Lists and Post-Its. They are all over my desk color-coded as well as Post-its in the bathroom. I am completely lost if I don’t write a list of things to do, or things that need to be done, and or remembering dates.
    I don’t work, but my home desk looks as if you think I was working from home. LOL! 🤣

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  22. Your readers’ comments contain a treasure chest of great ideas. What fun to read through their comments, Wendi. You obviously struck a chord with this post and the question, because you received a wonderful array of comments. When I go into my sanctuary each morning, I’ve two Guideposts Daily devotionals that I start with after just quietly centering on God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus’ presence with me. One devo is Mornings with Jesus. The other is the Daily Guideposts devotional. After reading and praying on the page in each, I ask God to help me be what He made me to be, and show me what He wants me to do today. As a retired educator who used to do what others designed for me, I am now free to do what the Holy Spirit guides me to do. I write the day’s plans on the top of the page and repeat it on the top of the second devo to solidify the daily plan. If you’re not retired this may not work for you. But, it works for me. And each day is a new list of items inspired by the Spirit at work in me.

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    • Hi Jan, I am so happy that you stopped by for a visit! 🙂 Yes, there have been so many awesome responses to my weekly questions and I am so blessed and humbled to read each one.
      I love how you start each day with prayer and focus, and it sounds extremely relaxing. I have always enjoyed reading Guideposts when I have been given one or purchased them at a used bookstore.
      No, I am not retired. I am a stay-at-home. chronically ill mom who has 4 teens at home. 🙂
      Thank you again for stopping by and taking time to comment, I deeply appreciate it.

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  23. I think as our children grow and have events in school, play dates, and other activities, writing everything down is the only way to keep track..
    And like you in my working life when my children were younger it was essential to keep track of things and keep a diary.. I;ve never used a phone diary but I do use an ordinary one you write in..

    As I age especially time for me speeds up lol.. And I need my memory to be jogged as weeks fly into months..
    I am not really that organised… But for important dates and appointments I do need to record and put these on a wall calendar to remind both me and hubby …

    Sending much love your way Wendi

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    • You made a comment Sue that struck me, that time speeds up as you get older and oh my goodness, this is so very true! In fact, sometimes I sit back and become almost fearful at how fast Time Goes By (by the way that is one of my favorite tv shows)
      I am happy to read that you also use a big wall calendar too for you and your husband. I prefer “old-fashioned” ways of doing things but since I have my phone with me all the time, I have started using it as my primary calendar!
      Thank you my friend for leaving such helpful comments, I really appreciate your time 🙂

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      • 🙂 its only natural to use your phone its the modern equivalent.. I am only now just getting into ‘Apps’ on my phone lol.. Time is in fact only our perception of it…
        Some days when my day is full of things it can seem to last for such along time.. At other times an afternoon can flash before my eyes…
        Its not only us oldies now experiencing this time perception shift.. but the younger generations too… Its all part of our evolution as we spin our new realities…
        Take care my friend.. and I really appreciate you.. ❤

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      • You are right……..time is only our perception. It’s interesting what you said about young people, all of my children comment how time is flying by and they wish it would slow down……..I NEVER said this when I was their ages!
        Thank you for amazing insight! 🙂

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  24. Pingback: living our best life possible – organization- My response- – Keep it alive

    • I love that you have a place for everything, I do not have this type of order in my home, I wish I did but I don’t. You may actually have a heart attack if you visited 🙂
      Thank you so much for stopping by Eddie, I always appreciate you taking time to comment.

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  27. Keeping the heart focused on what matters, keeps the mind focused on the task at hand. If the heart looses focus, the mind therefore becomes the focus; for a heart trying reign in the mind. I find that when the heart is in true control, and the mind follows the leading; organizing the day becomes easier. God bless!

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    • Hey Alyssa…….yes, organization is such a beautiful thing. I appreciate how you also do double duty on keeping track of your schedule!
      Organization is something I struggle with due to lack of energy once the mandatory stuff is done……..but, you keep on moving forward and trying to do better the next day. 🙂 Thank you so very much for stopping by and commenting – I always appreciate your visits.

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  30. Wendi, I am not ill so my challenges are tiny in comparison with you and your readers, who show such ingenuity in organizing your lives. But I am oldish at 79 and so I notice more instances of forgetting appointments etc. I have a desk diary and I colour-code. Green for going out, orange for guests, etc. My second trick is seeing what’s on my “plate”– I sketch on an A3 drawing pad the big things that are coming up in the next few months. That is strangely calming, I don’t know why.

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    • Hi Rachel, I am thrilled you are here for a visit and are commenting, thank you so very much! I love how you color code your calendar for different types of events – such a great idea! I also love how you find sketches relaxing! 🙂 Thank you so very much for sharing – it is such a blessing to read your comments.

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  32. Oops, I missed this week.
    I have an amazing husband that keeps me organized. Honestly, I do very little towards it.
    We use Google calendar and share it, we have everything from doctors appointments to birthdays, to days to take the trash out on there.
    He mostly started does it because he has to do all the calling making appointments now since I lost my hearing. Caption phones suck.

    We also use Keep for most everything else like grocery lists, to do lists, notes …

    And I will use Samsung Notes sometimes just to jot down something on the fly. I have a phone that has a pen, so I can just write longhand in that notebook.

    I do a lot of Marie Kondo organization in my house. I’m becoming more and more minimalistic.

    That’s about it.

    We’re buying a house, 🤞 I’ll have to organize everything all over again, I’m sure I’ll be purging even more. 😁

    Pleasant days. W. 💕

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    • YAY! I love reading that you have an amazing husband 🙂 But I am so sorry to read that capion phone suck – you would think with all the amazing technology we have, the phones could be amazing too!?
      I love how both of you share a google calendar, I think this is something I am going to try to do at my house over the holidays.
      I read Marie Kondo’s book and loved it and have been going from room to room to also reduce our stuff although we are fairly minimalistic already. Doesn’t it your life easier with less stuff? In fact, I get a burst of joy every time stuff leaves my house. It doesn’t take much to make me happy 🙂
      Congratulations on buying a house, how very exciting! Moving is a great time to do some massive purging.
      Thank you Wendy for taking time to back up and answer this week’s question – it is so great to see how those of us with issues deal with different areas of our lives! I hope today brings you smiles.

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    • Thank you so very much Yonnie for taking the time to visit. I am also so thankful for the calendar on my cellphone! I also just ordered a calendar/journal that I can carry with me – something many people who commented here also use.
      Bless you for joining the conversation.

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    • 🙂 oh Amanda, I can so feel your pain. I forget notes, forget my phone, forget to look, can’t remember, wander around thinking maybe I will remember if I see it in the store……I have decided I need a device that talks to me and tells me what I need as I am in that aisle. 🙂
      Thank you for joining this discussion Amanda, I really appreciate your input!

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