I don’t know about you, but mess and clutter suck the energy right out of me. My office, the place where I spend so much time and where I create the books I love to write, is a mess. I have finally decided to clean it up. I’m calling this a New Year resolution started early—and I’ll need the extra time. ☺ Because considering the piles of papers everywhere, this is one daunting task. Piles on the floor. On the work area where my computer sits. On the adjacent desk. In the closet. Plus there are three 2-drawer filing cabinets and one file-size box that are bulging with stuff—papers, but who knows what they are? Every file needs to be cleaned out. I thought about posting photos of the mess, but I’m too darned embarrassed!!
Just thinking about that gives me a mega case of dread. A friend once told me that when she faces a monumental task, she pats herself on the back for what she completes every day, rather than on all that’s left to do. Wise advise, indeed, and I’m taking it to heart.
In November I made a to-do list and have pledged to complete every task by January 2. Here are some of the things on the list:
Paint the walls
Organize and clear the bookshelves of books I don’t read and don’t use
Move the inspirational sayings tacked all over the bookcase shelves and covering many of the books (blocking the titles, etc.) to a different location
Purchase a 4-drawer, vertical filing cabinet
Buy a bulletin board
Sort, file and toss papers on work spaces, the desk and the floor and the filing cabinets, and get rid of all piles!
Here is my progress report to date:
In November I painted the office a lovely, pale apricot color. I bought really cool paint that has little odor—a plus since it’s too cold to open any windows. The room looks clean and warm now, and I really like it.
I found a four-drawer, cherry wood vertical file cabinet at Office Max online for a great price. Twenty-four hours later, they delivered it . My husband assembled it without my even asking. Now that’s what I call support and encouragement. I labeled each drawer and am ready to file.
I tossed a good chunk of paper from the file cabinets. (Still a ton to go—but I’m focusing on the great work accomplished to date, not the piles left…)
The crammed bookcase is now clean and organized, with the inspirational sayings in a pile (yeah, I know—another pile). That will change, just as soon as I buy a bulletin board. Soon!!
Lots of empty bookshelf space, which is a good thing, as I know more books will come. This time, though, I’ll be careful about what I stick on the shelf. And I’ll periodically weed and clean. Weed—isn’t that a great word for clearing clutter?
The stuff that inspires me—angels and ferries, the Never, Never Never Give Up poster, foil-covered Ritas, little Japanese and Chinese “good luck:” figures—in plain view of my computer.
So yes, I’m making good, but slow, progress. Hooray for me!! (Pat, pat, pat.)
Until next time, and wishing you Happy Holidays and a clean, pleasant work space,
Ann
www.annroth.net
