"Don't touch anything on my desk, I know right where everything is!"
I don't know how many times I heard my dad make statements such as this when trying to explain to my mother that she shouldn't try to organize his desk.
As I sit at my desk, laptop nestled into a spot I cleared for it, writing this article, I'm convinced that this organizational method is hereditary.
My wife, through the years, has learned that cleaning up my desk (much like she cleans up my sons' room when she can no longer stand the disarray) is no favor to me, nor to her.
But today I'm turning over a new leaf. I'm admitting that my "organized chaos" is inefficient, and unproductive (which is harmful), and stems primarily from procrastination (which is also harmful). So today I'm going to sort, reduce, prioritize, label, assemble, file, and systematize everything on my desk and in my office. Then I will begin the process of changing my habits to prevent the chaos from returning.
I'm certain that once this project is completed, I will be much more efficient and productive (which is helpful).
Except for one thing. Right now I know where everything is. In fact, as I look over my desk, I see my dad. And as I consider my habits, I see him, too. What if in the process of organizing myself I lose him? Right now I know right where he is.
I think this project can wait a while longer. I miss you, Dad.
What a wonderful (if a bit cluttered) way of remembering your dad! My parents were the very same way... in fact we called my dad's "office" (the kitchen table, where almost every important paper in his life was stamped with a coffee ring or two) the black hole! He could find things... my mom could find things...
ReplyDeleteAnd maybe that was their secret to keeping their financial lives away from us snoopy kids!
I have worked with so many people with so many different habits with their workspaces (and mine) that I have multiple styles and ways of doing my work around their habits!
Remember, it is easier to have the clutter on the outside and have a keen mind, than the other way around! Did you ever see the sign that says that "a clean house means that you are ignoring the kids!"
We share in common our love for our missing dads. Mine passed away in 2000, just before the end of my tax season, on April 12th. I got to hold him in my arms as he left this earth. Then I got to feel the deep love from him, his mom and dad, and who knows all else just afterwards. We are eternal beings, and your dad just may be peeking over your shoulder this very moment to hug you, hold you, and tell you that you better get that mess cleaned up before I nudge Leslie to come do it for you!