How I Became an Organised Person?

I got married to my sister’s brother-in-law. So all the drama of moving to a new family, new place and getting adjusted did not happen. Since my sister was in Ireland and Chennai until I got engaged, I visited her (now my) In-laws more often than her. Despite that, Prabu and I had hardly spoken to each other during that time, apart from formal birthday wishes every year.

Prabu had rented a three-bedroom apartment for his studio purpose before marriage. So for almost six months after we got hitched, we stayed in the studio cum apartment, but we were fed at my In-laws (yes, my in-laws also happen to be brothers who married sisters, so double the food and double the pampering).

This background info is for you to understand the horror story that follows.

I visited the studio for the first time, a week after marriage. Until then, everything was rosy. I removed my footwear and walked a few steps. I can never in my life forget the lines that followed next. ‘Nandhini, can you put those slippers straight and parallel to the tiles border,’said Prabu. Ohhh Myyy God, this is insane. I had always believed that I was the perfect girl, a good planner but all those notions were shattered right at the entrance.

Once inside, I noticed that there wasn’t much lying around. Everything was in its place as though it was nailed into the position.

Prabu’s drawer: This is how it is, anytime and everytime.

Every day passed on, like an organised nightmare. There were many thoughts juggling in my head.

•    Being too organised would take up a lot of time in putting things in place more than even using them.

•    Life will be mechanical when one follows too many instructions just to live.

•    Organizing can be done in one’s leisure time.

•    Organizing should not be forced on the other person.

•    People will probably find me too anal and uptight if I follow too many principles in life.

Weeks passed with all these uncomfortable feelings and thoughts about an organisational lifestyle.

One day, I was sick in bed. It was an important day for Prabu. He was getting ready for a meeting. I just observed each and every step of his. He flowed like air, very clear on what he was doing. He got ready as if it was his involuntary action. No tension, no hurry, no distractions and no wasting time searching for stuff. I was awestruck. And all the pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place. I sprang out of the bed and investigated the house inch by inch and feel in love with the concept.

When Prabu was back, I felt I was a new person, ready for a change. These are three simple mantras he taught me:

1. Everything has to have a designated place.

2. Everything has to be put back in its place only.

3. Group similar items together.

Though not very easy as it sounds, I ritually follow these three mantras. And this is what I feel:

•    All my routines are hassle free.

•    When I don’t stress my mind for routine work, I can use it more and concentrate more on creative work.

•    I am a lot more energetic, as my routines have become like involuntary actions.

•    I do not waste my time and money in misplacing and losing things.

•    Both of us have become more predictable of each other’s actions (we know, where each other would have kept an item, did a particular job, etc.,) and hence there is hardly any misinterpretation.

•    I feel a positive aura in a well-organised place.

•    I feel very productive.

•    I am always prepared for anything.

•    Being an organised gives clarity to my goals, speech and thoughts.

Being organised reflects in my personality, I just love that image of mine.