Peter Walsh on The Oprah Show Jan. 11, 2010
I can’t miss an Oprah episode with Peter Walsh. It’d be a crime! Today he did it again! He not only transformed a family’s home but transformed a family. Peter Walsh, organizational expert (noted that he’s not a professional organizer but an organizational expert so I’m thinking of changing my title, but that’s another blog), was on Oprah today featuring his “Striped Down” approach to transforming the family of four – mom, dad, and two sons, ages 15 and 5. The mother was stressed out by the mess and both parents were seeking good quality family time. Walsh says that we’ve all become completely disconnected. I think it’s ironic that what disconnects us are the tools we bought to connect us (but again, that’s another blog). To strip down means to lose anything preventing you from living your best life. For this family, Walsh challenged them to one week of
1. No cell phones or texting
2. No electronics (e-mail, computers, iPod, TV, microwave, etc)
3. Prepare and eat healthy meals together
4. Clean and organize the house
5. Family must hug and say “I love you” to each other at least one a day
Peter also posted these rules on a large board on the front lawn of the family’s home. And he removed the closet doors in the home so there was no more hiding from their mess.
On day two of the seven day challenge Peter Walsh arrives at the family’s home for some hands on organizing and coaching. First the entire family cleaned out their 3 car garage in 2 hours. Before Walsh’s arrival no cars would fit in the garage, after the organizing and cleaning all 3 cars fit. Peter used the FAST method to get it done…fast.
F – Fix a time to get it done
A – Anything that you have used stays. If you don’t use it, lose it!
S – Stuff that belongs to someone else or elsewhere needs to go
T – Trash what is trash
Day three brought out the emotional issues of the marriage. But the parents were able to identify and work through fears they had been avoiding. They reconnected!
Finally the family identified new family rules and took a two day road trip to Chicago to reappear on the Oprah show.
The show was great. It proves by getting organized, prioritizing your time, and setting boundaries you will inevitably live a better life for you and those around you.
For more info:
See Peter Walsh’s Stripped Down Challenge on Oprah.com
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