PANIC!!!

Ok, deep calming breaths. So I did my homework and read the next chapter (well most of it, I stopped when it said that was enough for today.) So this one was all about how clutter. "Clutter is things that do not bring you joy, you do not love, or you don't need." Clutter is like a cancer in your life. You can't organize it, you can't be friends with it, you have to GET IT OUT OF YOUR LIFE! Now I understand this, and I KNOW in my head that I have WAY more stuff in my house than I have room. BUT...(deep sigh) I am a collector. I love things. All kinds of things. I have shoe collections (real and porcelain) all kinds of celestial things, stuffed animals, candle holders, and more, LOTS more. I also am one of those crafty people so there are boxes and piles of fabric, paper, stamps, yarn, knitting needles, sewing needles, and finished products (such as scarves, hats, cards and Sock Monsters...which by the way I sell, HINT HINT) And then there is the fact that I am a confirmed and undeniable book worm, which leads to the issue that I CANNOT physically get rid of a book. And I have learned to supplement my habit by buying books at the Goodwill and other thrift stores which means instead of buying one book at a time, I usually end up with five or six. So the idea of getting rid of any of these things makes me slightly sick. So the problem is that most of the things I have I LOVE and use and it makes it REALLY hard to get rid of anything,

So, the actual "doing" part of this chapter was to do the 27 Fling Boogie. You're supposed to set a timer for 15 minutes, grab a box, and then run through your house getting rid of 27 items to give away/donate/whatever (it can also be done as just throwing things away). You're not supposed to think it through, talk yourself out of it or give yourself a chance to keep it. You take it to your car and donate it next time you're out. So I set my alarm, turned on my cleaning tunes, grabbed a box, and....proceeded to have a small panic attack. I felt sick to my stomach, tense, and I'm pretty sure I chewed off several fingernails. I did though run through my house doing my best to be ruthless and not second guess myself. I made it to 23 items. I figure all things considered its a step in the right direction...right? To make myself feel better about the fact that I am giving things away (especially since several of the things were gifts) I decided to grab a bag and throw away 27 things as well. Ok, done....breathe, breathe, breathe.

Ya, umm, this is going to be way harder than I thought. But, I can do this. Repeat after me, I CAN DO THIS. I also know I'm making progress, but I think I may have to do a bit more binge cleaning to make myself slightly saner (the house does look like a tornado came through.) The book says it may take months for all of these ideas and routines to take effect and I don't think I can wait that long to have some order around here. Ok boys and girls, send me your peaceful, get rid of crap thoughts.