The recent release of Tim Burton’s “Alice In Wonderland” brings to mind one of the introductory characters of Wonderland – the March Hare. In this season of final exams and summer job hunts, First Communions and graduations, birthdays and weddings, spring-cleaning and vacation planning, we can find ourselves wondering “Where will I ever find the time?”

We begin to approach these “joyful” and “celebratory” events with dread. The vision of surviving them and hopes of merely “getting through it all” is suddenly our biggest life goal. As the To Do list and the messages pile up, we can find ourselves running to catch up to a schedule that seems to be moving along like a freight train on a downhill track and packed with more commitments than any one person should ever have. We run along behind yelling “I’m late, I’m late” while papers and presents, ribbons and cards, check book and dust rag fly out of our jam-packed arms!

So, what can we do? How do we get to be ready for the events of our lives and also get to enjoy them? Is it possible? Or is this something reserved for other people - perhaps rich people… with a wait staff.

I’m going to suggest three challenges that will allow you to have your cake and eat it too!

The first challenge is to change your perspective. What are you telling yourself about the upcoming events on your schedule? Is the graduation party for your nephew being held somewhere “too far” away? Is it on an inconvenient day? Are family members that you prefer not to see going to be there? The challenge is to put aside the specifics of the planning (how are you going to do this) and take a positive approach to the idea of the event: “I’m so proud of my nephew.” “I know my presence there will help create a better party.” “I’d rather be celebrating an achievement than bailing him out of a bind!” Whether you are organizing your stuff or your time, having a positive attitude is a way to take control of the experience you are going to have.

My second challenge is to take action. The time we spend worrying over what we can’t get done can be used to get something done! Using your new perspective, look at your schedule – your physical calendar. Block out actual periods of time and designate them for a specific purpose. For instance,

Daily: 8 to 8:30am – Respond to urgent emails
3 to 4pm – Clean
Wed: 6 to 9pm – Shop for cards & gifts
Thurs: 7 to 8:30 – Wrap/write cards

Whatever days or times work for you, planning is key when demands are high.

Finally, I challenge you to ask for support. Yes, we know that everyone is busy and everyone has commitments but, for a moment, acknowledge that in asking someone (spouse, child, friend, neighbor) for help you might actually be creating a bond that will enrich that relationship. When we work together to accomplish our goals we can accomplish more in less time.

• To contact Annette Reyman for organizing work or speaking engagements in the Greater Philadelphia area call 908-361-7105 or email her at annettereyman@gmail.com. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and its Philadelphia Chapter. View her Web site at www.allrightorganizing.com.