Sunday, November 8, 2015

Tidying Up!

I'm currently going through the KonMari Method for simplifying, organizing, and storing.  I'm listening to the book on audible.  I've actually re-listened to a few chapters to make sure that I am soaking in the information.  I'm really encouraged and optimistic.
Before beginning, you have to imagine what you want your life to be like once your home is tidy. This is your vision and the "why" for going through the process.  I have written my list and it sounds heavenly.  I will drive into a carport that is free of any extras...no tools, no junk, no I'll put this away later anythings.  My entry way will be uncluttered and my house will smell clean and fresh when I enter.  My flat spaces that now seem to be a catch-all will be free from anything that catches my eye.    This is KEY for me and I know it.  If there are things in piles I cannot relax.  It always makes me feel as though there is more to do and I won't be able to get to it.

Progress has been made.  I've been using her principles to adjust my way of thinking.  I don't look for what I will throw away so much anymore but I group everything and look for what I will keep.  I will keep those things that bring me joy!  JOY!  So far, I have (with Henry's help) emptied the linen closet and cleared out anything that is not purposeful.  It feels great to open that door and peek in.  I have also purged tons and books and craft supplies.  The method states that you should do one category at a time and that totally makes sense.  Otherwise, you will always feel like "I just did this!"  So far, I have done the categories of clothing, books, and linens.

I'm blogging here so that I can look back and see all of the progress that I've made!

Happy decluttering!
The craft closet - it's not perfect but it has come a LONG way!  



Thursday, November 5, 2015

It's Worth It

It feels as though all of my posts lately (all two of them) have had a common theme.  The theme being that life rushes past quickly and I'm trying to savor it.  I'm trying somewhere between the loads of laundry and load of homework to nurture these children that I've been given.
I was texting (because I can do that and supervise homework and cook chili) with a friend a few minutes ago.  She has three children under the age of five, including a two month old.  She's tired and she's often overwhelmed.  Because, well, because she is a mom.  I was telling her that I totally get it.  This parenting thing is hard.  I added that it is hard. And wonderful. And tiring. And beautiful. And worth it most of the time.....except when it doesn't feel like it is.
Then they grow up and they don't call or text as much as you'd like.  You don't lay your eyes on them as much as you'd like.  You think back to how much you did when you were busy and how you kept going when you were tired.  You realize that you'd do it all again even if you knew that they might not remember all of the details.
Hopefully they have an understanding that your life became so much about them the moment you knew about them.
I often describe parenting as a "hard gig."  But I know of nothing else that could be done from pure love when all other resources fail.