Spring Cleaning

Spring is a time of renewal. The beautiful flowers, fresh air (well warm air, here in Atlanta the air has so much pollen it makes it difficult for allergy sufferers), and spring cleaning. For me spring cleaning has meant opening up the windows and doors to air out our home after winter. Although this sounds like a simple task, it takes careful planning and coordination. My home is filled with allergy sufferers (myself included) and I have to ensure that the air circulates enough to freshen our home but not too much for fear of sneezing, coughing or asthma attacks. 

Of course spring cleaning should also entail cleaning out the closet and switching out clothes as well as tackling those jobs that have been left undone. In my case - unpacking the boxes that have sat around for the two years that we have lived in our home. Before I am able to tackle the bigger jobs around my home I have to do the basics. For me that means giving my bedroom and sitting area/office a complete cleaning. You see when I get busy and overwhelmed it shows in my personal environment. I have a habit of letting things go awry and when it is really bad I am completely overwhelmed and am unable to tackle it. 

The past few months have been that way for me, I have been trying to keep up with all of my responsibilities and my home has been neglected. I have read time and time again that spending time with family and being happy are more important that an immaculate home and I agree. However, having organization will help me be more productive and feel better.  Today I decided to clean my bedroom which was not an easy task. I can "straighten" all day long but moving things from one place to another does not take care of the problem and inevitably things go back to disarray quickly. No, today I cleaned and removed clutter. I had to question my need to hold on to bills from early 2008 that have already been paid. Which reminds me - I need to go digital with all of my billing to save some trees! 

Anyhow, I took my first stab at spring cleaning today and feel lighter. Next, I have to deal with my office. I keep in mind that once I do the "big" clean it will only take five or ten minutes a day to keep everything in order. Through this all I am being kind to myself, not judging and simply doing. Clearing the way for springtime and the summer will bring clarity not only to my space but my mind.