I spent all day yesterday working on some new chalk paint techniques, and painting several great finds…the hubby was kind enough to give me a full, uninterrupted day to simply paint and design (and the kids had a great time going fishing!)  When I came home, tired and happy and really ready to see the family, I, once again, became keenly aware of the piles I have laying around!  You know the kind?  The stack of magazines that you really will read…one day.  The kids toys that you will sort and rotate/donate…soon.  The piles of “stuff” in the desk drawers that you had decided awhile back were really important and that you should take the time to go through…

Then, there are the things that really matter to me: God, Marriage, Family, (and, somewhere in there for sure, chalk painting!) =).  I find that when I just keep the clutter down or eliminate it, I like life even more.  Things seem easier, lighter, less bogged down.  Starting each new day seems more exciting and happy.

That pile of papers and magazines had been lying around for 6 months! It was time for them to go!

I came to a new resolve to seriously declutter, and stay that way, after a wonderful playdate this morning at a friend’s house.  She keeps a  VERY clutter-free household, and I asked her secret.  She stated that she regularly throws things out, and looks for things to get rid of all the time!  I was very inspired, how simple.  The first thing I did was throw away a huge stack of magazines that I’d had for months, hadn’t read, and were bugging me.  It felt liberating!  Hmmm….read a bunch of magazines just to “finish” just to say “I read them” to myself, or, spend more time with my family and doing things I love to do?  That was an easy one.  Now, just need to apply it in little steps throughout the house!  As my sister says, pick one bite size project to do, then do it until it is done!  THEN move on to something else.  Will do.  And, will keep you guys posted on my progress, a little accountability.