Stuff

I let the muffins burn.  Again.  You really shouldn’t try to do so many things at once, Mom.  Thanks, daughter. 

She was right, really.  There is a good chance that I’ve invited you to a photo shoot while sitting on the toilet.  Or made dinner while nursing the baby.  And read a bedtime story while flossing my teeth.  Who am I kidding - I don’t take time to floss.  

But in all seriousness, I tend to stuff my brain and think my limbs are overachievers, all the while trying to keep us all afloat.  

Life with a home business and 3 kids, I guess.

But I don’t think I like that.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my life.  But I don’t like the feeling of always on to the next thing, task, moment, before fully finishing the last.  Washing the dishes before he’s done his supper.  

I’ve taken a step.  A physical step.  You see, when my house is cluttered and overwhelmed, my head is cluttered and overwhelmed.  So I’ve posted on kijiji, given to neighbours, taken to the dump, and scheduled front porch pick-ups.  Come get my stuff.  With each load that left, my stress level decreased.  Less stuff, less stress.  More stuff, more anxiety.  

The result?  My brother in law put it simply.  “I walked into your house and it way empty.”  Ah - empty to some, but glorious to me.  I can breathe.  I can find.  I can clean.  I can rest.  

The kids have enough toys left to learn, play, grow, and not go crazy.  But not enough to create much of a mess.  And not too many to give them too many choices.  

I have what I need - more than I need - but not so much that I’ll ever spend another day frustrated over not being able to find those silly immunization records.  Maybe the grey hairs will delay.  

My next step will somehow be to get rid of some of the tasks that seem to overwhelm each day.  

Which are necessary?  If I get rid of some, will I have more time to savour the others?  

Really, my ultimate goal is to simplify to the point of eliminating the burned baked goods that go from my oven to the compost bucket.  

Stay posted for results.