Envisioning a New Life – Step One: Conquer clutter!

A few days ago, I realized that my life was on pause. I was waiting for the post-pandemic world when I could return to all the activities I loved. Maybe that made sense at first, when we all thought we’d be back to normal in a few months, but reality has set in.

Acceptance: I’ve come to embrace this concept. Not acceptance as in approval, but acceptance of reality, of what *is* rather than what I wish would be.

Gratitude: I often remember how lucky I am to have an income, friends, health, modern conveniences such as the internet, zoom, and curbside pickup. [However, feeling one “should” be grateful can lead to guilt rather than a feeling of being blessed.

Goals: Here is concept that has taken down a twisty road with many side trips.
– I started by listing my goals: physical and mental health and well being, getting organized, new computer, finish writing the new mystery series, etc. etc. But I realized that my goals were a laundry list of things, like a wish list I might put on Amazon, knowing I’ll change my mind by the time I can afford the items.

For you see, to choose the right goals, you need to know what you really, really want out of life.

So, after much reflection, what’s first on my list?

An organized, clean home.

Spending so much time at home has made me less organized, less tidy, and increasingly frustrated by the clutter that surrounds me. When I worked away from home, cleaning was something I did on a semi-regular basis on one of my weekly days off. But now it seems as if I am always cleaning and nothing is ever clean! I do dishes several times a day (it seems, though that’s probably not true), and yet I can never find a clean spoon.

But now I have a plan. It’s based on one concept–habits. I’m going to develop habits (wish me luck lol) to keep my home neat and tidy instead of waiting for it to get messy and then cleaning. I’ve downloaded the FlyLady app on my phone for starters, which helps you take baby steps rather than trying to do everything and getting overwhelmed.

Do you have habits that help you in your life?