Day 33 of 100
Today's success story is different than previous ones, as it is written by me about my 10 year old son, Timothy. I am so proud of the amazing decluttering he did yesterday. You know how sometimes, suddenly, you realize that all you have been saying and modeling has actually been heard. Not only heard, but understood and advice taken! Awwww...a golden moment for any parent!
Yesterday, Timothy spent the majority of his free time doing a major declutter of his room! He yielded a huge, over flowing garbage bag of trash, 9 baseball hats, about 50 books, and tons of toys he has outgrown. This is not to mention all the clothing that we have been weeding out as well. His room looks amazing and he is very pleased with himself! It took me back several times, when I would ask about an item and he would hesitate, then think and reply, "Throw it away, it will just clutter up my room!" Music to my ears!
I share this success to encourage all of you who have written in about children and how to motivate/encourage them in decluttering their spaces. I write this because this was no easy task for Timothy nor did I expect him to do such an amazing job!
It all started last week, when he was telling me about these "really cool", mechanical pencils that he saw and really wanted. I responded, "I tell you what, when you totally declutter your room, I'll bring you to the office store and you can pick out any mechanical pencils you want". So, Friday evening, I casually said, "Do you want to do your decluttering tomorrow, because I have time and can help you?" He responded that, sure we could do that. So Saturday morning, after breakfast, we got to work!
This morning, as I told him again how proud I was of his efforts and that every time I passed his room, it made me smile, he said, "It's kind of funny, I did all that for some pencils. But really, I was tired of you talking about me decluttering every day and wanted to just get it done, all at once!"
So all my modeling, especially these last 34 days and incessant conversations about freeing your self of excess, worked. It sunk in or perhaps it annoyed, but whatever the case it worked! So keep the faith, all you parents. Keep modeling good decluttering behaviors, have conversaitons about why you are decluttering and if you hear about something they are wanting, perhaps, a little bribery is in order.....
Are you modeling good decluttering behaviors for your children and discussing on a regular basis the importance of letting go?
p.s. Benjamin has decided he wants to paint his room pale gray to coordinate with "The Beetles" theme he wants in his room. Guess, what I said, " I tell you what...."
After our 100 Decluttering Challenge is over, we are going to focus on motivating/encouraging others. I want all of your input on what has worked well for you and your family!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
"Dis"honoring our past
Day 32 of 100
Do you have your great grandmother's china (insert any inherited family item) tucked away in an old, mildewing, cardboard box at the back of a closet, covered with an inch of dust?
Is this honoring her? Is it honoring the china? Or, does it actually, stress you out whenever you see it, because you feel guilty for where it is and the condition it is in?
If you love something from the past, love how it makes you feel from the memories it evokes, then take it out of the box/storage, etc. and use it, display it, honor it! Make it a part of your daily life!
If you do not love it or how it makes you feel, particularly if it brings painful memories, release it and release the pain you feel each time you look at it.
If it is neutral to you, you don't love it but it doesn't make you sad, let it go with love to find a home where it can be appreciated and treasured. Perhaps your niece would love this for her first apartment or maybe you could make some extra money on e-bay. However you choose, with a breath of kindness blow it away.
If you worry that by releasing it, you will hurt the one who has passed, think about it...Do you really think that in the spiritual world "things" matter? Wouldn't your late, great grandmother want you happy and peaceful, rather than guilt ridden and stressed? Clutter is very stressful and letting go of it can be extremly liberating!
What do you have packed/hidden away that is causing you stress and anxiety ....release it with love and honor your past.
Do you have your great grandmother's china (insert any inherited family item) tucked away in an old, mildewing, cardboard box at the back of a closet, covered with an inch of dust?
Is this honoring her? Is it honoring the china? Or, does it actually, stress you out whenever you see it, because you feel guilty for where it is and the condition it is in?
If you love something from the past, love how it makes you feel from the memories it evokes, then take it out of the box/storage, etc. and use it, display it, honor it! Make it a part of your daily life!
If you do not love it or how it makes you feel, particularly if it brings painful memories, release it and release the pain you feel each time you look at it.
If it is neutral to you, you don't love it but it doesn't make you sad, let it go with love to find a home where it can be appreciated and treasured. Perhaps your niece would love this for her first apartment or maybe you could make some extra money on e-bay. However you choose, with a breath of kindness blow it away.
If you worry that by releasing it, you will hurt the one who has passed, think about it...Do you really think that in the spiritual world "things" matter? Wouldn't your late, great grandmother want you happy and peaceful, rather than guilt ridden and stressed? Clutter is very stressful and letting go of it can be extremly liberating!
What do you have packed/hidden away that is causing you stress and anxiety ....release it with love and honor your past.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Reader Perseveres
Day 31 of 100
Today's post is a question from Dawn, from FB:
"I don't feel like I am doing very well. It feels like it takes all of the time I have just to maintain the place. Even if I throw away 10 things, it seems like so much stuff comes in. It seems like I'm not really getting ahead. But I did a little bit last night. Then I get so tired or one thing or another hurts, etc. I will do better though. I'm determined."
