Super special guest podcast episode this week! In this enlightening episode of "Got Clutter? Get Organized," host Janet M. Taylor engages in a riveting conversation with Jennifer Ford Berry. Jennifer shares her journey from a corporate career to becoming a professional organizer, sparked by the events of 9/11 and her desire for a more meaningful and flexible life as a new mother. She emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s life with personal values and priorities, rather than succumbing to societal pressures and materialism.

Jennifer discusses strategies for creating harmony in work, family, and personal life, highlighting the significance of setting boundaries, time blocking, and prioritizing tasks. She advocates for a minimalist approach, urging listeners to declutter their lives and focus on what truly matters. This episode is particularly beneficial for busy professionals, parents, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demands of daily life. Listeners will gain insights into creating a balanced and organized life by prioritizing what truly matters and letting go of unnecessary distractions.

Talking Points:

1. Prioritization: Clearly define what is important in your life and prioritize those things. This helps in making intentional decisions about time and resources.
2. Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time for different tasks and stick to them. This helps in maintaining focus and productivity.
3. Boundaries: Establish and maintain boundaries to protect your time and energy. This includes saying no to unnecessary commitments and turning off distractions.
4. Minimalism: Adopt a minimalist mindset by reducing physical and mental clutter. Keep only those things that add value to your life.
5. Intentional Living: Make conscious choices about how you spend your time and what you allow into your life. This leads to a more fulfilling and harmonious existence.
6. Self-Care: Prioritize self-care and personal time to ensure you are at your best for your family and work.
7. Adaptability: Be flexible and willing to adjust your plans as needed to maintain harmony and balance.
8. Mindful Consumption: Be aware of the marketing tactics that promote unnecessary consumption and resist the urge to buy things that do not serve your priorities.
9. Decluttering: Regularly declutter your physical space to create a more organized and serene environment.
10. Continuous Improvement: Constantly evaluate and refine your systems and routines to better align with your evolving goals and priorities.

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Janet M. Taylor
"For the past 28 years, I have been assisting clients in creating a space that attracts more abundance, love, and happiness in their lives. My expertise includes transforming cluttered rooms into functional and creative spaces, organizing the personal and professional spaces of executives, and downsizing offices."
https://janetmtaylor.com/
https://www.instagram.com/janettheorganizer/
https://www.facebook.com/janetmtaylorbiz
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Escape to tranquil Pleasant Hill, Kentucky for the FOCUS Retreat: a unique opportunity to refine every aspect of your integrated life: Family, Organization, Confidence, yoU, and Systems. Join us from Sept. 25-27, 2024, for an exclusive gathering of women like you, seeking balance in family, business, and faith, guided by expert coaches in an intimate setting. Experience transformative workshops, meaningful connections, and the luxury of time to rest. This is more than a retreat; it's a chance to rediscover the woman God designed you to be. Reserve your spot now and take the first step towards focusing on what truly matters in your life!
https://Thefocusretreat.com

In this raw and vulnerable episode of "The Make Room Show," I'm opening up about the reasons behind an unexpected six-week hiatus. I'm giving you insights on some personal struggles with burnout professionally, and a harrowing near-death experience that forced me to confront the unsustainable pace of my life and reevaluate my priorities. Instead of allowing myself to feel guilty for stepping back to care for myself, I gave myself a PERMISSION SLIP - to slow down, take necessary breaks, and focus on self-care. Real strength lies in recognizing one’s limits and taking steps to address them before reaching a crisis point - which I had to learn the hard way. My hope is that through being vulnerable and sharing this with you, I can inspire you to make similar choices towards a healthier, more balanced life.

I'm taking the next couple of weeks to really dive deep into what all these recent events mean for me and my life. I'll be keeping you updated on this journey as things unfold because you, my dear listeners, truly deserve to hear this insight. I'm not entirely sure what's going to emerge from this period of reflection, but I feel it's going to be significant, different, and hopefully, a lot easier.

During this time, you might notice that I'm not as active on social media, and the posts that do appear might be just simple snapshots of life with my family and friends. I'm stepping back from the constant hustle, the endless to-dos we all think we need to accomplish daily. It's become clear that this rat race isn't making us happier, and that needs to change. So, let's focus on what really matters—our happiness and well-being. Thank you for your understanding and support. I love you all so much.

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The Focus Retreat: Escape to tranquil Pleasant Hill, Kentucky for a unique opportunity to refine every aspect of your integrated life: Family, Organization, Confidence, yoU, and Systems. Sept. 25-27, 2024 for an exclusive gathering of women like you, seeking balance in family, business, and faith, guided by expert coaches in an intimate setting. Experience transformative workshops, meaningful connections, and the luxury of time to rest.

In this engaging episode of "The Make Room Show," hosts Jennifer, Lori Beth Auldridge, and Amy Debrucque explore the power of authentic connections, emphasizing the value of understanding someone's essence over their job. Sparked by a lively Instagram Live session, they discuss overcoming societal judgments based on professions to deepen interactions.

The episode encourages embracing openness and vulnerability in all settings to forge stronger bonds and foster personal and professional growth. Ideal for entrepreneurs and those keen on personal development and networking, it provides insights on transitioning from transactional to transformational connections for a more rewarding life.

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Talking Points:

1. The importance of prioritizing personal identity over professional identity in conversations.
2. Strategies for initiating deeper conversations.
3. The role of active listening and vulnerability in forming genuine connections.
4. Practical tips for moving beyond surface-level interactions.
5. How authentic networking can enhance personal and professional growth.
6. The impact of societal norms on our conversational habits.
7. The benefits of fostering an environment that encourages openness and genuine engagement.
8. The significance of personal stories and interests in building connections.
9. The importance of being present and paying attention to details in conversations.
10. How to approach conversations without judgment and with a willingness to learn about the other person.

