What to do when your hands need to be busy? Before this weekend, purging and organizing a few parts of my home was on my list. A list that nagged me everytime the house cleaner came and the house still didn’t feel the way it should. “Too much stuff.” I’d mutter, trying to organize what she cleaned. This weekend, while being one that produced heartache, sadness, frustration, and so much more, It also gave me an oppurtunity to do something with my hands. No it wasn’t just texting for some common-sense gun reform or writing about clear racism, it was also, re-adjusting the toxicity and attempting to claim some control and gain some space in my home.
While there is a video I’ll post of the process a bit later, I wanted to share that oftentimes, the shift of a room, the letting go, and the clearing, allows for a slice of relief on awful days. Did I sleep great last night? No. Did I sleep much better than I would have if I didn’t purge and organize every part of the kids room? A hard yes.
I gave myself these things:
+ No kids
+ An hour. Which turned into three. There was more than I thought!
+ A clear recycling bag for stoop shuffling. A black bag for garbage.
+ A good get things cleaned playlist.
+ A reassessment of our favorite baskets and what they may be able to hold (and not).
+ A hot shower and coffee as a treat post clean-up. Nothing sweeter.
What I also got were two kids who read new (old) books before bed. Two kids that found themselves pre-occupied this morning with the ease of sifting through, and the finding of toys they once loved. Two kids that let me exercise and meditate without interuption before 9:20 AM.
Does this give me all the answers? Absolutely not. But for a moment in time, there was purging, organizing, and a very brief (and gratifying) respite for me and my heart and a few months worth for the kids, too.
How are you doing?
P.S
Foldable laundry basket (on the doorknob), hair-care basket (on the floor) and glass jars for organizing art stuff.
This is really lovely and inspiring! Looking forward to carving out an hour (or two or three) and doing just this same thing. It reminds me of Gretchen Rubin’s mantra: outer order, inner calm.
Thank you, Kate! And yes, exactly like that mantra!!
xox
LaTonya