The magic of tidying

[Till23]

It's great that you've made significant progress @Dimity even if you currently are not making the progress you would like. Yes, I feel now that Dad's anniversary has just passed and we have done a fair bit of tidying at his house I will be more able to tackle Dad's things. I am currently being easy on myself while I recover from trip and organise some future things

[AuntGlow]

I think your ability to reflect, know where you're at/what you need, and how to ask questions, shows me that you are absolutely capable of change (and probably more than you realise in general). It sounds like you are exploring productivity, which is amazing - we need this as adult humans (sadly haha). But what about pleasure? Can we incorporate some joy into these goals? @Dimity 🥰

[Dimity]

@AuntGlow I might have lost the capacity for pleasure... and the closest I can get to a flow state is in mindful tasks. Marie Kondo asks if an object sparks joy. I've been working through the flotsam and jetsam of old interests and nothing seems to spark joy.  I read suggestions for selfcare and very little resonates.

My troublesome family situation bubbled up again late this afternoon. I've just tried to resolve a potential financial liability dating back 3 years. I'm at my wits end trying to look out for myself and a loved one who lacks insight, and need to get on top of it all. I tell myself "one step at a time" and "keep chipping away" but can't imagine what feeling at home or secure and loved would be like. It's time to begin again... again. As I've said several times before... but I guess I can only persevere. 

[AuntGlow]

Mindful tasks are an absolutely valid form of flow state. @Dimity Sometimes the pressure to find things that spark joy can inhibit our ability to fully feel them. I wonder if you could become curious throughout the day about your 'glimmers'? i.e.: the things that feel light in your body. Let me know if any come up. I will be back on Sunday and can check in then?

Home sounds really vulnerable right now... know that you have a home with us here. I know it isn't the same, but I hope we can help to provide a sense of safety and comfort for you when life is hard. 💛

[Appleblossom]

@Dimitya. As I was reading your post, my son came in the room talking and doing his declutterring. So some special synchronicity was in the air. I gained a couple pairs of socks. Yippee!

 I really loved your phrase “doable chunks”. So much wisdom right there. I also appreciated @AuntGlow flexible approach.

 I have areas in the house and garden that need work, but its about 75% approximately clean and tidy. I am alright with that. My desk has been appalling for years. Just haven’t had the wherewithal to do it. There are journals and diaries etc to work through. It is a symbol for me, that “ life is messy”. When the time is right I will do it. It bothers nobody but me. It matters to nobody but me.