I always feel like an over-privileged dickhead when I talk about decluttering, when so many people on this planet struggle to survive, but the fact is I am fortunate to be able to choose to eat anything I like (and consequently spend loads of energy trying to moderate my intake of nasties) and can buy pretty much what I like (within budgetary limits...but I am a chronic second-hand shopper I must admit).. and I have 3 sons and a husband and now a dog and I feel like I'm constantly fighting a CLUTTER WAR!!!!!!
AARRRRGGGHHHH!! Stuff, stuff everywhere!!!
My sister loaned me this brilliant book called 'The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up' which is apparently a massive seller. I've only just started reading it but it's got me in the mood to get busy clearing a whole bunch of stuff out.
OMG I totally recommend this. It makes you feel so good. Clean and organised.
Have just been through my wardrobe for like the umpteenth time and have managed to clear out another 15 or so items (ask yourself, "does this spark joy?" when you hold up each item, and if the answer is no then out it goes. And share the love, give it to a friend or take it to a charity shop).
Also just went through the pantry and chucked out old sauces etc that I've not used for months. Same with the family room bookshelf full of old colouring books/artworks/games etc
So satisfying!!!!!!!!!
I will continue my quest to magically change my life by tidying up. I can imagine that it will be a life-long endeavour. Stuff comes into the house in waves. I intend to constantly wave it out as well.
This isn't really sobriety related so I better say something about being sober.
I love being sober. I love, love, love, love, love it. Even when I'm tired and clutter is stressing me out I love being sober. Even when I am grumpy or ill or frustrated or angry I love being sober.
Mostly I just love that dumb alcohol isn't in my picture. I am not wasting any time on that dumb brain-bending stuff that destroys my authenticity. I love that I am not slightly affected by booze marketing and I love that I am free.
Free, free, free, free, free.
That is all. Goodbye.
Love, Mrs D xxx
Hi Mrs D, I too are in the de cluttering mode. Also coming up 1 year sober (next Wednesday) Thanks to you and your tv interview and book. I love love love being sober!!!!!! Life changing. You are truly a wonderful, caring person. S.D.
ReplyDeleteI'm 2/3 through the same book , here, on the other side of the world. You're right it's so satisfying to declutter! Celebrating 700 days today with coffee and closet cleaning.
ReplyDeleteOh yes I recently read that book while at my mother's and really wanted to come home and start "tidying" but it is so overwhelming. I have 3 boys, 2 dogs and a whole attic full of collected clutter... thanks for reminding me about this book, maybe I will set my mind to working on it this week. 465 days here and I think decluttering has A LOT in common with recovery! Letting go of old hangups, etc.
ReplyDeleteI think decluttering is the best!
ReplyDeleteIt opens up space in your life!
xo
Wendy
(However, I do tend to hang on to clothes!)
Hi Mrs D I am reading your book at the moment. I am just like you were except its beer! High functioning alright, I can even run half marathons and still manage my habit. Five o'clock is beer o'clock and that's not 1 beer it is 6 or 7 depending on if its the weekend or a week day. Two weeks ago I broke my leg, slipping on an icy puddle when out for my early morning run and spent 6 nights in hospital. The first 6 nights sober in a very long time (perhaps 6 years or so) because I didn't have a choice! Now I am at home and haven't had any alcohol for 15 days, I am in a full leg cast and it wouldn't be a good look to have 6 beers on board and fall over! Makes me think "did this happen for a reason?" Anyway I love reading your book, it is light and it is easy to relate to. Well done, you are amazingly determined and strong and thank you for sharing your journey. I'm sure you have helped many people. Me, I have a long way to go in terms of recovering back to normal life, whatever normal is, and wonder if I will just fall back into old habits or take this opportunity to carry on sober. Still early stages for me I guess and it makes me sad that I can even think about going back to my habits. I would love to be able to have a couple of beers but its never just a couple. I have two beautiful children, and a loving husband, what am I? Stupid? God just writing all this down is a help, all my thoughts are spewing out onto the screen.
ReplyDeleteEnough now, but thanks again, a friend told me about you because she had seen you on TV a year ago. My mum bought your book.
Have a fab day Mrs D.
I just de-cluttered my closet. Major accomplishment. I feel liberated!
ReplyDeleteI started to read this book from the library but didn't get it finished and couldn't renew it because it was reserved. Such a popular book!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't started decluttering yet but I really want to. I know I will feel so much better afterwards! A x
"Does this spark joy?" hahah! I love that! I've been going with "Does this make me look hot?" but that's not something my wardrobe can accomplish at the moment. I try to use that philosophy while actually shopping so as to not add to the hoard. But a bargain is a bargain, am I right?
ReplyDeleteAnd speaking of books, LOVED yours, best one out there on the subject. The part I always think of is how you said you loved driving at night. Driving at night is FANTASTIC.
PLEASE come do my house! I HATE decluttering (it takes me ages as I find an emotional attachment to everything) but I love an uncluttered house!!! I can live with the clutter but it does mess with the peace part of my mind. I never tire of reading how much you love being sober! Keep telling us.xxx ALONGTIMEOVERDUE. XXX
ReplyDeleteI love Marie Kondo's book, too. In fact I have "Kondoed" (decluttered) my entire house and it feels wonderful. Now to tackle the drinking. Day 10. Reading your book, your blog, other sobriety blogs, and the Living Sober posts has helped me to stick with it. Very tough around 5 and 6 o'clock some days. Daunting to think it's only Day 10 and "doing without" is so very new and fragile. But this online encouragement helps enormously. I think there is a connection between tidying up one's house and tidying up one's life...getting rid of all the junk we've accumulated, the guilt, the hang overs, the health consequences, all because of drinking. Each feels like an act of reinvention. (But the house part was a lot easier, haha). Thanks for all this!! xo Laura
ReplyDeleteHello Mrs D.
ReplyDeleteI have just finished your book. Yes I am sober now,( I think I quit last year but do not remember the date).. but I just had to borrow your book, when I saw it, at Tuakau library! Wow....just so insightful and I can see you helping so many people, with their' struggle', to be alcohol free. I too find it a bit unnerving to be not drinking, at social events but I just say" I want to be around longer to enjoy my three grandsons.."
I read most of the decluttering book, while on holiday at my sisters' home, in Sydney, in March and took notes to declutter, at home. I have made a start but the long term goal is to continue...
Thanks, Mrs D and I'm so glad you are continuing to blog..
Nana Lin