Questions to help point out the weak spots

Questions to help point out the weak spots

February 3, 2013

It takes time to get accustomed to the concept that if you don’t use it, if it’s not part of your life, if it doesn’t serve your goals and mirror your values, then it is just a waste of space.

I have found the last month on my downsizing campaign something between exhilaration and embarrassment. I know I should pat myself on the back for what I have managed up until now. Still, I often am confronted with one of my weaknesses, meaning well, and it makes me feel ashamed. I bought books, supplies, equipment, etc., because I was enthusiastic about some new idea or project. What was I thinking?! Nobody has that much time! 

I lacked commitment. If I had been committed, I would have found the time.

Peter Walsh asks some questions in his Workbook "It's All Too Much" which I answered with considerable chagrin. (But I did buy the book as a Kindle version. No clutter there.)

“Do you feel comfortable having people visit your home?”

Visitors?! Here?! Well, I keep the living room presentable and nail all the other doors shut. But the guest toilet is okay and smells clean (toilet perfume).

“Do you need to clear off the kitchen counter to prepare a meal?”

Ahhm, I checked and I do have counters in there. And there is nothing on them that a hefty shove into a Dempster-Dumpster wouldn't clear.

“Are the small appliances that you rarely, if ever, use on the counter or in a cupboard?”

The Cousinart has been up in a high cupboard for years. RIP Cousinart. And an ice-cream-maker.

“Could you have a party without cleaning up first?”

I did that for my last party eight years ago. That really helped me downsize my friends right quick!

“Do you have a stash of plastic bags that seems to grow daily?”

Well, yes. I was wondering if I needed to build a pantry for my pantry – just to hold the bags.

Chuck that idea.

“Do your clothes fit in your closet?”

Sure they do. But I can’t get them out because they are packed so close. Oh, I just checked the walk-in-closet. There ARE several containers of THANGS in there. Uh, and the shoes without a home. Mmmm, and the sport bag. And…

“Do you regularly misplace your car keys or checkbook.”

A hardy NO! to that question. At least I am okay on something.

“Can you work at your desk?”

Sort of. I am using my lap at the moment. Good things, these notebooks. My lap is pretty free of clutter.

“Where are this month’s bills?”

Paid. I am a bit of a hoarder, not a self-management flop.

“When was the last time you used your dining room table for dining?”

My daughter did mention at our last dinner here that she felt like she was eating in a jungle. Must be all the plants I store on the table. I probably should give them away when they bloom but by that time, I feel like I deserve a reward for all my tender, loving care.

When I give my daughter or neighbor blooming orchids, they bring them back when the blooms have dropped! Because “I have a way with plants"!

“Do you have to remove laundry, toys, and/or children to get to your bed?”

All of the above. Except for the children. Mine left home just in time.

“How many magazines do you have in the house?”

Oh, great. That is my Achilles heel. Does he mean the ones from 1999 or 2000?

“How many catalogs do you have in the house? Where are they?"

I did well on this one. I throw catalogs away as soon as I get them. If I look through them, I am a goner and somebody other than me makes money.

And I bribe the boy who sticks advertisements in my mailbox. Don’t even think about it or “I keel you!”.

“Is there laundry waiting to be put away?”

You mean the clothes I’ve been moving from the dryer, to the bed, to the table, and back to the bed?

“Is your floor clear of papers, toys, magazines, newspapers, shoes, clothes?”

Got me again. No newspapers, though. I cancelled my subscription years ago because the things stacked up unread.

Well, those questions sobered me up plenty. At least I am still working the 100-day-challenge. Toss one thing every day.

My aunt was wondering if the place looks empty yet.

Not in this life!