Nurtured Paths Bio (Kathy Goodwin)

I have a masters in library science and worked as a librarian/manager for trade associations in Washington, D.C. for several years. During this time I also volunteered and later worked for a women's counseling and career center as program specialist and workshop leader.

A friend, who worked with me at the counseling center, suggested I explore the idea of becoming a professional organizer. She said that it would be a way to combine my organizing skills (librarian) with my "people" skills (counseling center.) Now eight years later, having worked and spoken with hundreds of individuals and families about their frustrations and struggles around organizing, I've concluded what I sensed at the very beginning, it's not about the "stuff." And it's not about "getting" organized.

"Getting organized" is static, a moment in time. What works and what lasts is nurturing our space and in turn it nurtures us. Organization is part of that process, but so is patience, persistence and awareness. That's what I do - work hands on with the actual sorting, organizing and at the same time support clients as they move towards the bigger picture. A realization that they have a relationship with their space and it needs to be honored. It is the first and primary place of self-respect. Every time, I see the person I am working with simply move in this direction, other aspects of their lives start to shift in a positive direction as well. Our inner-selves and outer world are connected with an intimacy that we can only imagine. It is critical we do our best to nurture both.

In all aspects of my work, I consistently see the compelling role intuition or that "gut feeling" plays in creating and adapting to change.
Some people use intuition sparingly, while others use it as the basis for their decisions. However it is implemented, it is always a vital part of the organizing process. Part of my work is to show people effective and often easier ways to access what they already know and be more confident in their decision making process.

A person I was recently working with asked me what kind of situation I liked working in. Was it workshops, organizing ( a great deal of stuff, manageable amounts, etc.)? This is what I told her - "in a way it doesn't matter if I'm teaching someone how to create a filing system, organize a closet or working with a client's insights because they have a common thread. Each person, in their own way wants clarity and space. And whether it is intentional or not, they are making room, making room to grow and let life back in."

I cannot imagine a more engaging, exciting place to be than at that juncture.