Dawn,
You can do it! Remember, new habits take time to develop and you are sorting through 40 years of stuff! That is a lot of catch up! Look to a place where you have made progress and keep that area up! In fact, go to an area that you have decluttered, whether a counter top, dresser, pantry or room and give it another look. Is there anything else you can declutter to make it "just right"? Declutter, then dust, polish and refine this area and keep it like this. Do not allow ANY clutter in and use this as your example of what you want in all areas of your life. When you feel overwhelmed, look at this area and know you can do it! As far as stuff coming in, did you read yesterday's post on shopping? Please keep me updated on your progress
Dianne
How are you progressing? Remember, excess stuff/clutter can be exhausting.
Today's post is a question from Dawn, from FB:
"I don't feel like I am doing very well. It feels like it takes all of the time I have just to maintain the place. Even if I throw away 10 things, it seems like so much stuff comes in. It seems like I'm not really getting ahead. But I did a little bit last night. Then I get so tired or one thing or another hurts, etc. I will do better though. I'm determined."
Dawn,
You can do it! Remember, new habits take time to develop and you are sorting through 40 years of stuff! That is a lot of catch up! Look to a place where you have made progress and keep that area up! In fact, go to an area that you have decluttered, whether a counter top, dresser, pantry or room and give it another look. Is there anything else you can declutter to make it "just right"? Declutter, then dust, polish and refine this area and keep it like this. Do not allow ANY clutter in and use this as your example of what you want in all areas of your life. When you feel overwhelmed, look at this area and know you can do it! As far as stuff coming in, did you read yesterday's post on shopping? Please keep me updated on your progress
Dianne
How are you progressing? Remember, excess stuff/clutter can be exhausting.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Shopping
Day 30 of 100
One great thing about decluttering is making room for beauty to enter your life. You'll see, you get rid of your torn, tattered underwear and new comfortable, pretty ones will make their way into your home. It is OK to buy something, but only if you LOVE it, it makes you smile and you need it!
That being said, during the rest of your 100 day challenge, try to curtail any spending or purchases. It will make it easier to stay on track. If you do buy something during this time, however, the number of items you bring in need to be added to your daily 10, so as not to upset the outflow.
If shopping is an addictive behavior for you, it is important to figure out what is causing this, in order for it to stop. Often it is a symptom of something else. When working with a young child, who is behaving in an inappropriate way, it is important to figure out what happens before the unwanted behavior occurs. Often, with observation you will discover a pattern. This is an important clue into changing any behavior. Perhaps you shop when you are sad or unhappy, or when you are bored or to celebrate. Once you know why you are doing something, you have a better chance to make a change in an unwanted behavior.
Then it is vital that you replace the behavior you are taking away with a healthier one. With a child, you might say, when you are mad you can hit a pillow, stomp or make a mad face (replacing the behavior of hitting others). So, if you recognize that stress makes you go shopping, you have to come up with some other behaviors to replace this with. Perhaps you will call a friend, go for a walk, meditate or read a book. Everyone will come up with what will be their best options to allow for change.
Do you shop to fulfill another need?
One great thing about decluttering is making room for beauty to enter your life. You'll see, you get rid of your torn, tattered underwear and new comfortable, pretty ones will make their way into your home. It is OK to buy something, but only if you LOVE it, it makes you smile and you need it!
That being said, during the rest of your 100 day challenge, try to curtail any spending or purchases. It will make it easier to stay on track. If you do buy something during this time, however, the number of items you bring in need to be added to your daily 10, so as not to upset the outflow.
If shopping is an addictive behavior for you, it is important to figure out what is causing this, in order for it to stop. Often it is a symptom of something else. When working with a young child, who is behaving in an inappropriate way, it is important to figure out what happens before the unwanted behavior occurs. Often, with observation you will discover a pattern. This is an important clue into changing any behavior. Perhaps you shop when you are sad or unhappy, or when you are bored or to celebrate. Once you know why you are doing something, you have a better chance to make a change in an unwanted behavior.
Then it is vital that you replace the behavior you are taking away with a healthier one. With a child, you might say, when you are mad you can hit a pillow, stomp or make a mad face (replacing the behavior of hitting others). So, if you recognize that stress makes you go shopping, you have to come up with some other behaviors to replace this with. Perhaps you will call a friend, go for a walk, meditate or read a book. Everyone will come up with what will be their best options to allow for change.
Do you shop to fulfill another need?
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Consignment Bliss
Day 29 of 100
Today I dropped off some items to a new children's consignment shop, A Child's Closet, in downtown Watkinsville. What a great experience I had! I ran into Benjamin's parapro teacher, from when he was in first grade! (He turned 14 today.) We had fun catching up with one another. Another woman in the shop, purchased my Brio Train set right then and there for her three year old grandson, Will, who loves trains! The owner of the shop was as nice as she could be and took many of my items to consign! She even purchased one outright, for kids who come in the store to play with!
It is such a wonderful feeling to know that what you no longer need, will be useful to someone else. A friend who has bought and sold items through this shop, told me how her stroller/car seat combo was bought by a grandmother who needed this to care for her grandchild.
