My Minimalist Journey – Part 4

July 18, 2023

I am nearing 6 months into my decluttering/minimalist journey, and I can honestly say that yesterday was the first time I truly felt the full benefits of my efforts. Yesterday, I got my kitchen cleaned and under control. Truly under control. There are dishes in the sink this morning, from late night dinner shenanigans with my 4yo and husband, and a pile of clean to-be-put-away dishes on the drain board, but other than that, my kitchen is pretty clean today. The living room isn’t out of control despite my son playing in it all day yesterday. Toys got put away, piles got eliminated, and I would not be embarrassed if someone walked into my house unexpectedly. 

I had my house clean enough that the bedroom doors stayed open during my son’s birthday party on Saturday! I let my mom walk into the master bedroom with me to help with the baby during the party. I did have some empty storage containers stacked and stashed in the hall closet, but I wouldn’t have been absolutely appalled if someone had opened that door. I could have let guests use my master bathroom without cringing if that had been necessary. THAT HAS NEVER HAPPENED! 

Let me be clear: it was/is nowhere near perfect. I didn’t get to all the dusting. There were still corners where I had to stash odds and ends. There was a pile of unopened mail on the entry table. There is still a stack of items to go down to the basement sitting on the living room ledge… and yet, I feel so much better! The shame I used to feel about my housekeeping skills is GONE. I still have a long way to go, and I’m hoping to make much more progress. However, I am enjoying the benefits right now. Yesterday, I was able to take my kids on a last minute picnic in the state park because I did not feel shackled to the house out of guilt! Here’s the thing: I didn’t even know I was feeling guilty about it until I experienced the freedom from it!!!!! 

Now, I still have a lot to get rid of, and the more I look around, the more clutter I see, but I am through the first layer of the onion. I have even gotten my hubby to declutter some of his things. I try not to be pushy about it because it is his responsibility, but I am excited about the progress. The more we purge, the easier our lives will be. 

As I was running around preparing for Ben’s birthday party, he followed me from room to room, “Mommy, do you want to play with me?” 

My reply, regretfully, was, “Buddy, I would love to play with you, but I am getting the house ready for our guests. Your party is tomorrow!”

I would hype him up for his party, promising it would be worth it. All I could think about was the preparation, but I have vowed that I will get our home to a place where I can say, “Of course, buddy! I am free to play with you.” Because that is what it’s all about: more time for the important things.