Sometimes I think the hardest part about starting something new is, well…starting it. After the idea has formed, the decision made and the planning done, it’s the action that comes next. Many times, this is where I see the flicker of uncertainty in people’s eyes. I’ve been through it too: “is this really a good idea? It’s going to be a lot of work. Do I have time? Do I want to undertake this and actually commit to it?” and then, “Doesn’t the kitchen need to be cleaned? Isn’t there something awesome on Netflix that needs my attention?” instead of diving in to the new thing and getting started.
Starting something doesn’t have to be stressful or scary, and it doesn’t have to be done alone. I got the idea for Elizabeth Harold after visiting my mom’s house one winter. I was helping put things away and had to hang something up in her closet. I walked in, turned around and and walked back out again. “Mom, what is going on in there?”, I asked. She laughed and made a joke about not wanting to go in either. To her own closet. I was astonished - not wanting to go into your own closet? What?? And I decided: No. Nope. That wasn’t going to happen for her anymore.
We made plans to meet again to tackle the closet review and organization. Immediately, my brain started working. Planning. I was making lists about what I would bring back (boxes, tape, markers), how we were going to deal with anything she didn’t want or need (where would it all go?), and what the schedule would look like. All of the sudden I knew. This was it! This is my thing, my purpose, my gift. Organization!
I had finally found what makes me overwhelmingly happy, the activity that makes my brain - and face - light up and gets me moving. I realized that organization that has the power to change someone’s life. I realized that I could help my mom remove some stress from her life, and free up space in her brain that had previously been preoccupied with avoiding her closet.
That is where Elizabeth Harold was born, and this is where EH will grow. I’m so excited to meet new people, to be challenged, to work hard and make a difference. I’m ready - are you?