Let's take our live's back and get out from under all the clutter!

Today, at church one of the speakers talked of getting our live's back.  He talked about the 5 s's used in his workplace for order.  He mentioned that sometimes our lives get so cluttered with things and schedules that we might be so weighted down, that we might miss the important and spiritual things in life just trying to get out from underneath all the clutter.  Because I love order so much, I especially enjoyed his message, and was inspired to set a goal to declutter my life and home, little bit, by little bit this year.  I think if I accomplish this lofty goal, I will be refreshed and rejuvenated in my quest to enjoy life to its fullest.  Please comment and share your decluttering experiences this year.  Below, I will paste the definitions of the 5's business suggestions which I think we can totally apply to our home life as well.  These definitions are taken from wikipedia.

Phases of 5S

There are 5 primary phases of 5S: sorting, straightening, systematic cleaning, standardizing, and sustaining.

Sorting

Eliminate all unnecessary tools, parts, and instructions. Go through all tools, materials, and so forth in the plant and work area. Keep only essential items and eliminate what is not required, prioritizing things per requirements and keeping them in easily-accessible places. Everything else is stored or discarded.

Straightening or setting in order / stabilize

There should be a place for everything and everything should be in its place. The place for each item should be clearly labeled or demarcated. Items should be arranged in a manner that promotes efficient work flow, with equipment used most often being the most easily accessible. Workers should not have to bend repetitively to access materials. Each tool, part, supply, or piece of equipment should be kept close to where it will be used – in other words, straightening the flow path. Seiton is one of the features that distinguishes 5S from "standardized cleanup". This phase can also be referred to as Simplifying.^[1]

Sweeping or shining or cleanliness / systematic cleaning

Clean the workspace and all equipment, and keep it clean, tidy and organized. At the end of each shift, clean the work area and be sure everything is restored to its place. This makes it easy to know what goes where and ensures that everything is where it belongs. Spills, leaks, and other messes also then become a visual signal for equipment or process steps that need attention. A key point is that maintaining cleanliness should be part of the daily work – not an occasional activity initiated when things get too messy.

Standardizing

Work practices should be consistent and standardized. All work stations for a particular job should be identical. All employees doing the same job should be able to work in any station with the same tools that are in the same location in every station. Everyone should know exactly what his or her responsibilities are for adhering to the first 3 S's.

Sustaining the discipline or self-discipline

Maintain and review standards. Once the previous 4 S's have been established, they become the new way to operate. Maintain focus on this new way and do not allow a gradual decline back to the old ways. While thinking about the new way, also be thinking about yet better ways. When an issue arises such as a suggested improvement, a new way of working, a new tool or a new output requirement, review the first 4 S's and make changes as appropriate.

Thoughts to consider:

• A cluttered mind is a devils workshop.
• Create a list of basics needed in our lives as we decide what clutter to get rid of.
• We give our live's to that which we give our time.
• How does our clutter affect our family?
• Am I too busy with things that are taking away from my divine role?
• Keep things simple.
• Choose the simple way.
• Less is more - quality vs. quantity
• God's plan is simple.  How are we complicating his plan?
• Are we reading scriptures in clutter, or praying with distractions?
• If you are not sure you are ready to get rid of something, send it to a holding area, see if you can live without it, give yourself a date to make the final give away decision.
• Order contributes to success.

Thanks to Reece Barker for his comments and challenge for getting our live's back.

Let's lighten our loads, and see the joy of life that will be uncovered.  Please comment on your experiences of 2012.  May we all have the best year ever.          Marilyn