How do you measure wealth, in dollars or in time? What makes you “rich”; having limitless money to buy things or having the time to spend with family and friends, to rest and relax … e.g. reading, watching a movie, going for long relaxing walks, eating healthy meals and getting regular physical exercise? Now, look at how you are using your valuable time. As you asses the “things” in your home, ask yourself…“Do I control my ‘stuff’ or does my ‘stuff’ control me”?
If you have a home with items you’ve purchased to pamper yourself, notice the amount of time it takes for the upkeep; cleaning and maintaining as well as replacement. Do you have so many “things” that you fill every room and your garage; or have a storage unit you pay rent on every month? How often do you visit or use the “stuff” that you are storing?
Possessions can be “deceiving” and “manipulative”. We think we want what we see advertised to make our lives easier and more relaxing, but the truth is our “stuff” can dominate every waking moment robbing us of the peace of mind for which so many of us are searching desperately. What we really want is a place where “things” don’t rule us and we have time for what really matters in our lives. The dirty little secret of a consumer society is that the things we work so hard to possess often end up consuming us.
Now is the time to make the changes needed to truly lead a richer more fulfilling life. Here’s how to start:
1. Make a list of your “Big Picture” goals or your mini-mission statements. These should be very broad but, help you decide what direction you want your life to go. Without these goals you won’t know what “things” are truly “necessary”.
2. Next, pick one area to start de-cluttering; it can be a drawer, closet, or a room (then work your way out to the garage and… that storage unit!).
Now Reduce the “Stuff”
3. Sort things into major categories: donate, toss, and keep. If you have multiples of an item, get rid of them! Purge your home of items kept out of guilt, things that are broken and unfinished projects.
4. Sort the “keepers” into smaller categories: papers to file, things to find a home for, things to put away, (they already have a home).
Getting clear about your “Big Picture” goals and reducing the unnecessary, unwanted and unneeded clutter around you will increase your good energy flow, help you feel in control, less overwhelmed and find some peace of mind. This project won’t be easy or quick, but this is your life… nothing is more important.
Questions for “The Mess Doctor” or if you need professional assistance to get organized contact Barbara Ricketts at MessDoctor@Mac.com or call 661-263-0124.