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Lori Beth Auldridge, host of the Elevating Motherhood podcast and Homeschool Explained course instructor, recently relocated to Idaho with her husband Chris and children after nearly two decades in Maui. Together, they homeschool, run a construction business, and enjoy road trips. With bachelor's in Communication for the Child and master's degrees in Children’s Literature and Creative Writing for Children, Lori Beth is dedicated to empowering moms with creative resources, fostering confidence, intuition, and a love for lifelong learning.

elevatingmotherhood.com

instagram.com/loribethauldridge

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Amy Debrucque, host of the Life On Purpose Podcast and creator of the Confidence Course, is a multifaceted encourager: a wife, mother, confidence coach, author, and cancer survivor. Driven by her deep faith, Amy aims to empower women to rebuild their self-esteem and take control of their lives. Her debut book, "Embolden" (2021), inspires women to choose courage over fear. Her impactful work has been showcased in ThriveGlobal, InDependent, and Today Parenting, among others, highlighting her commitment to intentional living and self-improvement.

amydebrucque.com

instagram.com/amydebrucque

This episode was an IG live that I did with my friends, fellow coaches, and co-founders of the FOCUS Retreat. If you would like to meet up with me and the girls in person this fall go to: www.thefocusretreat.com. We would love to see you there!

In today's episode of the Make Room Show, we had the pleasure of speaking with Rachel Miller, the author of the inspiring book "When It Hurts to Hope." Rachel shared her journey of writing the book during the challenging COVID summer of 2020, a period that marked her 30th birthday and a time of introspection about her single status and unmet desires. Through her story, Rachel opened up about the universal struggle with unmet longings, whether it's seeking a life partner, dealing with health issues, or facing career frustrations. Her book intertwines personal anecdotes with a faith-based perspective on enduring seasons of waiting and emotional wellness. Rachel emphasized the importance of community, authentic connection, and maintaining hope in the face of despair. She encouraged listeners to acknowledge their desires without letting them consume their lives, suggesting practical tips for fostering contentment and purpose during periods of waiting. This episode serves as a beacon of hope for anyone grappling with unmet longings and underscores the significance of faith, emotional health, and community in navigating life's challenges.
Talking points:

• The inspiration behind "When It Hurts to Hope" and its relevance during challenging times.
• The impact of unmet longings on emotional and spiritual health.
• The importance of acknowledging desires while maintaining control.
• Strategies for fostering contentment and purpose in the waiting seasons of life.
• The role of faith in overcoming despair and nurturing hope.
• The significance of community and authentic connections in personal growth.
• Emotional wellness tips for navigating seasons of waiting.
• The danger of letting desires dictate behavior and how to maintain balance.
• The concept of grief and its role in moving forward.
• Practical advice for building and nurturing transformational friendships.

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Rachel Miller is an author and speaker who teaches on faith, creativity, and communication. She wrote her debut book, When It Hurts to Hope, to encourage people living in the tension of unmet longing. Rachel and her husband, Jeff, love stand-up comedy, being outside, and planning global adventures from Base Camp, their home in Franklin, Tennessee.

rachelmillerauthor.com

instagram.com/rachel.s.miller

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The FOCUS Retreat, happening Sept. 25-27, 2024, at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, is an intimate gathering designed to empower women in balancing family, business, and faith. Limited to 20 attendees, this retreat features expert-led workshops, meaningful connections, and the chance to relax and reflect in a tranquil Kentucky setting. It's an opportunity to rediscover your true self and focus on what matters most. Secure your spot now for a transformative experience.

In this refreshing episode of "The Make Room Show," host Jennifer Ford Barry, a renowned professional organizer and coach, takes us on a vivid journey through her recent trip to Curacao. Celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary, Jennifer shares her experiences of exploring the Dutch island's serene beauty, its safe and open environment, and the unique wildlife encounters she had, including a special moment with a sea turtle. Beyond the travel tales, Jennifer weaves in powerful life lessons about seeking freedom, finding peace amidst uncertainty, and embracing life's moments. This episode resonates with women looking to create more room in their lives for what matters most, offering practical insights into embracing change, celebrating milestones, and prioritizing experiences over possessions. It's a heartfelt call to action for listeners to explore, cherish relationships, and find peace and freedom in their lives.

Talking Points:

• Celebrating Milestones: Jennifer's 25th wedding anniversary trip to Curacao as a symbol of enduring love and the importance of celebrating life's milestones.
• Embracing New Experiences: The joy of exploring Curacao's unique landscape, culture, and wildlife, highlighting the value of new experiences in personal growth.
• Safety and Serenity: Jennifer's emphasis on the island's safety and the sense of peace it offered, resonating with listeners seeking calm and secure travel destinations.
• Wildlife Encounters: Memorable interactions with sea turtles and flamingos, underscoring the beauty of connecting with nature.
• Finding Freedom: Reflections on freedom and peace in personal life and the broader context of current societal changes.
• The Power of Travel: Advocating for travel as a means to rejuvenate, escape routine, and gain perspective.
• Life Transitions: Jennifer's candid discussion on navigating the empty nest phase, offering comfort and solidarity to listeners in similar life stages.
• Prioritizing Experiences Over Materialism: A message aligning with the theme of making room for what truly matters—relationships and experiences.
• The Importance of Unplugging: The benefit of taking breaks from daily routines and digital connectivity to recharge.

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If you're ready to break free from discontentment, overwhelm, and step into a life of purpose and abundance, Power House is your opportunity. This program empowers you to unlock your unlimited potential. Over 6 months, learn to enhance productivity, achieve greater organization, create wealth, eliminate mental and emotional clutter, and feel energized about life. More details here.