In today's economy, consignment particularly makes so much sense. It benefits many: You, as you free yourself of excess and make a little money, the shop owner, as you are adding to their inventory and business, and the purchaser who obtains what they needed at a discounted price! It is a win-win situation for everyone involved!
Consider your local consignment shop, as you weed out your excess and remember them the next time you are in the market for a particular item. You might as well start there...perhaps you'll come away with a bargain!
Have you found your 10 today? Do you have some items you could bring to a consignment shop?
p.s. I love that at A Child's Closet you can sign a waiver that says what doesn't sell is donated to a local charity!
Today I dropped off some items to a new children's consignment shop, A Child's Closet, in downtown Watkinsville. What a great experience I had! I ran into Benjamin's parapro teacher, from when he was in first grade! (He turned 14 today.) We had fun catching up with one another. Another woman in the shop, purchased my Brio Train set right then and there for her three year old grandson, Will, who loves trains! The owner of the shop was as nice as she could be and took many of my items to consign! She even purchased one outright, for kids who come in the store to play with!
It is such a wonderful feeling to know that what you no longer need, will be useful to someone else. A friend who has bought and sold items through this shop, told me how her stroller/car seat combo was bought by a grandmother who needed this to care for her grandchild.
In today's economy, consignment particularly makes so much sense. It benefits many: You, as you free yourself of excess and make a little money, the shop owner, as you are adding to their inventory and business, and the purchaser who obtains what they needed at a discounted price! It is a win-win situation for everyone involved!
Consider your local consignment shop, as you weed out your excess and remember them the next time you are in the market for a particular item. You might as well start there...perhaps you'll come away with a bargain!
Have you found your 10 today? Do you have some items you could bring to a consignment shop?
p.s. I love that at A Child's Closet you can sign a waiver that says what doesn't sell is donated to a local charity!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Morning After
Day 28 of 100
Have you ever noticed that no matter how bad something seems at night, after a good nights rest, in the light of day, it seems so much better. In fact, you often wonder what exactly had you so worked up to begin with.
If you have an area of your home that is really giving you fits and you are having difficulty making the decisions you need to, let it sit, let it stew, move to another area and then come back with fresh perspective and vision. Often, you are just overwhelming and need a breather in order to think clearly.
Don't let a block in one area stop you or slow you down! Go find 10!
Have you ever noticed that no matter how bad something seems at night, after a good nights rest, in the light of day, it seems so much better. In fact, you often wonder what exactly had you so worked up to begin with.
If you have an area of your home that is really giving you fits and you are having difficulty making the decisions you need to, let it sit, let it stew, move to another area and then come back with fresh perspective and vision. Often, you are just overwhelming and need a breather in order to think clearly.
Don't let a block in one area stop you or slow you down! Go find 10!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Knowing what you love
Day 27 of 100
One beautiful, spring day I was shopping with my mom at a favorite antique market. I spotted an old, rather beat-up cupboard/armoire that I fell in love with immediately. It was not in great shape, but something about it spoke to me and I knew it belonged in my home. I told the gentleman who was selling it that my husband would kill me, if I came home with another piece of “old” furniture. He looked me square in the eye and boldly said, “Your husband should be thanking Jesus everyday to be married to you!” Well, that sold it! He knew what he was doing!
Mom and I barely fit it into my minivan. I truly had no clue where it would go in my home but I loved the shape of it and knew how great it would look with a little love! A year passes and it is restored, fitted with new shelves, (Thank you Grampa Steve), painted and stained. Last spring, our Television, which was 20 years old, died instantly. The armoire that we had it in was narrow and deep, like the televisions of that era. When Tim went out, the very next morning, to purchase a new one, we realized it would not fit in the original cupboard. But, guess what? It was a perfect fit for my newly restored, bargain, ($65.00) armoire! It is perfect in my room and makes me smile when I think of how it came to me!
You see, I did not know where it would go, but I new it was meant to be mine. Knowing what you love opens you up to wonderful possibilities!
What do you LOVE in your home? What do you need to declutter to make room for it?
One beautiful, spring day I was shopping with my mom at a favorite antique market. I spotted an old, rather beat-up cupboard/armoire that I fell in love with immediately. It was not in great shape, but something about it spoke to me and I knew it belonged in my home. I told the gentleman who was selling it that my husband would kill me, if I came home with another piece of “old” furniture. He looked me square in the eye and boldly said, “Your husband should be thanking Jesus everyday to be married to you!” Well, that sold it! He knew what he was doing!
Mom and I barely fit it into my minivan. I truly had no clue where it would go in my home but I loved the shape of it and knew how great it would look with a little love! A year passes and it is restored, fitted with new shelves, (Thank you Grampa Steve), painted and stained. Last spring, our Television, which was 20 years old, died instantly. The armoire that we had it in was narrow and deep, like the televisions of that era. When Tim went out, the very next morning, to purchase a new one, we realized it would not fit in the original cupboard. But, guess what? It was a perfect fit for my newly restored, bargain, ($65.00) armoire! It is perfect in my room and makes me smile when I think of how it came to me!
You see, I did not know where it would go, but I new it was meant to be mine. Knowing what you love opens you up to wonderful possibilities!
What do you LOVE in your home? What do you need to declutter to make room for it?
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