Clearing Clutter
Some of the attachments are like steel rods!
I’ve decided to stop apologizing for not posting on a more consistent basis here at Substack. Instead, it may be time to just acknowledge “I am where I am” and then to thank those of you who engage with me simply by taking time to read my meanderings and musings. So, to all you beautiful people who have landed here – thank you for the part you play in my continuing story. I love being on this journey with you!
A 12-day respite in Puerto Vallarta is fast approaching and I’m grateful to have friends who are willing to share their space with me. As part of this business of “clearing clutter,” perhaps this will be another “Perfectly on Time” instance to utilize Dan Blank’s Clarity Cards as a way to give thought to forward movement in 2024. However, we have also agreed there will be only two focused priorities each day:
What book do we take to the pool?
Where will we go for dinner?
A couple of weeks ago I was introduced to a new expression – “Energy Engineering”. It was presented as part of a webinar discussing the idea of “I am free to be me” and the following struck a cord:
Being human should be fulfilling – with regularity it should be fulfilling. Even on the challenging times in your life being human should be fulfilling. IF IT ISN’T YOU NEED TO RE-ENGINEER!
As these words land on this page I swear my “soul voice” is whispering… “Hey you, have you considered that the act of “clearing clutter” (BOTH mental and physical) might also be related to “re-engineering your energy?” I know, I know - it’s a bit of a mind twister for me as well! Suddenly though, letting go of “stuff” (BOTH mental & physical) has taken on a new sense of importance - somehow tied to moving forward and embracing the next phase of my story.
There are two parts to this meandering - one that took place many years ago and one that has just occurred so please step back with me to Hawaii in June 2000.
Don and I had been gifted to visit our favourite part of the world as part of R&R with my son who was in the Canadian Navy and had been posted on a six-month excursion. When those long periods away from home occurred, sailors were allowed to invite family to spend time with them. I recall the conversation with Brett – him suggesting that perhaps we wouldn’t be interested because we had just been there in October/November of the previous year. Of course, because our love affair with Hawaii was so deep we naturally jumped at the offer and were delighted to say “yes” and “thank you”.
There are a few fun “stories” attached to that particular trip but one of them is related to a book I was reading while hanging out at the pool at our accommodation. Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui. On the cover of her book is this statement:
FREE Yourself from Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Clutter Forever.
The book was/is a delightful read and at the time provided me with useful ideas and options along with several genuine laughs. I was left with a full-out recognition AND desire to run home and begin the removal and clearing of what I considered to be a dumpster load of “clutter” (of the physical kind).
A small PS in here - the book is going with me to Puerto Vallarta.
A few days later while once again hanging out at the pool a mother and daughter came out of their space in full-on panic because they had missed their flight home and they needed to return that day. And, here’s where one of those “Perfectly on Time” moments unfolded (of course there was more than one moment – it was truly about a 15-minute timeline). We all looked at one another and I recall there was a rolling of eyes and under-our-breath comments about how on earth could anyone miss their flight.
And then it happened. A thought of “what if” popped up!
My mind being in a somewhat cluttered state it seemed prudent to quietly get up and just go and be sure we were on time and not about to miss any flights.
But of course, we HAD missed our flight and as I roll back down memory lane on this one it’s pretty clear the universe was having a ginormous laugh – particularly because I had been smirking and judging those lovely people.
Those 12:10 am departures really can mess with a mind – particularly if it’s jammed up with “clutter” and there we were. In the bigger picture of the day it didn’t evolve into any kind of full-blown crisis (although at that time I was prone to “creating a crisis”). Rather, thanks to a kind airline representative - and as has happened more than I can count - everything worked out – “Perfectly on Time”.
And - now we have the refurbishing of kitchen cabinets
Oh oh – could this turn into a replay of the last time I decided I wanted just one small change made to the flooring in an ensuite bathroom? Which led to a significant reno including, new tile, hardwood flooring, new window coverings, California shutters, new furniture, painting… I expect you have gotten the picture.
So, here I am one more time – Brian, the master cabinet refinisher, has created this wonderful sense of light, air and space.
FROM this:
TO this:
How could there possibly be a downside?
It’s like some kind of built-in kick-start - now that the cupboards look so marvellous doesn’t it seem reasonable that a “freshen up with paint” project should be contemplated?
In truth, that list may or may not evolve. What feels more important and top of mind is this sudden sense of a swirling dervish and where to begin “clearing clutter” because NOW everything looks cluttered EXCEPT the kitchen! My inability to just throw things out or away is significant. Add to that some old thinking that somehow this SHOULD all be done BEFORE I skip town and the run down the rabbit hole begins yet one more time.
In days past, before leaving on a trip, I’d be up at 2 am ironing “things” that seemed critical to be taking with me. In that process, dust bunnies would magically present themselves in the corners of the laundry room and now doesn’t it make perfect sense to begin pulling out appliances and cleaning? After all wouldn’t it be unforgivable and unforgettable if something should happen and someone came into the home and discovered dust bunnies in corners!!
I have no idea if any of this is relatable to even one reader but I have to say seeing it here on the page in black and white is magical. Magical because this time there’s this wonderful clear vision of how:
that very old repeating behaviour is attached to getting ready to go on a trip (this can be changed)
quickly, powerful and familiar old patterns can resurface (these can be changed)
unrealistic mental clutter can lead to being overwhelmed and anxiety (this can be changed).
And - because of insisting that I remain “Perfectly on Time” it’s pretty obvious that some “energy re-engineering” will be a valuable exercise. Stepping back even for an hour will most certainly provide an element of “mental de-cluttering”. Coming back with a different view and a new approach will surely result in ease and comfort while packing a small suitcase and letting everything else go.
I’m so thankful for the David Michie’s of the world who have given me new approaches to walk through the “Perfectly on Time” moments that continue to delight and surprise me. I may not have it down pat but progress HAS been made and I’m happy to report that by taking those pauses I’m much more able to settle.
This musing about this small part of my “story” has once again given me this lovely opportunity to step back and reflect on what’s truly important in this mixed up world we find ourselves in.
This is a small peek at where I will get to practice “energy re-engineering” and “mental de-cluttering”.
From a “heart to heart - soul to soul” perspective here’s my wish for you in the days ahead.
In the moments in time you are being gifted to recognize this too is simply part of your story - may you know - at that soul level - that you are always “Perfectly on Time”.
Kitchen Cabinet's look great. I am giving some thought to RE-ENGINEER!
I love this idea of Energy Engineering, or re-engineering! Enjoy your trip Marilyn!