Decluttered Space

Exhale. It's done. That disorganized space you've been meaning to tackle for weeks has just been decluttered and reorganized. What a great feeling! Everything is in its place. Strangely, life feels refreshed and under control. That breath you let out is full of optimism and hope. What new possibility lays ahead for me?

I love to organize. All those fun blogs about organization tips, I'm entertained by them. That label maker that prints the little labels for containers? Yeah, they're a guilty pleasure.

But, I'm also a clutterer. I hate to say it, but I shall self profess that I sometimes my stuff gets junky around the house and the next thing I know I have a large cleaning project waiting for me. Maybe I'm the only one in the world with this problem but maybe (just maybe) you can relate, too.

Today, I finally had an entire day without plans and decided to tackle at least one or two little projects around the house. Here's what I did to accomplish a bit of decluttering around the house.

1. Plan. I have a lot of house projects to do but I'm easily overwhelmed so I thought of two spaces that I really wanted to tackle for this weekend; my coat closet and the space beneath my kitchen sink.
2. Reuse or Shop. It's helpful to have containers, shelving, or other tools to help get things into a specific location. I already have some things at home that could be reused but at the risk of a little retail therapy I invested in some small shelving, containers, and boxes that would fit into my desired spaces.
3. Removal. I removed everything or at least most things from the problem space.
4. Sort, Trash, and Donate. Nearby I placed a bag marked with one of the mentioned intentions. As I sorted through all of my items I determined which ones I'd keep and which to get rid of. It felt so good to just let it go! And some items had to be placed in other parts of the house because they simply just didn't belong. Letting go made me feel like I'm opening my life up to a new possibility. A little bit more air...to be a little bit more me.
5. Re-place. I put the shelving, containers, or what nots into my space and placed the "keeping" items in its new place. I considered how to place the items so as to make it easy to take them in and out of its place. This extra consideration, I think, will make it easier in the upkeep.
6. Simply Be. I took a moment and observed this new organized space. It felt so good to see fewer items there and know that only those things that are of greatest importance remained. I even found things I forgot I had. Smile.

Space #1. Coat Closet.
I considered which spaces in my house have been neglected and I picked one to start with. I needed that feeling of success so I started with the coat closet. It wasn't horribly out of hand but I had several bags that were on the floor and I found it frustrating when I tried to get the vacuum out. The vacuum kept tripping over the bags. Time for an intervention. I invested in a plastic container with drawers and placed my bags inside. Everything is now contained and in its place. My vacuum easily moves in and out of this small space. Success!

BEFORE

AFTER

A small change like a container can make all the difference in decluttering. Now when I go into this closet I am sure nothing is going to fall out of it making life just a little bit easier and fluid.

Space #2. The cabinet under my kitchen sink.

Yikes! This space was getting out of hand. A few times, things were falling out and I had to push them in. And each time I went in there too look for something it was annoying to take that extra time to search for it.

So, I invested in some small shelving and baskets that would fit in this space. What a difference it makes!

BEFORE

AFTER

SPACE #3. My Kitchen.

After the cabinet was reorganized, I was so refreshed by all this decluttering that I went on to declutter my countertops, some of the items in my cabinets, and two shelves in my pantry that have just been an accident waiting to happen. I simply had too many things shoved into that pantry and I knew there were items I wanted to donate but never took the time to take them out.

And in the midst of decluttering, reorganizing guess what I found? All the sushi makers my mom had given me! YAY! Guess I'll have to plan a party and have friends over sometime so we can make sushi in all different shapes, sizes, and even smoosh some spam masubi together. YUM!

(I forgot to take a before and after photo of the other spaces but maybe I'll include the "after" photos tomorrow).

Tomorrow, I shall tackle a few more spaces before the weekend ends. What a great feeling!

What do you do to keep yourself organized and decluttered?

Love in the little moments

Today was the loveliest of days. It was busy but nothing extraordinary today. There were lots of events planned for today, all scheduled back to back. I was anticipating it to be a whirlwind sort of day but to my surprise there were so many little moments that caught me by surprise, reminding me that I am loved.

• A hike through the woods. A little blue jay, most magnificent in color, entertained me as it bounced around looking for food.
• Reminder of God's intentions. Ecclesiastes 7:29
• A friend passed over a parking spot and gave it to me.
• The little nephew shared his blue crayon with me.
• Rum-Nutmeg-Gingersnap and cruncy peanut butter ice cream in an ice cream cone coated with chocolate.
• Deep dish pizza. YOM!
• A friend came over and walked my dog for me.
• Hugs from friends.
• My brother asking me how I'm doing and what's new in my life.
• From my garage as I got out of the car, I could hear the excited whines and paw tapping on the floor above me. My pup was excited I came home.

A good day indeed!

Happy New Year 2012

2011 turned out to be a satisfying year for me.

Not gonna lie, life is sometimes REALLY hard to live. I have problems, weaknesses, issues, etc. just like everyone else. My list of faults is long, so far from "perfect". But between the nooks and crannies of "life" I am living. I am happier and living more fully.

