Saturday, January 2, 2010

Day 27 – Letter I – Imagine

Can you imagine? “A place for everything, and everything in its place.” The well-known mantra for decluttering enthusiasts seems like a far-off vision at times.

I like to imagine what that kind of world would be like, what that kind of home would be like. I keep trying, but somehow, I haven't arrived yet. Perhaps it's because I take these long hiatuses in my journey to decluttering.

It's great to have grown kids, to see them every now and again (like at Christmastime)...and yes it's great that they hold me accountable when I need it.

“Mom, I haven't seen much on your decluttering blog lately! How's it going?” OUCH!

So here I am again, imagining, and trying to bring reality into line with my dreams.

Christmas is a great motivator for tidying! My house looks terrific when you come in the front door. Welcoming lights twinkle on the garland over the door. The living room is in order with all the newspapers and old magazines safely tucked into recycling. I can even see the dresser top in my bedroom. The windowsill beside my reading chair has an orderly feel, with all non-current material put away. My kitchen counter is gleaming, and the dishes are done.

Where did all the clutter go? Unfortunately it found its way to the usual spots in my home...the laundry/storage room and the office! Once again I have boxes sitting nearby as I type waiting to be sorted and put into their proper place. On the positive side, I did clean off the table by the computer this morning, knowing I was going to be getting back to my writing work, AND I do have another full bag of papers ready for recycling!

I guess it is a step by step process for me. Sometimes, when I am being hard on myself, it feels like one step forward, two steps back. If I look back over this blog though, I realize I have made significant advances this year. And for that I am happy. Here's looking ahead to 2010...hopefully a year of two steps forward and only one step back. I may as well accept the fact that I am never going to be a Martha Stewart, but I can enjoy being me and celebrate my small victories along the way.

Here's wishing you a good year on your journey to household sanity. I hope you will feel free to share your successes, and yes your failures with the readers of this blog as we battle on together. Maybe we'll encourage each other so much that by 2011 we'll feel like we have come through as conquerors!