Hi y'all! I'm new to the boards and thought I would make my first post about the first positive step I took towards getting my life/home in order. Of course, you are free to ignore, mock or scoff at my suggestion
I simply wanted the chance to share with you how I got things on track for myself.
My suggestion for a good place to start is to make a list.
No, no, not a list of things like, "clean the living room" or "scrub the bathroom" or "collect garbage." That comes later. I firmly believe that lists are a good thing to have in general. They can reduce anxiety, help you to feel less overwhelmed, point you in the right direction and keep you motivated...
But I firmly believe that a better place to start is to make a list about YOU and YOUR goals and YOUR motivation for working towards a cleaner, less cluttered home. First you need to decide what you desire and what you DESERVE.
Too often we are tied up with the pressure of expectations that other people have for us or demand of us. Too often we start on a project without a clear and firm understanding of WHY we're doing what we want to accomplish or set out to do. Instead of a list of what society/friends/land lords etc. expect of us.
The list I propose you create for yourself is about honouring yourself, understanding what you stand to gain and motivating yourself through positive affirmations.
So for the moment I say forget about what you need to do because everyone should have a clutter-free/no squalor home...instead think of ideas that will define what you plan to do, what is going to motivate you and WHY you're taking a step towards bettering your home life.
The list I make for myself before I tackle a housekeeping problem is all about WHAT I WANT, and WHY. I try to avoid words like, "when" or "if" or "not" or "can't" etc. Those are negative words and I prefer empowering words, firm "I" statements and words that will lift me up rather than drag or keep me down.
Simply put, I figure out what I hope to gain/avoid and I focus on the END GOAL instead of all the niggling details that one can so easily get hung up on.
I like to make this list in a notebook I can carry with me and refer to easily. I also make up a copy and post it in the room to which it applies. This helps me centre myself and refocus my energy towards the positive. This list is not meant to strong arm you into action. This list is meant to help you clarify your goals and realise that yes, indeed, you can make positive changes that can affect your life in new and exciting ways.
I start my lists with "A clean _____ means:" and I build from there. I don't believe there are any right or wrong answers. The only answers you need to come up with are ones that will elevate you and motivate you. The list serves to give you a nudge and remind yourself of why you're working so hard to achieve the home you deserve. Below you'll find a sample of my own lists so you'll see exactly what I mean. You'll come up with different answers of course, answers that make sense to you and are relevant to you.
Whether you think it's a valid suggestion or not...I wish you the best of luck in making a life for yourself that builds you up and brings you joy and peace
A clean bathroom means:
+ I can take better care of myself in general and work on slowing the aging process because creams, lotions and potions are all easily accessible
+ I can feel pretty and attractive because I have the room and clean space to apply makeup/creams etc.
+ Creating a spa experience in my own home!
+ A retreat and a place to decompress from the pressures of everyday life
+ Good personal hygiene because the room is clean and I can find what I need
+ I can get out of the house on time because surfaces are clear, items are easy to find and I can shower easily
+ Guests are free to use my pleasant and inviting throne room
+ A push towards better fitness habits and nice appearance due to increased self-esteem that comes from taking good care of my body
A clean entryway means:
+ I can proudly open the door to strangers, guests and maintenance repair people
+ Leaving the house on time because I have all my shoes/purses/hats etc. on hand and easily accessible
+ Mail doesn't pile up and create visual chaos
+ An easier job of cleaning the floor
A clean bedroom means:
+ A restful and refreshing night's sleep which leads to better mental health, more energy and a positive outlook
+ I can relax at the end of the day in a place of tranquility
+ Reduced allergy issues because it's easy to clean
A clean kitchen means:
+ I can cook and eat IN instead of OUT ---> healthier meals, more money to spend elsewhere, less packaging and trash
+ Helping others by being able to prepare food/meals/snacks for bake sales, the elderly/ill/bereaving
+ Cutlery, plates, glasses, mugs are all easily accessible
+ Guests will feel comfortable and welcome
+ Fresh scents of flowers, food etc.
+ Fewer allergy issues
+ Saving money because I know what I have in the pantry, eliminating the guess work of what's at the back of the fridge or cupboards
+ Being able to cook which is a past time I enjoy
+ I can make my own coffee so I save money by skipping the coffee shop
A clean living room means:
+A place to decompress and relax and get cozy
+ Less visual chaos so less anxiety
+ I can find the remote controls
+ Having an inviting place for guests
+ Being able to entertain at home rather than spend a lot of money at bars/restaurants/coffee shops
+ A place to honour the most precious of my possessions
A clean closet means:
+ All of my clothes will fit in easily
+ I can grab an outfit at a glance so I save time getting ready
+ I can easily pick out items that I no longer use/like
+ Dressing with a sense of pride because my clothes are well cared for
+ Dressing my best because I only keep what fits/is flattering