Relationships.
I've been working hard on myself to be more authentic, assertive, and centered. There have been some relationships that I've simply had to let go of because they were either no longer beneficial to living a healthy life. And others I've had to open communication with them to adjust them. It's been really hard to do but taking those risks has made me a happier person.

Spirituality.
My faith gets stronger. I've been blessed with a loving church community. I've been surrounded by a group of women that are forgiving and caring. Being a part of their lives and having them in mine has been healing. God has placed me in uncomfortable situations while serving those in my community who are in need but I have been humbled through them and my heart is even bigger than it was a year ago. He is good!

Crafting.
My year has been full of creativity at so many levels. I've continued to surround myself with creative people who inspire me. This creative community is also social, bringing into my life new friendships that have filled my days with laughter and great conversation.

365 Project.
Perhaps this has been my most life changing endeavor of the year. I write much about it in my 365 project blog (http://365project.org/julz) but overall I have proven to myself that I have great discipline to see myself through a project from beginning to end. I have learned to accept that sometimes perfection just can't happen. The task must be done (good or bad). I have been creatively, technically, and humanly challenged through this project. This project has humbled me but filled me with so much gratitude for what God has blessed me with in my life. In many fold, this project has changed me. I am for the better.

2011 ended in peace. The days leading up to the new year I witnessed beauty of the human soul (my niece), the brokenness of a friend losing a loved one, the joy in my little nephews laugh, the forgiveness over broken relationships, the relief in an old lady's face as she was comforted by the sweetness of my dog, the delight that comes from companionship between girl friends. My heart is grateful for all that is in my life right now. It's not perfect. And in many ways it's not even great. But, there is peace and there is grace.

For that, I thank God.

2012 is bound to be another adventure. I turn 40 this coming year. I am excited but also woeful. What does this mean to turn 40? It's a number, indeed. But, it's a milestone; an opportunity for reflection and change. There is anticipation and joy.

Cheers to 2012. May the year be filled with good news, resolution, change, and good health. Cheers!

The Simplicity of Company

My parents have come to visit.  It's Friday night and on my way home from work I started to think about my evening plans.  I decided to spend the evening with my parents, having dinner and suggested catching a movie afterwards.  The flick I really wanted to see wasn't showing in the local theatre and would require a 30 min. drive, at least.  There was discussion of other movies but none seemed appealing to them.  After some discussion and inability to come to a consensus about which movie, annoyance over the cost of movies in theatres this week we decided not to go.

I needed to walk the dog and her cousin (whom we're dogsitting) so I invited my parents along.  I was expecting to go alone but at the invitation to join me sounded appealing so they grabbed their jackets and we all headed out the door with leashes in hand.  First I led them along the edge of the farm across the street.  It's a daily walk for me so I pointed out all the crops that have been growing there.  Knowing my Dad has a green thumb and finds much peace amongst plants and flowers it was no surprise to hear him repeat how much he's enjoying this walk.  We chatted along the way and ended up walking all the way around a block.  The dogs got tired, the busyness of the day was escaping our beings, and the comfort of a quiet, relaxing evening started to set in.
Simple plans.  Good company.  Exercise.  FREE. Lovely evening!

Authentically Me

This is a bit off topic from my usual blog post but I can't help but just state how beautiful and sexy I feel right now.  I'm not one to put a lot of time into myself on a day to day basis.  Perhaps it's me not giving myself time for "me" in those early morning moments before work but makeup and hair products are rarely applied.  I'm usually in a hurry and if I'm lucky a round of moisturizer makes it on my face, and then eventually a slap of lip moisturizer on my smacker. 

But, tonight I'm heading out for dinner to a fondue restaurant with a couple of gal pals.  We've had this on our calendars for a couple months so the excitement has been built up and I can't wait paint the town red.  After a morning of cleaning house I took my shower a bit later today and having just had a haircut earlier in the week I decided to take the time to blow dry my hair.  After all the whooshing, brushing... I feel feminine, sexy, and whirly.  Aaaaaah, I feel authentically me.  I feel beautiful.  I feel sexy.  I feel better.

Why don't I take more time for myself?  Why is it so easy to let yourself go? 

I think I might even put a dab of blush and perfume on tonight.  Even though I don't have a date with a man my girl friends deserve the best me, too.

Authentic Being

I hear when you are in your 30s it's a time of coming into yourself and being who you really are without regard to what other people think of you.  Of course, this is in comparison to your 20's where you are figuring out what you want to be when you grow up and being influenced by your peers, culture, and the such.  Perhaps I'm a slow learner, but reaching this point has come to me later in my 30's.  I spent many years being concerned about what I thought other people wanted or expected me to be.  I am grateful to be in a better season in my life where I am working on authenticity within my life and in the way that I live it.  They say that your 40's only gets better.  We'll see about that, but for now I'm simply working on "being".

