Sojourner’s Clutter Free Workplace

I'm very fond of my cubicle at work. I've worked in a lot of different environments, but this space I can truly call my own. It's sort of like a "Mom Cave," a comfortable place where I like to get my work done. Let’s face it, full-time working folks (or moms) do spend just about as much or more time in their office space than at home, so we might as well make it our own.

I currently work at a nonprofit organization where the mission is to improve education in the South, focusing on grades K-20. I administer a program that allows students that are in-state to go out-of-state and pay in-state rates. My background is in higher education, and prior to coming to my new job, I worked in admissions at a southeastern university of art and design for almost 8 years.

I share my office space with four other people, so I think it's important to keep my belongings neat and tidy. I also find it easier for me to work and think more clearly in a clean environment. One or my co-workers laughs at me because my desktops stay clean. I swear I'm getting work done, but for some reason can't work with clutter. In order to stay organized I use the walls to post documents that I reference often, filing cabinets to store important papers, and storage compartments to keep track of little doodads.

Technology has also helped to maintain a clutter-free environment. For example, utilizing the computer’s programs such as Outlook help to keep meetings and reminders in order (thus eliminating the need for a day timer or additional paper calendars). Also, using the sticky notepad feature on my computer is a great way to keep a clutter-free environment while allowing sticky-note types to make notes needing attention on the computer. At the end of the day, I have found that living by the following quote (by Charisse Ward) has worked well for me and hopefully for you as well: "Bottom line is, if you do not use it or need it, it's clutter, and it needs to go."

Sojourner Marable Grimmett is an Atlanta-based author who is recognized for writing and speaking about the joys and challenges of being a “stay-at-work” mom and connects with moms, both new and experienced, who have the responsibility of raising a family and maintaining a full-time job. Sojourner has been featured in FitPregnancy, iVillage, MacaroniKid.com, BlackCelebKids.com, MyAtlantaMoms.com, WhatToExpect.com, BlackandMarriedwithKids.com, Fox News, and CNN. She is married to her college sweetheart, Roland and they have two young sons, Roland Jay “RJ” and Joshua Palmer “JP”. Visit her blog sojournermarablegrimmett.blogspot.com follow her on Twitter and like her on Facebook. Also join her new campaign to support establishing lactation rooms in public places www.supporttablefortwo.org.

Published

How to Live Your Life Without Losing Your Mind in Atlanta

Besides the scorching heat and humidity during the summers, one thing that sticks out in everyone's minds when you say "Atlanta," is the horrible traffic. Atlanta consistently ranks on the Top 10 Worst American Cities for bad traffic.  It's the daily grind, and the hustle and bustle that gets so many road-raged people worked up in the city.  Blood, sweat, and tears pour out on the concrete jungle.  According to the 2010 census, and Wikipedia, the Atlanta metropolitan area, with more than 5.4 million people, is the third largest in the Southeastern United States and the ninth largest in the country.

Atlanta is so busy at times, you wonder how people get from point A to B without losing their minds.  While witnessing and engaging with the daily road rage culprits and victims, it is a necessity to find ways to cope with the stress of traffic in the city. According to The Wellness Institute of America there are many Signs & Symptoms of Stress:

Common symptoms of stress:

• Tired, Exhausted
• Migraine/Tension Headaches
• Insomnia, Sleep Issues
• Tension in Neck, Shoulders

Stress can affect life and work:

• Limits daily activities
• Limits household duties
• Limits exercise - sports
• Limits hobbies - activities

Having lived in Atlanta on and off for about 10 years, I find ways to cope with stress by exercising, creative writing, taking family trips, pampering myself, and sometimes just staying indoors to enjoy family and “me time.”  Some people get massages to prevent a nervous breakdown, practice yoga, read, write, hike, or mediate.

However you choose to deal with stress, it's good to recognize when your emotions are starting to go "down hill," and do something about it.  Sometimes all you need to do is talk to someone you trust about your problem(s).  Find what you love to do to relax and do it.  If this activity can include your life purpose, then you will greatly benefit as well.

Visit my blog Married with Two Boys follow me on Twitter like me on Facebook and connect with me on LinkedIn. 

Published on MyAtlantaMoms.com.

Optimistic People Live Longer : I See the Glass As Half Full

My co-workers often comment on how cheerful I am in the office. I've learned to tone down my enthusiasm around some of them that arrive at 8:30 a.m., but wheels don't turn until about noon. I attribute my cheerfulness to my rah-rah years of being a cheerleader at Boulder High School, which has resulted in me having a permanent smile on my face. This is not to be confused with Batman's Joker's smile, because that's a bit scary. I tend to always see the glass as half full, and truly believe my positive outlook on life keeps me motivated on a daily basis. I recently read an article that said that optimistic people live longer and have healthier lives. I would have to agree.

I was flattered when recently, a young professional came up to me at a conference and said, "I really admire you, because you seem to have it all together. How do you do it?" I laughed and replied, "It's all a facade." Her mouth hung open and she caught a couple of fly's. I grinned and said, "I was only kidding and that I try to stay positive and optimistic when handling my work/life balance."

Life in general has its curve balls, but if you take each day one at a time and try to see the good in every situation, then you'll be on your way to living a healthier and happier life. I think sometimes people take themselves and situations too seriously. Uptight people need to relax and pessimists should take up yoga and just breath.

Published in Elephant Journal

Working Moms: 7 Tips for Success

• Absolve yourself of “mommy guilt.” You are doing the best that you can. 
• Remember that a desire for a career does not make you a bad mother, nor does a desire for work/life balance make you a bad employee. 
• Be proactive and creative. Many supervisors are open to considering creative solutions when they are presented, but will not be so conscious as to offer them unasked. 
• If you have a partner, ask that partner for help and unconditional support. 
• Find a community of mothers who also work outside the home. So much mom support is based on the stay-at-home crowd, and while some of our issues are the same, some are very different. 
• Remember that raising children only comes once in a lifetime.

Sojourner Marable Grimmett has a BA in communications from Clark Atlanta University and an MA in media studies from Pennsylvania State University. She is a stay-at-work mom and her experience in higher education spans over 10 years working in student services and enrollment management. She lives in southwest Atlanta with her husband, Roland and two young sons, Roland Jay and Joshua. Visit her blog: http://sojournermarablegrimmett.blogspot.com. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/sojournerruth