With a little reservation, I accepted another 365 Days of Decluttering Challenge and am again writing new material for my other blog, which is associated with it. I still enjoy both the decluttering and the blogging, however I know that my perfectionism will try to have its way with me.
While considering whether or not to accept the challenge at the end of December, I had to remember back to my first 365 Days of Decluttering Challenge. Didn't I feel scared at that time also?
I didn't worry about the actual decluttering, because it's not hard for me by any means. What is hard for me is to do something routinely...and even more so when there is accountability involved. I hate to be a hypocrite and say one thing while doing another. And, what I imagined did materialize throughout that year. There were many times when I was tempted to keep posting my motivational and 'cheerleader-esque' posts to other challengers, both on the blog and on the original Delphi forum where it originated from, while skipping a day or several. I knew that no one would know. I knew that others would forgive me. But, here's the deal, I don't believe in behaving like that. I live with integrity, to the very best of my ability, in everything I do. I would know and that would be awful enough.
So, I accepted the challenge knowing that I would not start down that slippery slope and miss a day on purpose. If a day did pass when I missed decluttering an item because it was over before I knew it, I didn't let my all-or-nothing perfectionism force me into believing that I should abandon my challenge altogether. Instead, I stayed true to my challenge and faithfully decluttered one item each day unless it was one of those days as described above. For those, I would sometimes declutter a few things on the next day to make up for them and for others I didn't; but I did just kept going and declutter one thing a day. As I have told other challengers in the 365 Days of Decluttering Challenge, "There's no guilt allowed. Just jump back in right where you are!"
Another question that came to mind is "Don't I still have clutter to deal with?" And I know that is a big yes. Although I declutter all the time, it's the small stuff such as incoming clutter, kids clutter, clothing clutter, etc. It's kind of like cleaning. We feel like we're cleaning all the time but usually what we are only able to accomplish are daily pickups and some surface cleaning. The deep cleaning jobs are only handled now & then, if at all.
I know that I was able to lighten my life considerably by taking my last decluttering challenge. I decluttered easy stuff, old forgotten about clutter, sentimental clutter and LOADS of mental clutter. Now the clutter I see around me is the 'old me' kind of clutter; as in items given to us or low cost stuff that we had while starting out, stuff that is not my taste any longer, clothing that is not my style any longer, etc. This year is a metamorphosis year for me and that stuff is really starting to nag at me. Well, not anymore. I accepted my 365 Days of Decluttering Challenge for 2010 and I've already freed myself of 22 things!
I don't think I have the time to adequately describe for you how great I feel. Within these last 3 weeks, I have been feeding my motivation meter by decluttering mental clutter and I feel so good. Sure, the physical clutter went with it but I can barely recall what it was, truthfully. So far, I have dealt with several 'wish I had the time or skill to do this' projects or the materials I had put aside for that project. I've also passed on several pieces of clothing that are still something I could wear (and maybe do now & again but don't love it) as it's one of those 80% pieces of clothing, cleaned up some clutter piles I've let accumulate, and thrown away some stow away clutter (such as reusable containers that are so warped the lid won't even stay on), etc.
I still have many, many more days to go but, regardless of whether I miss a day or not, I know where I will end up. I will end up at least 365 items lighter and freer. That feeling is awesome and I can't wait to feel it again!
Have you accepted your own 365 Days of Decluttering Challenge? If so, awesome! Hopefully you've announced your start date on the 365 Days of Decluttering Challenge start page so we can cheer you on.
With my new challenge going on, I've also started up the Focus Challenges once again. The old Focus Challenges are still available and a new one will be posted on our Challenge Anniversary, which is the 22nd of every month. Hope you'll join us and free yourself of at least 365 unneeded, unwanted, unloved and unused things.
Until next time...Take Care Of You!
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The last Focus Challenge being issued this year has been posted over at the 365 Days of Decluttering Challenge blog. It's a thinking one; a little something to consider as we head into the new year, fresh with promise.
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