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Post by firefly on Jun 23, 2012 22:53:35 GMT -5
 Hello all, I've been lurking around for months now hoping to find an "instant" solution to the mess gremlins (and mice) that have taken over my house and finances. Well it seems like there is no instant solution but what I have found is lots and lots of very supportive, understanding people and many very helpful ideas. Thank you all for being here and inspiring me. Today I decided it was time to get my life back and get my house in order. I might not have much control over the unexpected expenses that have caused the mess in my finances but I do possess the ability to control the mess that I have created in my house over the past few years. I have now started on my lounge room. Instead of my usual "bull at a gate approach" where I rush in and expect everything to be spotless and shining at the end of the day, I decided to spend just 15 minutes decluttering on and around one chair. I was totally amazed at just how much of a difference such a small amount of time made. That 15 minutes allowed me to reclaim the use of not only the one chair I started on but the couch and another chair as well together with a foot of mess free space in front of them. Now that I have finally had the courage to actively join this forum instead of simply lurking, I hope that I too will eventually become one of those forumites who will inspire others to get up and go!. Cheers all.
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bah
New Member
Posts: 47
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Post by bah on Jun 23, 2012 23:00:55 GMT -5
Welcome firefly . Bah in Oz too. I am around two or more years in and still at it. But now, after a huge effort in the last week, finally down to two rooms, and one is the laundry. You can do it. Just takes time. And repetition. lots of repetition. Eventually you get there.   Bah |
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Post by wynken on Jun 23, 2012 23:41:09 GMT -5
hello firefly - A big welcome to you.  another Aussie I'm glad you jumped in and have begun and are posting. That is tremendous progress in one 15min timeslot. |
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Owl
Member
Leo (the Owl Brother) ........................ right click ........................ view image
Posts: 225
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Post by Owl on Jun 24, 2012 3:14:42 GMT -5
Hi Firefly,
Hello from Melbourne - there seems to be a reasonable Aussie contingent here, reclaiming their lives and homes.
Well done on stepping from lurking to action.
Generally, you'll find me in the chatroom.
With care,
Owl and son ..... well the Owl and the Pussycat (my boy Leonardo).
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Post by rededen on Jun 24, 2012 4:24:07 GMT -5
Hi Owl, yet another Aussie here.
I'm also in Melbourne.
Hugz Red.
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Post by messymimi on Jun 24, 2012 8:09:43 GMT -5
Cheers to you, Firefly!
You have found the power of working on it, not expecting perfect, striving for effective and therefore achieving excellence.
That lasts longer than perfect, believe me.
Defend the territory you've cleared, get a bit more done each day as you can, and before you know it, you will have a home that is under control when the rest of the world is spiraling out.
It's good to have you here.
messymimi
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Post by Sunshine on Jun 24, 2012 15:15:19 GMT -5
Hi Firefly, it's great to meet you! And yippee, another Aussie!! It never ceases to amaze me how changing our approach to cleaning can have such marvellous results! My thinking has changed so much since I've joined here, and the benefits have spread to other parts of my life as well. Approaching things a bit at a time; just doing one thing; not waiting for motivation to appear out of the ether; letting go of perfectionism and self criticism; celebrating every success. I have to ask, is your name from the tv show? I LOVE Firefly!!! There are so many different ways to join in here, and you can participate as much or as little as you like. Lots of people find Working In Threes and the Chat room really helpful. I have a blog and for me that's been terrific. And you can just wander about and try a little of everything if you like  Again, welcome, and I look forward to sharing the journey with you.  |
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Post by TheCatsMother on Jun 24, 2012 17:18:43 GMT -5
Welcome Firefly A foot at a time sounds a very good way to get started - and isn't it satisfying when a clear patch appears? I've always been an Olympic class housework dodger - disastrous combination with my habit of acquiring stuff - but since joining this forum I've really started turning things around. It helps so much to be in the company of other people who fighting the same battles. There is a wealth of wisdom, fun and non-judgmental support here. Look forward to seeing you around the threads. |
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Post by firefly on Jun 24, 2012 20:58:08 GMT -5
Hello everyone, Bah, Wynken, Owl, Rededen, Messymimi, Sunshine and the Cat's Mother. Haven't figured out yet how to reply to each individual separately but here is a big hug each for your warm welcome. Ready? Good to know that there are other Aussies on the forum, I was starting to wonder if I was the only messie living on this vast and lovely continent of ours. Anyhow to give you all a bit of background, I was born and bred in Melbourne but have lived for the past 30 odd years in North Eastern Victoria (where it is bitterly cold at the moment). I have never been much of a housekeeper, in fact two of my favourite sayings are "Housework fascinates me, I could watch it all day." and "No don't throw it out, it may come in handy one day." Both of which I have found over the years are a sure recipe for household chaos. I guess this attitude of mine began way back in my childhood with a very domineering mother who kept an absolutely spotless house. Whenever someone would enter the house mum would get a silly little smirk on her face and say "Sorry about the mess..." and then wait for the inevitable compliments. Not only that, whenever my sister and I would do our daily jobs such as washing dishes, wiping down benches and sweeping floors, mum would come into the kitchen and without even looking to see what sort of a job we'd done, would wipe and sweep all over again. And so I grew up believing that nothing I ever did in the way of housework would ever be good enough, so why bother? As well as that I never wanted to grow up fishing for compliments by pretending my spotlessly clean house was a mess. As it turned out though I didn't need to pretend and I got far more raised eyebrows than compliments. Well now that I'm in my second childhood (so my kids jokingly tell me), it's time to let go of the resentments of the first childhood and acknowledge that perfection is not necessary. Now for another 15 minutes in the lounge room before I head off to do some grocery shopping. |
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Post by messyme on Jun 25, 2012 4:05:31 GMT -5
Hi, firefly!  Personally, I'd rather walk into someone's messy house than into a spotless house with someone fishing for compliments like that, so I think you're already doing well -- and once your place gets cleaner, that'll be even better! It sounds like you're off to a great start!  |
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Post by ramatama on Jun 25, 2012 4:33:13 GMT -5
Welcome!  Lots of good advice here, lots of cheering on too! It is so much better when you know you are not facing the messes all by yourself!  |
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Post by PaperGrace on Jun 25, 2012 10:40:16 GMT -5
Welcome firefly! I'm not from anywhere near Australia, but I much enjoy the company of you 'visitors from the future'! When I get onto chat Dear Owl is usually deep into tomorrow! I'm excited that you're already making progress! Way to go!
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Post by Sunshine on Jun 25, 2012 15:50:03 GMT -5
Firefly, one of the people who began the-site-before-the-site-before-this was in fact from Australia - NSW, I think. That was Kimmie, and boy, did she ever have a mess, and a bunch of challenging life situations to deal with. I've squalored my way across the eastern states, and currently cleaning up my mess in fabulous Brisbane. Terribly cold here too... was only about 18c yesterday, and we all complained loudly |
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Post by joyinvirginia on Jun 26, 2012 22:12:37 GMT -5
Welcome Firefly! Glad you found this board, and look forward to hearing more from you.
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