Peaceful Interiors with Colleen Billing

Colleen Billing is an expert on decluttering, organizing, and bringing peace to client’s homes. She has worked as a professional organizer for 18 years with her business Peaceful Interiors.    She also is a homeschooling mom, a spiritual director-in-training, and a longtime friend of Ginny and Mary Ellen, all of which which makes today’s conversation so personable, relevant, and fun.  If you’ve ever dreamt that your home could have the simplicity and beauty of a little monastery then today’s podcast is for you. It can be done and Colleen tells you how to do it.   Peaceful Interiors with Colleen Billing We know that many homeschool families, both moms and dads, struggle with organization and tidiness because the children are home all day, and if the kids are small, they create havoc. They are darling people and funny, but they are not neat.   The top three reasons to get ourselves organized. 1.     God is a God of order. We are created for order, beauty, and peace. When there is order, we can hear the voice of God and we simply feel better. 2.     Hospitality – When our home is in order, we are more inclined to be hospitable. We can throw our doors open, be a good host, and make our guests welcome. 3.     Kids learn better if there is order rather than chaos. Studies show learning capability increases when the home has a good routine and order.  How to make your home into a little monastery - simple and beautiful. Find the small things that bring you joy. For Colleen for example, it’s twinkle lights. True minimalism is to bring peace and beauty, not just eliminate stuff. Want to know how to Declutter? You need to know yourself.  ·      What are your weak spots? ·      Do you use it?  ·      Do you use it regularly? ·      Do you really love it?  ·      Are you holding on to it for the wrong reason? Don't hoard the gifts Everything we have is a gift from God,  Donating what you don't need and love is an act of charity. Don't buy things at thrift stores/garage sales because they are inexpensive - someone else may need them. The Best Lesson We Can Teach Our Children We do our kids a disservice when we don't teach them to care for their homes.  You need to train the children to run their own homes. Where to start? The kitchen is the heart of your home, and your bedroom is your sanctuary, so begin there. The Takeaway - Don't start tomorrow with today's mess.   Colleen Billing is a Catholic speaker, retreat leader, and has been a member of the Franciscan-based community, The Brothers and Sisters of Charity, for 25 years. The community is a Public Association of the Faithful, recognized by Rome and under the direction of the Bishop of Little Rock, Arkansas.    She is in a Spiritual Director program through the Franciscan University of Steubenville and plans to graduate in January. Colleen has been married to Andrew for 31 years. They have five children and three of their sons have gotten married in the last three years. They are expecting a grandson in September and a granddaughter in October.   Resources A Mother's Rule of Life by Holly Pierlot http://www.flylady.net/   Get in touch with Colleen! On Facebook - Colleen Gallagher Billing Peaceful Interiors [email protected]