Cluttering Up Our Lives
Nature Abhors a Vacuum
Recently someone mentioned that they had a theory that when you clean stuff out of your life it creates a vacuum which will then suck stuff back in to fill the empty space.
I think it’s an interesting question as to what happens in our lives when we make some space. Be it time or physical stuff or even emotional crap. Do we just junk up the new space with the same old crap?
It’s certainly our nature to keep doing the same thing we’ve always done. I think if we live unconsciously within a short matter of time we just go back to old patterns and fill up our lives and homes and space with the same stuff.
Changing Habits
In the past 9 months I’ve gotten rid of close to 1/2 of my possessions and I’ve said no to a huge number of things - including some relationships that were not positive for me. I can see the tendency to just do the same thing as before - it’s easy - it’s well known - these are my habits.
I’ve been putting a lot of intention into not doing that. It’s uncomfortable at first - to have all that space - shelves and rooms that aren’t cluttered - spending only quality time with friends that support me - slowing down - cherishing the space.
It’s a big question - what do we do when we decide not to do the habitual thing?
There’s a lot of things that can rattle around in all that space. I’ve found that by just sitting with it and letting it be that I learn to grow comfortable with it. It was a challenge at first and I’m getting better at it each day.
I love my open uncluttered house, life and all the extra time I have. So I’m doing everything I can to stay aware of how wonderful it is so I don’t clutter it up again.
Home Repair Report
My hardwood floors are done. Now I’m having my house painted, inside and out. Moving things off the hardwood floor was a lot of work. Moving everything away from every wall so it can be painted. That’s really big work.
The result is there will unlikely be pictures on my blog over the next few weeks as I’m in the home stretch for getting the house on the market. My goal - June 3rd.
Posted by Lisa in: Intent, Uncategorized
Tagged: Decluttering, habits, intention, Moving, space
KJ said,
May 20, 2008 @ 4:53 am
Watch out, Lisa… I see a distinct parallel with priority changes that occur with, um… er… well… just let me say that as years go by, clutter becomes less and less acceptable. Or so it seems. Never-the-less, decluttering is always good for the soul. Good luck with the sale…
Laure said,
May 20, 2008 @ 7:27 am
Woman, I call thee AWESOME!!! Rock on and be proud of ALL that you are accomplishing as well as your ability to just BE!
Laure
Veronica Funk said,
May 20, 2008 @ 9:52 am
I feel the same way about clutter…I find that my work is stronger when I keep my space clearer, which isn’t always easy with a family. I have been decluttering for about 5 years (yes, 5). You are right about the vacuum and the bad habits that suck “things” into empty space.
cynthia said,
May 20, 2008 @ 10:26 am
Hmmm….I am definitely one of those people who de-clutters only to let new clutter into my life.
Although, I’m really talking about stuff, and not emotions. I’ve been doing a lot of decluttering in regards to things I commit to which has been hugely beneficial to my well being. Saying no and not feeling guilty about it is a challenge for me.
You’re well on your way to selling your home.
One last thing, I went to the home tour sponsored by my daughter’s school. ONe of the homes was an ultra modern minimalist home in Wash Park that I thought I was going to LOVE. (I have this fascination with living in a minimalist home and often pick up Dwell magazine from the library.) Wouldn’t you know it, I got vertigo and decided that I couldn’t live like that ever. It was the weirdest sensation of just knowing beforehand that I would love it and then experiencing a physically adverse reaction to a space. I guess I need my cozy home with all its stuff.
Sarah Jayne said,
May 20, 2008 @ 1:55 pm
I’ve been de-cluttering and sorting stuff out for a while now. I found when everything is tidy and I have space I can focus on what’s in front of me and not get distracted. But the piles soon start to reform - which is what I’m trying to sort out now. But, on the whole, things are much better for having focus.
PaMdora said,
May 22, 2008 @ 8:13 pm
I have been working so hard all this year to simplify and eliminate clutter (but I think I have a lot more than you!) but why is it it so hard to be simple. But it is. I hope you’re not right about the vacuum, I’m enjoying the spaces that I’ve freed from clutter and hope they stay that way.
Lisa Call said,
May 23, 2008 @ 7:44 pm
KJ - me - old? :)
Thank you Laura!
Veronica - I agree - I think my work is much freer and stronger when I have the space.
Cynthia - interesting about the minimalist house. I’m always think of cold and sterile when I hear that - so my goal is to have no clutter but still have a warm inviting house.
Sarah Jayne - I agree - I think if you keep on top of the piles they become easier to manage - here’s to having no piles in the near future!
Pam - there should be a clutter measurement - like how much clutter per square foot - then we can compare !