What you tell yourself that your stuff means will either free you from its chains or enslave you. Today I challenge you to change way you think about your stuff. Take a good look around with new eyes. Look at your paper and ink and plastic and wood. And know that no matter what you tell yourself, stuff isn?t anything but stuff. So keep in your life only what is truly special, useful or meaningful, and free rest to benefit someone else.

When you free yourself of stuff, time commitments and all other things no longer valuable, you are then free to pursue things you enjoy, spend time with those you love, find what feeds your soul and gives you purpose.

Monica Ricci has been an organizing specialist since 1999, and her motivational presentations teach effective organizing and simplifying techniques for home and work. She also offers free email tips and ideas on how to make life simpler and more organized. Her topics include clutter control, paper management, time management, organizing space and procrastination.Contact Monica at 770-569-2642 or Monica@CatalystOrganizing.com.

6. Scale down your possessions. Every single thing you own, from your three toothbrushes to four winter coats to shoeboxes you're saving "just in case" takes something from you. It costs you time and energy out of your life because it all has to be maintained, stored, cleaned, moved or sorted through at some point. Plus, it all takes up physical and mental space. Everything you own also owns a piece of you, so now is time to start parting with all those things that don't bring you joy or value. You will be giving yourself gift of more energy and space.

7. Evaluate your time commitments. Look at how much time and energy you're spending on activities, organizations, clubs, social groups, etc. Really evaluate how much value or joy they give you in relation to what you invest. If you find that some have outlived their benefit or aren't making you happy anymore, just stop spending your time there. You'll have more time for ones you do enjoy.

Monica Ricci has been an organizing specialist since 1999, and her motivational presentations teach effective organizing and simplifying techniques for home and work. She also offers free email tips and ideas on how to make life simpler and more organized. Her topics include clutter control, paper management, time management, organizing space and procrastination.Contact Monica at 770-569-2642 or Monica@CatalystOrganizing.com.