Growing up, my mother would often say, “Do as I say, not as I do.” It was not until I was an adult that I really understood what this meant. As a professional organizer, I have been guilty of telling my clients exactly that for years, but not following my own advice!

Yes, I confess, of late, I have had trouble working in my office. I have been feeling overwhelmed with everything around me. I do have enough space and I am fortunate to have a beautiful, calming lake view. Of course I use the Alpha-Omega Organizer™, but my office just didn’t seem to work for me.

Recently, I attended the Diva Toolbox Conference and one of the speakers really made me have an ‘ah- ha’ moment! Yvonne Phillips is a Feng Shui expert and incorporates these principles in homes and the workplace. She spoke of how to create the flow of energy in your office through balance and harmony. Of course, I had to get her book and maybe all this ancient Chinese science will help me be more focused and productive in my office!

In her book, Feng Shui ABC1, Yvonne states, “If you have your home and your office in balance, you are now centered-balanced. You are actually strong, focused and able to proceed with your day to day living. You are able to meet any challenges of your day because you have created this harmony in your life. This is the key to your success and happiness-balance.” Wow, this is what I have been missing; harmony and balance.

I decided I would implement the Feng Shui practice and took a day off to get started. I cleaned out the clutter, ordered a new more streamlined desk, and I immediately felt the energy flowing. I used the Feng Shui Bagua map to arrange my office in the nine prescribed areas and used the elements or colors that represent the different parts of my life. Following are the specific ways I implemented these principles in my office.

1) Wealth-Prosperity; I have an amethyst crystal I found while on a field trip with my grandson! Purple is a color for prosperity.
2) Fame-Reputation; I have a lamp with a dragonfly whose wings are red stained glass. The color red represents fame and, of course, I want people to know about my organizing products!
3) Relationships- Personal & Business; Years ago, my sister-in law made me wooden ducks, they have always been in my office and they remind me of important relationships in my life!
4) Family & Community - all people around you; I display a picture of my precious grandsons in a wood frame.
5) Heath-Everyone’s health who live in the home; Yvonne said just a piece of yellow cloth or paper under your computer works, so that is what I did.
6) Children & Creativity- All who live in the house; I put a handmade decorative metal piece over my door.
7) Knowledge-Life learning; My reference books are handy on a nearby the book shelf.
8) Career-your job; The career element is water, so the lake view is the perfect inspiration!
9) Helpful People- Those who support you day to day; I have a picture of my daughter, Megan, who works with me and who gives me great inspiration and encouragement!

If you are feeling the lack of energy, inspiration, and success, take some time to learn about Feng Shui and use it in your home and work space. I hope you have an ‘ah, ha’ moment, too!

This article was written by Kathleen Cowley. To get more great advice from Diva Toolbox Media Diva Kathleen Cowley, visit her website at:  http://www.alphaomegacollection.com

1 Yvonne Phillips, Feng Shui ABC (Pennsylvania: Creative Color & Design, 2005), 9.