If you are new to 52 Weeks of Organizing, catch up here!
No not the dream that you’ll be living organized one day because you can and you will. No I’m talking about the dreams that keep you tied to your clutter. Oh you know the ones I’m talking about…the dream that says you can’t part with any of your sewing stuff because one day you are going to sew the most amazing quilt ever even though you haven’t touch your sewing stuff in years. The dream of keeping every single wedding present you received over 13 years ago for the one day you’ll have a bigger house to actually fit it all in to. The dream that you are going to be an amazing chef one day and therefore can’t part with any of your kitchen utensils “just in case” (I just got over this one). The dream that tells you that if you hold on to every single piece of school work and picture your child has ever drawn they’ll stay young forever.
You know I could go on and on but I think you get my point. So here is what I want to ask you:
What are you holding onto today from your past that keeps you from fully living today in the present?
Is this a stumbling block for you? If you’ve got the space that’s different, I’m not intentionally trying to be a dream killer here. However for those of you who struggle with space and are buried in clutter that isn’t relevant to today (sentimental clutter anyone?) then it might be time to let go of that dream and move on.
Don’t get stuck in the what ifs, the someday or the just in case.
Your home is your “living” space but that can be difficult if you are designating large portions of it to yesterday.
Just something to consider as you tackle your clutter piles this weekend (hint, hint). An uncluttered tomorrow can be yours if you make the necessary decisions today to stop letting the past take up prime real estate space in your home.
You can do this!!
Please feel free to share your organizing journey and encourage one another in the comments. You are also invited to link up to the linky below with any posts related to your 52 weeks of organizing participation or to any post of an organizing nature that you feel will inspire and encourage others in their quest to get organized. Please remember to link back to here though so we can reach out to as many people as possible in need of some inspiration.
One other thing to consider: by including your link below you, you are giving me permission to use parts of your post including pictures as a spotlight in future 52 Weeks of Organizing posts. Proper credit and links will of course be provided. If you are not okay with this please do not link up. Thanks!
Chloe says
For me it’s every piece of artwork my son has ever drawn (he’s 10 now so there’s quite a bit!). I love it though. Can I really part with it? Maybe I’ll try the whole 80-20 thing and keep 1 out of every 5. That could work! How about recipes – I’ve got piles of those too cluttering up my dining room so it’s hard to use. My dream is to try them all one day – but will I? Probably not! Time to throw some out I think!
Diane says
Chloe,
I just read your comment, that is over a year old. If you are still struggling with tossing the artwork, there is a new program that lets you take pictures of it all and publish it as a coffee table book. I wish I could remember the name, but I’m sure you could google to find it. I believe I saw it on Pinterest. Try searching for something like “publishing children’s artwork”. Hope this helps. 🙂
Living the Balanced Life says
I used to have all kinds of craft items, from beads to crocheting to painting. I finally realized I am not crafty with my hands. I am creative in my mind and in my thinking, but not with my hands. Once I came to terms with that, I was able to give all of that away! Now I just admire other people’s work. 🙂
Bernice
Do the holidays throw you off balance?
Erin @ Small and Simple Things says
Ugh. I have several boxes of old photos and scraps from places I’ve visited over 2 decades ago. I saved them so I could “make a scrapbook”. It’s not going to happen. I need to go through and get rid of that stuff. Thanks for the nudge:)
Linda Stoll says
You are so right on!
I’m resonating with you … back in August, I wrote ARE YOU LIVING IN A FANTASY WORLD? Lots of hits tell me that we’ve hit a tender spot for many of us.
The big question is – “Have you acquired a whole lot of stuff along the way to becoming someone you never quite became?”
http://creeksideministries.blogspot.com/2011/08/are-you-living-in-fantasy-world.html
Laura says
Great minds think alike! That’s a great post, thanks for sharing the link!
Laura
Diana says
Wow! You are so right!
I’m at work now (it’s 2 PM in Europe), but this afternoon/evening some boxes are leaving my house for good!
Recipes (some 30 years old and – yes- never tried), craft supplies, I might even toss my beloved high heels (several pairs) I never wore…
Thank you both for a great idea! 🙂
Nicole says
I needed this, I have so many crafts that I don’t even know how to do or have the patience to learn. Time to recycle!
Annette W says
Lots to think on! Thank you.
I wanted to subscribe through a reader, but your link was funky. Maybe you can help?
Laura says
Here you go:
https://orgjunkie.com/feed
sue says
Hi Laura, loved your drawer organizer.. as you know I did my cupboards just before we had to move out because of the flood.. so my drawers were put back nicely by the ladies who unpacked us.. but I have to do them again.. AND my plans are to do my bedroom closet and drawers hope to take before and after pics OK.. I have so many clothes but any I’m not wearing anymore out they go…stay tuned…
More Than A Mom says
Today I’m going to get through some Christmas presents I am planning to make. I’m also going to organize gifts and perhaps wrap what I have already. I also have plans to wrap both of my children 12 gifts each for building up anticipation for the big day (I’ll use books and DVDs Christmas-themed we already have but had stored all year and they likely forgot about for this).
I also have plans to declutter my stash of yarn by making scarves and hats for gifts. It’s a labour of love for my crafting, my gift receivers and my decluttering plans all at once.
Holly says
I think this post has just pushed me to return Mum’s bobbin lace equipment to her. I’ve had it for 18 months, and I haven’t touched it. Yes, I’d like to learn how to do it, but at the moment, it’s really not going to happen. I think I’d rather focus on my primary crafts for now.
I’m slowly working on my de-clutter journey, your’s is one of the blogs I read for encouragement and idea.
Stacy says
Oh dear…I feel like you are talking directly to me! Our spare bedroom has become the dumping grounds for all things we think we will use one day! Or things I hate to throw away because of how I acquired them, etc. I am super motivated after reading this to donate a bunch of stuff and start using that room for something other than storage! Thanks for this post. I needed it this morning!
Laura @ Frugal Follies says
This is a great series! Thanks!