Outer Order, Inner Calm

by Deb Dana

In December we will be reading Outer Order, Inner Calm: Declutter and Organize to Make More Room for Happiness by Gretchen Rubin.

This is a very quick read that mostly deals with organizing the physical clutter in our lives for the purpose of creating more mental clarity. Gretchen writes: “By getting rid of the things I don’t use, don’t need, or don’t love, as well as the things that don’t work, don’t fit, or don’t suit, I free my mind – and my shelves – for what I truly value.” When your physical environment is cluttered with stuff, it inevitably affects your physiology and your mental state, so “by managing my possessions, I can improve my emotional attitude, my physical health, my intellectual vigor, and even my social life.”

This book is a collection of simple ideas to make your living environment comfortable and organized, while taking into account your individual preferences and ways of running your household. It also helps to infuse your organizing efforts with meaning.  I picked this book because it is a very easy read and feels appropriate for the holiday season. It can help set you on the right track in terms of organizing for the next year.