The #5MFW #write31days prompt for today is the word aware. If I get too busy there are many things I miss.
To be aware of my surroundings I need to slow down, open my eyes and ask God for wisdom. I need to be mindful of a number of things, but today one particular area came to my attention. I took a look around my house, and I realized I have not taken care of it very well. I was aware that there was a lot of clutter, but I guess I lacked the motivation. [bctt tweet=”Little by little things pile up and I get overwhelmed and don’t know what to do.” username=”GaylWright”] So I look the other way and spend time writing or reading instead of cleaning. Today, that awareness took hold and I decided to do something about the state of my house.
First I started clearing out newspapers, paper bags and empty egg cartons that had accumulated. Then I moved the exercise bike, found a better place for the cat litter and partially cleaned out a closet. I didn’t take a before picture, because it really was not very eye-pleasing. There is no after picture, because I am not finished.
For the amount of space we have, there is too much stuff. Earlier this year, we acquired things my mom left behind. I’m slowly making progress with that. My son brought more boxes and a bunk bed set when he moved to an apartment close to the university.
[bctt tweet=”I believe part of a healthy lifestyle is having good habits in place for keeping a clean house.” username=”GaylWright”] That doesn’t mean perfection or like a museum with everything just so. I do think everything should have a place and if it doesn’t, then it needs to go. [bctt tweet=”As a side note, I have a long way to go to reach that point. ” username=”GaylWright”]
When I see how crowded things are and am not sure what to do, it can make me feel trapped. That in turn feels like a heavy weight pushing me down. I can see the burden lifting as we pare down and keep only what we need and like. It’s an ongoing process. My five minutes of writing has ended, but I have a little more to say.
[bctt tweet=”I want to encourage each of us to keep on our individual quests as we write these 31 days.” username=”GaylWright”] Sometimes we can’t keep up with the everyday writing and that’s okay. We can start right where we are. If we take more than 31 days, it doesn’t matter. What is important is that we show up and write when we can.
Report on New Habits
Back on track with scripture reading and prayer this morning after missing a day. Not much exercise today except for house cleaning and a few hoedowns. Water intake also back on track after lagging for a couple of days. On Friday I will take an inventory again to see what progress I’ve made since the beginning of October.
I’m linking up with: #FreshMarketFriday
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Gayl, the thought on your beautiful photo, “Sometimes letting go of things lets in the light” is touching me so deeply tonight. I have tended to view the letting go of a way of living that used to be mine, in a sad way. But reading this tonight is giving me a different perspective, that the letting go is another way of de-cluttering my soul for more of God’s light to come in. Thank you so much for sharing your heart and thoughts! –Blessings and Hugs to you!
Oh, Bettie, your comment almost makes me cry. I’m glad this spoke so deeply to you tonight. It’s really hard to let go of something when you don’t have a choice. I pray God will bless you and help you find even more joy on the path He is leading you.
Hugs, blessings and smiles to you! xo
I’m struggling to keep my good habits and my writing for 31 days going at the same time! It seems I always drop the ball on one or the other. Priorities are so important!
I know what you mean, Elizabeth! It’s hard to balance everything, isn’t it? The good things is that we can always pick up where we left off and learn from mistakes. We need wisdom to set those priorities, because some days we may have to leave off something we feel is important to make room for something just as or more important.
There is much grace for us and I’m thankful for that. May God bless you and give you wisdom and strength. So glad you stopped by!
Gayl, I love your collage, and I am inspired by your quote about letting the light in, as well as seeing the need to clear and clean so our souls can breathe more freely. These words are true for me, too: “For the amount of space we have, there is too much stuff.” Oh how I sympathise with you! We’re drowning in too much clutter collected over years of living in the same house. It’s always on my mind but not always a top priority when energy isn’t available to achieve it and neither of us is currently well enough to manage even daily household tasks. Maybe one day… xo ?
Joy, you really “get me” and I appreciate how you encourage. It’s really hard when you can’t do the tasks you want to do. And when both of you are down, it’s even harder. Praying for strength and peace and wisdom for you.
Much love and many blessings to you, dear Joy. xo
I’m learning to let go of the little things, and life is so much less stressful! I always leave your site refreshed and challenged Gayle:)
Crystal, thank you so much for your encouragement! You are a blessing. I’m glad you find my site refreshing and challenging. Thank you!
Many blessings to you! xo