TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE & KEEPS MARCHING ON.

Hi Guys,

Just thought I should write something so you know that I have not gone completely AWOL. 

There have been no posts since January, with none in February due to my studies, which have proven to be more difficult than I expected and time consuming with all the research, reading and creating of charts/graphs and so on.  Am at the tail end of this course now and should be able to get some sort of employment as a Trainer & Assessor in one of my fields of expertise.  Clutter not being one of them!  I jest. 

I have found myself constantly juggling and feel it is now timely to look at my list of 'to dos' and see if I need to shift my priorities around.

Being that my time has been devoted much to study in recent months, all else has fallen by the way side as it had to.  I will pick up the baton once more in the next few weeks and have already mapped out what I plan to first achieve.  Bit by bit I am getting to that other end.

The difference this time is I am putting myself at the top of the pile of priority.

This time round, being that nothing has been done has not upset me as much.  Reason being is I know I will do more as I have now created a mindset and habit to do so.  I don't like it, but am dealing with these stop starts far better than before.  I am now more focused on the positive side of this venture.  Far more appealing and helpful.

Now looking back I realise it is more about getting into the habit of doing the decluttering or whatever it is that needs to be done that is important.

I have seen a lot of other clutter sites and facebook pages with helpful hints and guidance.  Whatever works for you if you happen to have the issue of clutter then that is what you should do.  Not one will fit all sizes.  We are all different and ergo so will be the solution.

I have reached a point where my health and energy have become the issue above the clutter now as without it, the energy that is, you cannot do the job at hand, especially when it is massive.  When the time comes and I have completed all my work for this certificate, I will have to work on my health first to regain energy in order to clear what is now left of the clutter.

I have worked on so many demons over the years and conquered them all finally, however, exercise is one of  the last things I have to work on and as yet to have any success with.  I lack the motivation and have lost my drive and spark to get going.  But I must.  I know I must.  I have strategised that after waking my son for his last year in school I will then go for a walk.  Even if it is just to the corner and back and do this each day and do one house further each day after that or every second day till it seeps into my brain and soul that this is now a habit forever.  It really is about habit forming.  I am so out of practise that inertia wins all the time now.  My mind will just have to get stronger than my inertia.

My theory is with more energy the faster I can deal with what clutter is left.  This is the year to do it.  Why this year and not others you may ask.  Simple really, my daughter got engaged to a most wonderful guy.  The date is set for next year. 

There is no way I want wedding photos of me in such a state that will be viewed by future generations where they see my beautiful daughter and then me.  This alone seems to have at least got me thinking about this.  So I have a year.  Not too shabby.  I will keep it simple and have to go to all the medical people to ensure I don't do myself further harm.  After the slip in the kitchen at the course I am finishing I am finding I am having problems with my knees being that I fell on them onto a hard surface.  Such is life and nothing has ever come easy so why expect it to be easy now.

I may sound glum, but I am trying to gear up my mindset toward positivity and a sense of 'can do'.  I just cannot allow myself to fail.  It just is not an option.

You will see, read and hear people say that clutter weighs them down and thwarts life from progressing by holding you back or that it is a blanket covering for other emotional issues.  In my case, it wasn't that plain and simple.  How I got here has been a roller coaster ride and not fun at all, but I had no choice as my priority was to look after my children, one being very ill and my ailing Mum and work with little left in my tank to do anything about anything else.  The road here has been filled with many a pot hole, hazard signs, pitfalls and diversions to nowhere to only get back on that road to find nothing has been repaired.  Daunting to say the least.  I can do little about the road, but I can now focus finally on 'me' regardless of all the other commitments still remain to be done.  I have finally gone up the totem pole of priority. 

This is my year to start on me with next year to be a blast.

I have seen a few places with declutter hints that are helpful or useful with many of us saying similar things as to how to be able to let go.  Such as taking a photo and so on. 

I will share some of these as I go as the more we discuss this word openly the less stigma will be attached to it.  I was chuffed to see that this blog has been recommended as being helpful to 'hoarders'.  This was my aim.  My aim was also to take the shame away that many feel when they find themselves spiralling down by a course of events, usually in quick succession, to find themselves in the 'land of far too much' ill equipped to deal with it and due to the shame it then just gets worse.  If the stigma and judgement was not there, many would seek help way before it became a problem and easier to handle.   But being they feel or perceive to be judged the usual is to bury the problem which then becomes harder to handle and deal with.

