Naturally tidy people have no idea of the pain that cluttery people live with.
They don't understand how much we hate sending our kids to school with unmatched socks and fieldtrip release forms with coffee stains on them. They don't know how difficult it is to manage when you can't find your car keys, or clean underwear or the water bill. They sail through life as if it was a breeze, and stare at us blankly when we mention "junk in the garage," or "unmade beds." They pull out their warranties from organized files and change their car oil regularly and rotate household chores like clockwork. It's hard not to feel bitterness.
And begrudging admiration. How do they do it?
This month, I'll be focusing on habits of Tidy People - not so we can spiral into depression, but so that we can learn from them and adopt those habits as our own. See, I'm convinced that there are few NATURALLY tidy people - and a lot more people who have simply learned how to become tidy. Being married to a neatnik has taught me a whole bunch about that.
Starting tomorrow, each Small Thing in September will be a simple Tidy Habit you can adopt as your own.
You might be surprised to find that your mountain of clutter and mayhem can get conquered, one tiny bite at a time...and it won't even be that painful. I'll be here to help you try on each habit and see how it feels. We will pretend we are in the Tidy Club together until it starts to feel natural. Fake it until you make it, so to speak!
Open your mind and heart to becoming the better you - the one you know is in there underneath all that inertia. Find that little spark that hasn't given up, and fan it into a flame. Let's use the month of September to grow and learn and embrace new things. You CAN live free of old habits and mindsets that keep you a prisoner under piles of dirty laundry and dishes in the sink. Don't let the clutter make you forget that you are an amazing person with beautiful gifts to offer the world. This is your month. You can do this.
Are you with me?
Meet me back here tomorrow, and let's get started.