In keeping with my resolutions and in an effort to completely de-clutter my home, studio, and mind I am leaving no box of random mess untouched. It started with cleaning out the fridge- throwing away empty containers and leftovers that (how can i admit this) have been there for months, wiping down every shelf and putting all items in jars or steel canisters. Then I tackled my dreaded to do list. I have realized that the things I put off are actually never as bad as I perceive them to be and so instead of wasting time putting it off it feels better and its better for the situation to deal with things in a timely manner. Making small goals helps. I achieve two goals a day that before seemed too daunting when on such a long list and then I give myself a break by not worrying about anything else. Tomorrow is another day to be productive and doing too much at once still causes a lot of stress and can tire you out too quickly.
Although I've gotten rid of a lot of things (especially when I moved here to NC from Cleveland) some items I know I should toss yet can't. Will I really need every paper I wrote in high school and college and all the rough drafts? Some voice in my head says, Yes. Even business cards from people I will never meet again and stores that have long closed- what do i need them for? But slowly I go through and each time I do I find I can toss a little more.
There are small setbacks that I try not to dwell on, like The Avalanche. After much work organizing every scrap of art paper, rick rack, ribbon, paint, and so on into their own little boxes and using my childhood Tetris skills, I got them all on a shelf about up to my head. Going through a box packed in haste a year ago I noticed a slight twisting of the shelf and quickly set it straight. As I left to get something heavy (a coffee can of bullets) to hold it better CRASH!!! The boxes tumbled to the ground spilling their contents everywhere. I gave myself the smallest moment to be pissed and feel helpless, took a break for some tea, then redid all that work again.
While I've been cleaning, I've been thinking about a logo and finally getting nice business cards instead of these tags I've been using that I accidently ordered 20,000 of. 2011 and specifically the age of 31 will be full of progress, development, and many changes. More regular yoga and meditation, even fewer prescription and OTC drugs, another amazing garden, professionalism in my work, and a general focus on myself. I'm feeling exceptionally optimistic and am enjoying each day and its labor.
The cleaning itself Im sure has a couple more weeks to go but for such a thorough job and the effect it will have on my life it's definitely worth it. Plus, I've lost two battery chargers that I'm determined to find (though theyve been missing for a couple months) so that I can put up pics again and list all the new things I've made. In the meantime, I will leave you with a couple images I have here on my computer that serve as inspiration.
I can hardly imagine what it will be like to be able to find anything and everything!
I found shark's teeth, arrow heads, coral beads, vintage corduroy.... All items I wasn't using because everything is such a mess. The effort will be so worth it. Plus, I'm looking forward to practicing yoga in the studio in the mornings since it has some great lighting and i'd like to impart peace and inspiration to this room.
Here's another pic from my decor ideas folder that keeps me inspired to clean, purge, and decorate. A little bit of paint and fabric can completely change a place
