8615 Ridgely’s Choice Drive
Suite 212
Baltimore, MD 21236
Tel: (410) 529-
Fax: (410) 529-
Suite 212
Baltimore, MD 21236
Tel: (410) 529-
Fax: (410) 529-
WebMaster: Edward Lehwald
CLUTTER, CLUTTER EVERYWHERE
by Rochelle Hayward, L.C.S.W.-C
“Have nothing in your homes that you do not know to be useful and believe to be beautiful”.
An ancient metaphysical law says, “If we desire more abundance in our lives, we must create a vacuum for taking things out of our lives, because eventually we will run out of room!” How can we focus our attention on what is truly important when we can’t find anything? The more we possess and own, the more organization and space we need in our homes!
Creating a comfortable, well run, and clutter free home, can be among our most satisfying accomplishments, as well as serving as an illuminating spiritual experience. When we have to dig ourselves out of clutter, we put it off as long as possible because we dread it. We should think of order as a principle to be embraced. We are all aware of the feelings of being frazzled when we cannot find something, or when our surroundings seem to be in total disarray. The Amish people have a very simple uncluttered serene life.
by Rochelle Hayward, L.C.S.W.-
“Have nothing in your homes that you do not know to be useful and believe to be beautiful”.
An ancient metaphysical law says, “If we desire more abundance in our lives, we must create a vacuum for taking things out of our lives, because eventually we will run out of room!” How can we focus our attention on what is truly important when we can’t find anything? The more we possess and own, the more organization and space we need in our homes!
Creating a comfortable, well run, and clutter free home, can be among our most satisfying accomplishments, as well as serving as an illuminating spiritual experience. When we have to dig ourselves out of clutter, we put it off as long as possible because we dread it. We should think of order as a principle to be embraced. We are all aware of the feelings of being frazzled when we cannot find something, or when our surroundings seem to be in total disarray. The Amish people have a very simple uncluttered serene life.
Along with the Quakers, they have found a means to stitch together life, work, and art through the thread of divine order. We know that our daily schedules determine how we live. When we clean and bring order to our homes, we are somehow cleaning and ordering ourselves. Getting our homes in order is one of the most precious gifts that we can give ourselves.
Putting this into action and carrying this out is easier said than done! Clearing out closets and dresser drawers is hard work; however, it can be quite satisfying to bring a closet to order where chaos reigned. It is also away to clear away some of your past, and remove a lot of your clutter of mismatches that crowd your closets and confuse your mind. It helps to play music while you are doing this. Go through each item, one at a time. Keep only those things that you absolutely love. Now take the plunge and give away the rest to those who will bless your kindness. As a keeper of personal possessions what do these things mean? What worth have we given them?
Putting this into action and carrying this out is easier said than done! Clearing out closets and dresser drawers is hard work; however, it can be quite satisfying to bring a closet to order where chaos reigned. It is also away to clear away some of your past, and remove a lot of your clutter of mismatches that crowd your closets and confuse your mind. It helps to play music while you are doing this. Go through each item, one at a time. Keep only those things that you absolutely love. Now take the plunge and give away the rest to those who will bless your kindness. As a keeper of personal possessions what do these things mean? What worth have we given them?
Some Principles that I try to follow include:
*If you don’t need it, give it away.
*Keep all items that you have stopped using in a cardboard box, and give it to the next charity that calls on the telephone. If someone needs it more than you do, give it away.
*All your cabinets should be orderly. There are only so many glasses, dishes, plates, utensils, and Tupperware that one family needs. Keep only what you need.
*If it comes in the house and there is no designated place for it, take it out. This especially includes junk mail.
*If you are addicted to junk drawers, and open them just to throw in more junk, rally the courage to clear them out.
*Attics and basements allow for a source of clutter. Pretend that yours can be viewed by all and keep it filled with only essentials.
*Create a plan for keeping track of personal papers. A file system does not mean leaving it on the dining room table.
*If you don’t need it, give it away.
*Keep all items that you have stopped using in a cardboard box, and give it to the next charity that calls on the telephone. If someone needs it more than you do, give it away.
*All your cabinets should be orderly. There are only so many glasses, dishes, plates, utensils, and Tupperware that one family needs. Keep only what you need.
*If it comes in the house and there is no designated place for it, take it out. This especially includes junk mail.
*If you are addicted to junk drawers, and open them just to throw in more junk, rally the courage to clear them out.
*Attics and basements allow for a source of clutter. Pretend that yours can be viewed by all and keep it filled with only essentials.
*Create a plan for keeping track of personal papers. A file system does not mean leaving it on the dining room table.
Organizing the external part of us can help to take some of the chaos from within us. Abundance can become a deficiency. Deciding to simplify our lives and bring order to our homes by giving things to others who will genuinely appreciate them can be a means to give ourselves so much!