Life Lessons:
Bonnie Joy Dewket
*Are you happy at the moment?
I am. I have bad days and good days of course, but I think happiness is all about finding some special, no matter how small, every single day.
*If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?
Don’t worry so much. I’ve spent so much of my life planning and worring that I’ve missed some important moments. It’s all about embracing NOW.
*What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
Less is more. Less space means less to clean. Less stuff means less time putting away. Simplicity is best and leaves you time for other things.
*What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?
I’m working towards becoming completely mobile in my business so that I can work from anywhere. I’m on my way and I hope to take on more clients soon.
*What’s your secret to happiness?
Being happy for what you have. There’s never a perfect time to be happy…it’s TODAY. Your home, clothes, body and everything else will be perfect in time, but embracing today and all it has to offer is the key to happiness.
*What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?
Yoga. Without yoga I would be a hot mess. It not only requires that I take time for myself, it grounds me, humbles me and strengthens me, body and mind.
*What’s your biggest regret?
My biggest regret is not embracing some of the times I had when I was younger with my family. I was always thinking about something else. In reality life is about being present in the moment, not worrying about the future. I wish I’d known this earlier.
*What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?
I don’t have kids, but I’ve rescued two dogs who were “unadoptable” and had multiple other families before us. For me, it’s all about embracing their personality and working with it. We’ve turned two dogs that no one wanted into two dogs who LOVE to snuggle. Summit, our deaf dog, has even learned sign language.
*What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?
I wish I could be easier on myself. I’m my toughest critic and will beat myself up in a way I would never treat anyone else.
*Aside from motherhood/fatherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?
I’m most proud of the person I’ve become. I’ve come through a lot and I’m here to tell the tale. I am thrilled that I can help others live a better life journey through my blog and speaking engagements. I am also proud of the person I am to my dogs. They have taught me patience, love and acceptance. I wish I could rescue every dog!
*When were you happiest?
I think right now. I’ve been blindingly happy in the past, and then had it fall away. I’m the wisest I’ve ever been, I’m careful about who I have in my life and I’m taking the time to take gratitude in every single day. I’ve never been able to find this gratitude before.
*What ten words best describe you?
Creative, Kind, Outdoorsy, Energetic, Ambitious, Silly, Nomadic, Fun, Dog Lover, Entrepreneur, Daughter
Bonnie Joy Dewkett, CPO® is a nationally recognized organizing expert, author, motivational speaker, and internet radio personality. She began organizing as a child, and she has been organizing ever since. Her company, The Joyful Organizer®, creates and implements organizational systems for the home and office. These changes allow her Customers to create calm from chaos at work and at home. Bonnie is passionate about helping her clients meet their organizational goals, and loves to see the positive impact that getting organized has on their lives.
Bonnie’s organizing advice has been featured all over the world in print and digitally. Some highlights include Better Homes and Gardens, Good Housekeeping, Ladies Home Journal, The Huffington Post, Parents, and Woman’s Day. Bonnie has achieved the prestigious designation of Certified Professional Organizer, CPO®, from The Board of Certification for Professional Organizers. Making her one of only six in the State of Connecticut, and less than twenty-five in all of New England. She sits on the Board of Certification for Professional Organizers as Director of Communications.
Bonnie received a B.S. in Resource and Agribusiness Management from The University of Maine in 2001. She completed work on her M.B.A. in May 2011, graduating summa cum laude from Nichols College.
