So, when I was wondering what Daily Practice to do in November, I looked out of the window at the trees that were steadily shedding their leaves in preparation for the winter. After a few minutes quiet reflection about the onset of winter, which means dark nights, cold feet, wearing 7 layers of clothing, no sunshine, and for me, grumpiness, I suddenly realised the obvious…the trees were releasing what was no longer needed in readiness for the hibernation season. Looking around my cluttered office, I knew the time had come for the Daily Practice I’d been putting off for a few months: clutter clearing!
I am, I confess, something of a hoarder. Not as bad as some, but when I read about people who exist with only 100 possessions, I can only look askance. To get my bookshelf alone down to one hundred items would be an impossibility. But when I backpacked around Australia, I managed for a year with just what I could fit in one bag…and tie to the outside of the bag, and fit in carrier bags and handbags…but still, I managed with very few (for me) items. I also
know that whenevery I DO have a clutter clear, I invariably feel better.
I don’t like doing it though, so I usually wait until I can’t get any more clothes in the wardrobe or books on the bookshelf or I haven’t got any floor space left, lose my temper with it and go crazy with the black bags. Which makes clutter clearing cathartic but a bit violent! I like the idea of preparing for winter by getting rid of what I no longer need, and I know that the old needs to be released to make way for the new. I know that it’s a darn site easier to keep the place tidy if there’s less crap cluttering it up! I know that the outer environment can match the inner environment – chaos without, chaos within…and that if you clear the outer chaos the inner chaos subsides. And I know for sure that I have WAY too much stuff!
So, the Daily Practice for November was decided. Having made the decision and started to make some notes about what the Clutter Clearing Practice would entail, I received an e-mail from Leonie Dawson telling me that the Goddess Haven ecourse was to begin on the 1st of November! From the ecourse blurb, it says “Goddess Haven e-course: 6 weeks to creating your decluttered, sacred, nourishing haven!” – oh, how perfect is that?! Don’t you just love it when the universe gives you a little nod to say ‘yes, you’re on the right track there gorgeous’!?
Not only that, but I also received an e-mail from the lovely Carole Dore about “clearing out the old to make way for the new!” Yup, I’m definitely on the right track here! As ever with these daily practices, I want to make it easy for myelf (and you, if you are going to join me!). So I won’t be spending long days clearing EVERYTHING out. Instead, I’ve already started to make a list (I do love a list!) of all the possible places for clutter to accumulate in my home…which is pretty much everywhere. And every day, I will pick ONE area, take 10 minutes out and clear clutter from that ONE place.
To be honest, that list already contains more places than days in November, but if I even get half of those areas clear of clutter, I’ll be delighted! So, are you going to join me and get the clutter cleared in November? Let me know if you’re going to join in, and make sure you are following me on facebook or twitter for a daily reminder to keep you clutter
clearing!
– Something to Play With –
Join me in my clutter clearing November adventure. Start by making a list of all the places you would like to clear clutter from in your home. DO NOT get stressed out about this list! It is just to help you pick a place to start every day. Then, every day in November, pick one drawer, or one shelf, or one corner of a room, and spend 10 minutes clearing the clutter (playing your favourite music is optional but will make it more fun!). Then get on with your day. Want to share your thoughts on this article? Leave me a comment below to let me know what you think.
Love
Donna.x
Comments
12 responses to “November Daily Practice: Clear the Clutter!”
Lol – I’ve just been clearing a bookcase…and so far ONE book hasn’t made it back onto the shelf! Hmm. Yes, it’s funny how scary it is to let things you don’t even need go! x
Ah lucky you Toni! You’re so right – nature knows! x
I used to be the same way about keeping things (I still am about books, you’d have to pry them from my cold fingers!) but when I was forced to move at the beginning of the year I made the choice to get rid of a lot of stuff that I didn’t need any more. At first I was a bit panic-y about it, but afterward it felt really good and I felt a lot lighter! I’ve been surprised that I’ve kept up with it for so long. Once you get there it feels really good!
Enjoy the Goddess Haven e-course, I loved doing it!
Spring here in Australia Donna so spring cleaning in full motion. I love that the trees spoke to you…Nature always has the answers
Bless you Goddess x
Absolutely – start with the one that’s staring you in the face Corie…then everything gets easier. I’m getting to my desk on Monday…can hardly wait :-/
Oh, my desk! There’s so many other places to keep clean…. but I can at least start with just this (I hope!)
Thanks Karina! I love that – “extra space to play” that’s what we all need!!! Going to use that for tomorrow’s reminder. xxx
Hey Gigi – great time to do it! Wish it was spring here 🙁 I started last night, and then laughed because I’d already done the list exercise! Great minds think alike! x
Great idea, Donna! I love cleaning out and thowing stuff out but my husband is quite the opposite ; ). I started clearing out the kids room last week and it was awesome. They love the extra space to play with long lost toys and I love not stepping on legos in the middle of the night (= so painful!).
Thank you for this very timely post. In the next couple of weeks I will focus on all the mental junk I need to release in order to grow.
Big hugs, Karina
Hi Donna,
I’m doing the Goddess Haven course too this time around! Looking forward to feeling good about my space :). And as I’m in the southern hemisphere, this is more of a ‘spring cleaning’ thing for me.
So excited to get started!
Hey Nicole! Time to banish that bane of your existence! Get your timer at the ready – 10 minutes at a time we’ll get some good stuff done! x
Donna, I have loads of clutter myself…it is the bane of my existance. And the hard part is actually getting rid of it! I always second guess myself. I did recently have a very cathartic declutter session so I am trying to remember how that felt. I’m just tired of feeling trapped by my stuff! Hopefully between you and Leonie, I can come out of November in a better state!