Authentic living to me is living a life I was intended to live;  one that is true to who I was created to be.  That purpose is still a journey but one that is revealing some interesting and beautiful aspects of who I am.  How exciting it is to have this quiet confidence that holds me up every morning as I face the revealing day.  Life is full of hard stuff and if I didn't have my faith I would be one lost cookie.  God is my stronghold. I believe in living a faith driven, prayerful life to have balance and focus or at least try. 
Authenticity is not only living life with intention and purpose as my true self but it is also simply the act of being without distraction.  A difficult challenge for me, but that means letting the past go, living in the moment, and being full of excitement and hope for all that God is planning for me in the future.  I reflect upon Isaiah 43:18-19, 21. 

Goodbye Vacation

Dear Vacation,

I'm an adult.  I have responsibilities.  I know. 

I know that the holidays are over and normal life must resume.  But, I just wanted to express my deepest appreciation for all that you are and all that you do.  This last week or so, you gave me the gift of time.  After all the busyness preparing for Christmas, trying to focus more on the advent than I ever have before, meeting work deadlines, and letting all the holiday tasks impede on my sleep you let me rest.  And, rest I did!  I slept.  I napped.  I slept some more.  I napped again.  I realize now that when I push my body, mind, and spirit to its limit there is little of me left to give.  The first few days, I actually had physical body pains because my body was crying for me to rest more.  Between all the resting, I laughed.  I cried. I hugged.  I giggled.  I screamed. I talked. I ate. I sat. I walked. I chased.  I jumped.  I played. I lived life in a restful way.  Now, I am rested.  I'm so rested that I hope to be able to sleep well tonight so tomorrow I have myself to give again to the world (or work, anyways). 

Thank you for these last few days of pure indulgence.  I am re-energized to take on the world.  Welcome 2011.  I can't wait to see what's ahead.

I will miss you.  But, I know the next time I see you you will be there with the gift of time.  Thanks!

Your biggest fan,
Julz

Happy New Year! Welcome 2011!

I'm spending New Years Eve alone at home in my comfy clothes this year.  Lucy is my only companion and she's curled up in a donut on her bed ignoring me, napping in the peacefulness of the evening.  Years past, I would have been heartbroken not to have had social plans, feeling like an outcast that I had nowhere to go.  Friends invited me to their house for the celebration tonight but in actuality I wanted to be home this year, even if that meant ringing in the new year alone.  Perhaps it's the personal growth that's been taking place in the past year that has made room for this quiet contentment.  I have no plans of becoming a hermit but I am grateful to be in this space at this season of my life.  There is peace now where there was once great anxiety.  The peace I feel in my heart is thanks only to God for His good work.

It is this peace that makes me grateful for 2010.  A new home church for me and this excites me to have a local community to build my faith and grow my understanding of Christ.  The friendships I am developing are really special and I am thankful that so many of my prayers have been answered.  Thank you, Lord!  I have been blessed with travel to Poland, Chicago, Las Vegas, San Diego.  Traveling inspires and invigorates me so having the opportunity to travel overseas again was a blessing.  I managed to fit in a trip to Auschwitz which was sobering and humbling to witness.  Checking it off my life list!  I volunteered for a bakesale to raise money for Haiti and was honored when the organizer wanted to use two of my photographs on a popular website to document the event.  I watched my niece and nephews grow tall, one of them turning 1 and discovering that his legs will let him walk and run.  Proud auntie, I am!  It's been a year full of creativity from cardmaking, photography, baking, and so much more my life is feeling quite full.  Even blogging has introduced a unique creative outlet for expression.  My year ends with a special visit with my family and remembering all that this past year has brought me.  More personal growth and a lot of love.

On that note, I wish all of you a very Happy New Year.  May 2011 bring you joy and new adventures to a better life.  In the meantime, just be.  Be in the moment.  Enjoy now!

Ease of the Morning

Saturday morning.

I found a few extra leisurely minutes this morning between waking up and heading out for a morning walk with friends.  The birds are chirping, spa type music is gently humming in the background, the fall air is cool, and my pup is laying next to me as I type.  I love these rare moments when the world feels like it has paused for a moment to allow you to catch your breath from the busyness of the work week.  I'm cherishing it and praying the peace I feel right now will carry with me throughout today.  Breathing in, breathing out.

I wish you a beautiful day.

Peace and perfection

Saturday morning.

Saturday mornings are probably the best moments in a week.  Usually it requires some sleeping in and leisurely wakeup. 

This morning I was reminded how lovely this time can be.  Waking up leisurely, I decided to take the first bit of the morning to work in my studio. Absorbed in some aspect of my inspiration board that I'm working on, my dog Lucy wanders into the room.  With her sweetness, she offers me pup kisses on my toes as if to say "Mornin' Mama".  She she decides to wander around my feet as if to say "Are you paying attention to me?".  finally settling near my feet while I worked. 

As the natural lighting streamed in through the windows, my mind resting on peace giving creativity, I felt Lucy's unconditional and the joy of doing what I love.  All my worries melted away.  Life, at least at that moment, is as it should be. Perfection and peace!