Those of us who work outside of the home know what it's like to walk into the office and assume the duties of our job. We turn into different animals than we are at home - and that's good. Professionalism is important and relaxation is even more important.
I am often amazed by how many people have hidden talents and hobbies in thier personal lives that have absolutely nothing to do with thier professions. That's good - it's healthy.
In the age of crackberries and 24/7 accessibility, we should be able to unplug, unwind and un-work at our homes. That's why home is so important.
But what happens when home becomes a place of chaos, mismanagement, disarray, stacks of unopened mail, late bills, impossible to find warranties for broken appliances?
What happens when we need to help with a school project that was remembered at 8:30 p.m. the night before it's due and we're already in our jammies and will not be running to the supercenter to buy supplies...over my dead body?
What happens on December 23 when we realize that Christmas has arrived and no cards were sent and the Day Care ladies really deserve a gift?
What happens when you're searching for Great Aunt Dolly's address at the retirement home...it's not listed...it's midnight and you need to get the card in mail tomorrow night...and your mother would really resent a phone call right now.
What happens when you finally get a gift on time and you need to ship it tomorrow, but there isn't any way you're going to get to the UPS Store before it closes between your meetings and pick-up/drop-off duties?
What happens when your house is always a spilled cup of cereal away from Chernobyl?
You get these little humps on your shoulders and are always living in a state of anxious. I know, I've been there.
We yearn for the standardization, the organization, the bliss of our offices where everything is in it's place. Everyone knows where to find the stuff they need. Supplies are copious, organized and stored in neat closets and armoires ready to be devoured for the next presentation.
Many working moms go to work to take a break. It's a place where they're mostly in control. They know what to expect. They're successful there. Even on the worst day at work, we can find some sense in it.
Why?
At work, companies spend millions every year to be organized and efficient. We lean, six sigma, 5-S. We know the 7 Habits. We understand each other's Myers-Briggs. We know what we're supposed to do, have the tools to do it and are rewarded when it's done.
Because we do this all day, we often neglect the organization of our own homes and families because we're tired and we don't want to do work when we get home. But perhaps we should.
By employing some of the best practices and strategies that our companies have taught us, spent thousands to create and that we use every day, we're certain to institute some bliss into our domesticity. Even if we only scratch the surface.
This isn't just about technology and file cabinets. It's not about having a home office or a massive bulletin board in your kitchen. Though those things might be useful and part of your strategy, there are simplier and more obscure ways to insert corporate strategy into your home.
And I'm sure you'll think of more ideas than what is listed here. I encourage you to share these ideas in the comments - who knows what other working moms (or dads) might be searching for. They might need the answer that you already have.
So stop fretting over the pile of children's art falling off of the kitchen counter. Put down the Hello Kitty stapler you stole out of the marker box to fasten a receipt to the warranty that you won't be able to find next year when the inflatable pool get's torn by the riding lawn mower.
If you were at work right now (and maybe you are...to be shamed!), how would you manage all of this? Go get the stuff you need to do it - and do it. It may take a couple of hours, but you'll be glad that you did.
Here's to Domestic Bliss!
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