You’ll read in the first chapter about my story, what led me to write this book, and why organizing is so important as we move through the transitions of life.
Here, I honor individuals who have shared their wisdom with me. They have gently pushed me to be the person I was meant to become as I moved through my transitions. And they have shown me what I have to give to those around me. Your inspiration, support, and belief in me and my abilities to get this book written was instrumental in sharing expertise with people I’ve never met.
And to my readers, some of these are professionals you may want to seek out yourself.
To Donna, my biggest supporter from the beginning, believing I had more to offer than I even understood, and who believed in me unconditionally. You are a treasure of a unique kind.
To Roberta, who came up to the lake to give me a cooking lesson and suggested I check out “those organizing shows” on TV because I’d be great at it.
To Denslow Brown, who realized coaching skills needed to come to the organizing industry and built The Coach Approach program and Organizer Coach Certification. As a coach and mentor, you’ve asked insightful and creative questions. Your friendship arrived at a perfect time in my life.
To Robin Warren, website designer and friend, who often enough complimented my writing and encouraged me to do more with it.
To my clients: You are amazing. You learn about yourselves. I learn from you. You share what you may not have shared with others. I am honored to support you through your transitions. You have made me better in my chosen career in the second chapter of my life.
To Jacqueline Musser, my book editor. Jackie’s been my book shepherd and editor, believing in the value of what I write about, believing in my writing abilities, gently delivering suggestions for improvement or clarity, and being so organized about it all! Most important, you allowed me to write and took care of everything else, which is exactly how I wanted to do this. I respect your talents tremendously.
To the Institute for Challenging Disorganization, an extraordinary resource for organizing professionals as well as for the public. This group really understands what organizing is about for people, and demonstrates that through its education, membership, and service to the public and our profession. Thank you for constantly raising the bar so we can be better and better for our clients.
To my cribbage crew: We all need support as we move through life changes. Wednesday nights, after school, for pizza and red wine and lots of life conversations was just what I needed as my life changed.
To the Enos family, who has shown me a different face of family: I’m so thrilled you have been in my life; “you don’t have to be crazy to be in this family, but it sure doesn’t hurt!”
To my closest friends today: What would I do without you? You are my extended family. Your support and love shows me what friendship is really about.
To my grandmothers. Strong, independent, and wise women, they went to college in the days when women weren’t supposed to. Both inspired me in different ways, and still do today.
To my aunt Fay, who passed away this year. One of the most authentic, genuine people I have been blessed to know. Rebellious, funny, and unconditional in her love—all qualities I continue to aspire to make my own. Heaven is a lucky place.
To my family: You raised me with strength, independence, and a sense of humor. My curiosity for learning started with you. My adaptability and interest in connecting with people started with you. Thank you for being who you are.