Creating Order

I reorganized the pantry yesterday, creating order out of what had become a drop-off zone for almost anything even vaguely kitchen related; chaos reigned in there. The floor was stacked with odds and ends as well as small appliances and the leaf for the kitchen dining table. Mr. Goodneedle suggested adding an additional shelf, around the top, to free up the floor space. It was a brilliant idea!  He took care of his part; but I knew, all along, that my charge would be to take everything out and not only rearrange the pantry into an orderly space but to cull each unused or unwanted object and toss every outdated food item. A task that seemed monumental to me as recently as three days ago was finished before lunchtime yesterday; today I am reenergized whenever I open the door. This photo represents much more than a neat and orderly pantry though; it speaks to me about discipline. Ever since my shoulder began aching my daily life has slipped into a disorganized mess. Yes, I have been keeping up with projects and deadlines but there's been no order to any of it; it's all been hit or miss. On Fridays, my self-imposed cleaning day, I've done what I could and left the rest... the cumulative effect of that behavior has not been ideal. Our Christmas dishes remained in the cupboard because I simply didn't want to even think about lifting the stacks of plates and moving them. I didn't realize at the time that the shoulder pain was ruling me. The last straw came this week when I left the laundry basket on top of the dryer and refused to carry it back to the bedroom, I knew how much that would make my arm ache if I did. Suddenly, I looked at what had become of my otherwise orderly life and laughed. Why was I being so stubborn; where was that discipline that I so desperately needed?  After the pantry re-do, with two doctor's appointments behind me and a schedule of physical therapy stretching out in front of me I happily took back the reins to my life! I can do this. I realigned my priorities and will follow prescribed directions to the letter. Today the house is clean; dusted and vacuumed like it hasn't been for months. Oh, and the Christmas dishes are safely stowed for next Christmas in their designated cabinet. I've created order in my own little nest once again; as well as in my mind and spirit, it's all good.

Life is Good!

Space To Breathe

I  need space to breathe, it is vital for me to function properly!  Of course, breathing is vital; so is food, water and rest, I know that.  But, I have also come to learn that the way I am wired, the manner in which God made me, requires SPACE to breathe.  I think of breathing space and breathing room differently. The room required to breathe is within my body, as much area as it takes for my lungs to fill and expand; that's the literal definition for breathing room.  The more common "room to breathe" phrase is figurative; as in: "back off, I need room to breathe", when one feels boxed in or crowded.  When I proclaim that I need space to breathe the knowledge behind that statement comes from my requirement for tidiness and order.  If my desk is cluttered and my quilting projects are piling up and weighing me down, I cannot breathe;  I have lost the comfort and peace that space provides for me to make it through the day, I gasp away, one breath a a time.  Can I function in a cluttered and disorganized environment?  Yes, I can; but in the same way that someone might suffer through respiratory challenges it is a constant struggle and I find myself worn out and exhausted in no time. On days when that breathing space is compromised I feel tense, frazzled overwhelmed, and distracted, not a fun person to be around!  So, how do I go about creating that much-needed breathing space?  My challenge is an ongoing one. I began on Monday evening by cleaning off my desk, the place where I begin every day. I put away, or threw away, notes and clutter that were distractions and infiltrating my breathing space; the effect was immediate, I could exhale!  Next: my cutting table, I can only work on one project at a time so why am I looking at the pieces and debris from half a dozen UFO's that only overwhelm my senses? Much like weeding a garden, the noxious offenders were pulled and pitched.  I can, once again, take a deep breath and feel the peace that accompanies space to breathe. My challenge in the coming weeks will be to create space on my calendar, on my "to do" lists and, ultimately, in my daily routine; it is a deliberate and conscious step for me toward living "lighter" and less encumbered, which should equal space for breathing easier.  With God's help, I can thrive in that created space and be the woman that He had in mind. After all, He created me in this manner, I recognize that and gratefully request His guidance to lead me down the daily path; I've spent far too long cluttering up the way, leaving precious little space to breathe; the peace-giving space that I need!

Life is Good!