Information Irene Since she was a little girl, Irene loved books and knowledge, learning interesting facts, and staying current on a variety of subjects. She tore out articles from newspapers and magazines for future reference and eventually printed information from the Internet. Wherever she went - presentations, museums, the theatre, vacations - she brought home brochures, programs, and maps, frequently taking more than one copy just in case others needed it. Friends were impressed with her knowledge, and Irene enjoyed being the person people looked to for historical data, current events, and little known particulars about a wide range of subjects.

In the beginning, Irene neatly labeled and organized everything. But as the years passed, she found it nearly impossible to keep up with the amount of information available or the time and energy it took to manage it all. After years of habitual saving, every surface in her small townhouse was covered with papers, boxes, and books; a kitchen chair and one cushion on her couch were spared for sitting. Irene was lonely, overwhelmed, depressed and fatigued. Because she had stopped inviting people over years ago, she rarely had the need or opportunity to refer to her information, the majority of which was either outdated or so disorganized it would have been impossible to find anything anyway.

Options If Irene continues to identity herself as Information Irene, her inability to read and remember everything will paralyze her and keep her rooted in the past. However, if she's ready to look at her past behavior and how keeping papers no longer benefits her, she can begin the process of letting go and create a future that offers space for new opportunities, relationships, and joy.

Taking the First Step Buried in paper, where does Irene begin?

1. In order to move forward, Irene must let go of any guilt, shame or embarrassment about her situation and allow people into her home to help.
2. She needs to schedule a minimum 4-hour work session with a professional, trusted friend or family member who will encourage and support her as she moves forward.
3. With three boxes she can begin. One for dated material that must be handled immediately - bills, unopened mail, time-sensitive correspondence. One for magazines, newspapers, and catalogs. The third (and more) for all loose papers.

Motivation Once Irene gets started, how does she stay motivated to continue?

1. At the end of four hours, Irene will see progress and have cleared spaces that will motivate her to schedule regular sessions to continue.
2. After every clearing session, Irene needs to celebrate her accomplishment with a reward. Dinner out would be a good reward since it doesn't involve bringing anything new into her home.
3. Irene's biggest motivation will be the vision of her life without the information anxiety or a home filled with boxes and paper.

It's never too late to get started. Remember Thoreau's words "go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined."

"I wanted to let you know the results of my feng shui that you gave me for my quest for success with my Weekenders business in the month of December. I needed to sell $10,582 and sponsor 2 fashion coordinators to win the prestigious Butterfly Award for 2004.

I followed everything you recommended and it worked. I put bells on my front door, white intention candle on the island, red napkins and placemats on kitchen table, sales receipts in far corner of family room. I immediately felt the energy change when I did this. My house felt "hot".

By December 31, I had sold $12,272 and sponsored 2 new coordinators. I believe the energy created had a positive effect on my performance and mental attitude. Thank you so much for your generosity of sharing your feng shui skills with me. You are the best! Jan Stull, Fashion Coordinator, Weekenders USA

By applying the principles of Feng Shui - placement, color, symbolism, and intention - you have the ability to change and improve your life. The Ba-Gua energy grid over your floor plan determines which of the 9 areas of your life you'd like to change, and then cures and enhancements are recommended that will provide daily visual reminders and energy shifts to bring about the changes you desire. Usually Feng Shui is focused on the inside of a home. However, Feng Shui is also beneficial outside your home.

This month while warm weather encourages you to enjoy your yard, deck or patio, consider adding these Feng Shui enhancements to your landscaping. Clutter clearing is always the pre-requisite before making any Feng Shui adjustments. Make certain the area is clear of rubbish, anything broken or in need of repair, and anything you do not love, use, or need. Focus this month on your Abundance and Prosperity Gua.

Abundance, Prosperity, Accumulation, Fortunate Blessings Found in the back upper left corner of your yard, deck or patio, this area represents fortunate blessings and an abundance of all good things in your life - not just money. These suggestions can help you bring more abundance into your life.

1. Add wood and water items: Furniture, decking or fence, planters, pond, fountain, bird bath
2. Use purple and yellow (gold and silver too) for prosperity and happiness. Consider flowers, furniture, table covers, pots and planters painted gold, silver, purple, yellow.
3. Best flowers and plants: iris, pansy, gladioli, chrysanthemum, marigold, fuschia, coleus, columbine, lupine, money plant, purple coneflower, purple ice plant, wisteria, aster
4. Include symbols of your intention for abundance: antiques or items of "value", gazing globe or mirror to double energy, chairs and tables for an abundance of friends, an umbrella and swing for an abundance of quiet, reflective time.