Before I broke up with my therapist, he encouraged me to be more vulnerable, both in my relationships and out in the world. Vulnerability does not come easily to me, but I thought I would give it a try. I did pay for his advice after all. 
So, here are a few things I want you to know in no particular order:
I’m Not Wild About Organizing Products
When people find out I’m a home organizer, they often exclaim, “Oh! I bet The Container Store is your favorite place.” Here’s the truth: I’m passionate about helping people clarify what they value deeply, how they want to live, and what they want their home to look and feel like. I am NOT passionate about plastic drawer dividers or file folders. I believe that organizing products can be helpful in establishing clear zones and boundaries, and I like a pretty basket as much as the next girl, but these products do not drive or inspire my work.
I Judge Myself, But I Don’t Judge You
I have very high standards for myself and often wrestle with perfectionistic tendencies. I’ve been told that clients (and even friends!) get nervous when they know I’m coming to visit. But, here’s the thing: when I walk into someone else’s home, the last thing I’m doing is judging them. I truly appreciate a variety of aesthetics, and I love to see how other people live and choose to set up their homes. I also love identifying the potential in even the most cluttered, disorganized spaces, and imagining how they could be transformed. So, what I’m saying is, I’m guilty of judging myself, but I have no interest in judging you, no matter what state your home is in. Period.
Organization is My Coping Mechanism
And here’s the hardest thing to admit. People assume I’m just wild about organization. And I am. But what I seldom share is why.
I was raised an only child, and my parents separated when I was three and had a turbulent divorce when I was eight. My father remarried, had my brother, and divorced again. People came in and out of my life…
Seven years ago, shortly after I had my second daughter, I lost my beloved father to suicide. Throwing myself into renovating my new home, and helping my clients transform theirs, saved me during the deepest loss and grief I’ve ever experienced.
Throughout all of the challenges I’ve faced, creating an environment that felt good became a critical part of my own self care. Making order out of chaos has always come naturally to me, and this skill has helped me feel sane in a world that often feels out of control. Organization helps me stay focused and strong when I feel broken and my life feels fragmented.
My career was born out of my desire to help others and share the tools that have helped me navigate even the most difficult transitions.
So, there it is. Three things that you probably didn’t know about me. I hope that my former therapist was right and that pulling back the curtain a little will help even one of you to feel more connected and less alone. It has for me.
Thanks for reading as always, and for your love and support.
Xx Shira
