What is it about that strike of midnight on New Year’s Eve that makes us feel the sudden pressure to improve ourselves? Make our body size smaller or be nicer or more relaxed or try new things, eat and/or drink less - to be better. I, however, look at the new year as an opportunity to make my life easier. Work smarter, not harder. To accomplish this never-ending goal, I make sure all my belongings are where they're supposed to be. I have always used the organizing mantra that “everything has a place”. However, this is the difficulty we all face - finding that perfect spot for all the things. For some, this can get tricky, especially if you have a smaller space to work with. Of course, it is a little easier with more space. In any case, you still need a little discipline and the desire for a more stress free lifestyle. Yes, being organized in your home will alleviate the daily stress you might feel. However, not all stress will dissipate, but getting organized certainly helps a lot.
Some of us are into dry January, or damp January as some call it, or even trying a gym membership. I am offering a different wellness challenge: to go room by room and purge, clean out, donate, tidy up - whatever you want to call it, but DO IT. Set a lofty time goal - let’s say spring. It could be the first day of spring or the last, whatever works best for you (but I do mean this spring). I wouldn’t want to stress everyone out by trying to get less stressed - it would seem counterintuitive. I believe that by making small, achievable goals - you will reach your end result. This is a challenge we can all get behind!
My husband likes to say that some of our closets remind him of the cobbler whose family needs better shoes, so I am taking on the challenge myself. This is a list of areas I know could use a little love:
Under bathroom sinks
Linen closets
Front hall closets
Under kitchen sink
Pantry Closet
Refrigerator
Kids Drawers & Closet (1 child at a time)
Parent’s Drawers & Closet (1 parent at a time)
End tables
10. Kids Play Area
11. Office or wherever you keep bills & important papers
12. Junk drawer(s)
13. Dining room breakfront
Tackle each spot per week. Donate, recycle, or throw out. Invest in some fresh containers (Home Goods, Target, The Container Store). Celebrate and enjoy your accomplishments when you check off each newly organized space. Keep that happy feeling, which will help get you to the next week for your next challenge. Do not overdo. It is very easy to get discouraged and overwhelmed, but be sure to finish each project once you start it. It doesn't have to be perfect (tThen, when spring arrives or ends, all will be in the right place! You will know where everything is at a moment's notice, and you will be able to breathe and feel lighter.
Good luck to all! YOU CAN DO THIS! I promise you won’t be disappointed! Please reach out to Living Simple if you need assistance or even moral support, contact us at www.livingsimple.info or Maureen Fallon at 817-797-4177.
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