Maximum Gratitude, Minimal Stuff

When I returned home from a weekend trip recently, I immediately unpacked my suitcase, washed a load of dirty clothes, and put everything away.  It made me feel settled and at home.  It was comfortable. A few days later, I felt a bit restless, so I set my writing aside and started cleaning.  I cleaned the refrigerator door and wiped the kitchen counters.  I swept the porch and mopped the floor in our small entry hall.  I decluttered a few old papers from my file box.  It felt good. Self-soothing with home care For me, cleaning, organizing, and decluttering are a form of self-care.  Tidying gives me satisfaction.  It makes me feel that I'm managing my life and ready for what's next. A hygge home isn't dirty.  It's not cluttered with garbage, dirty dishes, or things we never use or put away.  It's not covered in a thick layer of dust.  So don't decide that pouring a glass of wine, lighting a candle, and snuggling under a blanket is hy...

With the first day of school fast approaching, I always feel a burst of energy and anticipation.  And I can't wait for fall!  Now's a good time to use that determination to refresh my home, my goals, and more. In fact, we can do old-fashioned spring cleaning, year-end evaluation, or a seasonal update any time. 6 easy steps to reset your inner and outer environments 1.  Start with self-evaluation. Begin by thinking, "What's really important to me?"  This inner evaluation is at least as important as any decluttering program.  Consider: What do I want from my life? What needs to change so I can move closer to the life I imagine for myself? How can I live the upcoming year in a way that's truly meaningful? Imagining myself a year from now, what am I happy about accomplishing, or rueful about failing to do? Take at least 30 to 60 minutes to think about these questions, or revisit them over the course of a few days.  Take notes.  You'll create a blueprint f...

It's Memorial Day in the U.S., which is usually considered the beginning of summer. School's out, or nearly so, and everyone is thinking about longer, warmer days, vacations, and plenty of time to play, relax, and maybe even complete some projects we've been promising ourselves to get to "someday." Someday is here! I know you're probably looking forward to summer days spent lounging by the pool, picnicking in the park, or hiking through the forest. You aren't imagining a marathon cleanup at home. Yet I have never met anyone who regrets having given their home a thorough clean and at least a light declutter. In fact, they value and appreciate the results. Once they actually get busy and start to see the effects, they don't want to stop. They're proud of their accomplishment and enjoy the outcome. Now, I don't love cleaning. It's never first on my list for "what should we do for fun today?" It's certainly a grungy, tiring, endle...