We are all people who feel.  Any one can end up this way.  All it takes is for a set of domino events to take place in quick succession and then 'vamo', before you know it you are knee deep in clutter and for some that could even be chin deep. 

You look around, feel overwhelmed and wonder 'how did I get here'!

All is not lost.  Many out there are doing their best to assist.  Once we, ourselves, are ready to address the issue as there can be emotional issues attached as to why it happened in the first place, such as grief from losing a loved one that sends one into what feels like eternal suffering, we do find ourselves one day that we just cannot avoid the living any longer.  Our eyes begin to see.  We notice that we cannot move about within the living space so easily like before.  Once that glimmer of recognition happens the journey begins.  We must allow for the initial grieving process to take place first, otherwise, the problem will only get replayed some time in the future.

One site that I saw with interest was called 'Declutter with Dawn'.  I will share part of her post as it really had that positive spin about clutter.

This was the photo that I liked the most .....

With this following it.....

Declutter my desk so I can create.

Declutter our home so it’s peaceful and functional.

Declutter our schedule so there is more family time.

Declutter our budget so we can reach our financial goals.

Declutter our diet so we can be healthier and more energetic.

Declutter my mind so my thoughts don’t dictate my mood.

Declutter–that’s MY word and I’m sticking to it.

I found this to be a simple way to think about a massive issue to some.  It may be only one area of your life that is affected.  It is easy for clutter to infiltrate from one area over to another, which it did with mine and working through one area at a time. 

What I like most about 'Declutter with Dawn' is that the affirmation states the task and what you will get in return.  Just beautiful in its simplicity. 

You can find DwD on facebook or via the website http://www.declutterwithdawn.com.au/.

This last weekend I have had to rescue my neighbour who took a tumble in her kitchen and has broken both her wrists and at 88 this means months of recovery.  I have taken on the mantle of being her advocate and looking after her place being that she lives across the road.  This is what good neighbours do for one another.  We take care of each other.  Will fill you all in on her recovery next time round.

 In the meantime, not much more to add at this moment until I get qualified.

Ciao for now
ANITA who is still on her quest to refind her hutzpah!

 

OFF TO A SHAKY START!

Hi Guys,

The start of the year went well enough.  Quiet, but pleasant.  But the heat hit us like a ton of bricks.

We had 5 straight days of 40+ Celsius, with the nights for the 4 nights not going below 29.  No relief and with rolling power outages it was a nightmare.  Where I live this in period and not unusual to have this oppressive dry heat as we get the Northerly winds that bring with it the extreme heat from the dessert.  All one can do is stay still and be in water to cool one's core temperature down.  Somehow, most of us got through, but the bush fire season started in full vengeance with one fatality already.  These are the summers I do not enjoy, but rather endure.

That being said, I still managed to go through the areas of where boxes had been left to be sorted in the office, lounge and dining table. 

I started in the office first, which took 2 days in that heat.  I just pottered in a go slow motion.  Then I worked my magic with what was on, under and around the dining table and then what had been placed in the lounge room.  This took over a week.  I found so many things that now are proving useful.  I even found my ring of commitment with my previous that I had forgotten about.  An Irish gold ring - a  Claddagh ~ symbolising 'Let Love and Friendship Reign Forever'.  Well, that worked a treat ~ not.  I bought it for him, myself ~ mine had an Emerald in the heart ~ and his daughter and my daughter and as our son was still a baby he was to get one later as our commitment as a blended family.  My ex never gave that ring to his son, but that's a whole other story for him to explain to his son now. 

But it is amazing how just seeing one item the memories come flooding back, good and bad.  Trouble is you don't tell your children all these stories as you forget them.  My daughter remembered the ring and still has hers.  As for my son he never knew and said his Dad still wears his and had no idea that I had bought that ring for him some 17 years ago now.  I was astonished to hear that he was still wearing the ring I had bought for him, especially by rights he should have passed it onto his son when we split.  But due to the fact that I had forgotten about it, I never really gave it much thought.  Something for them to sort out.

I found photos.  I came across small treasures.  Much of which had to be tossed and those that I wanted to keep a memory of to catalogue, well, I just took a photo and then was able to be discarded.

Found a quote I quite liked, which really is so appropriate to myself in light of my lack of motivation and that is "The secret to getting ahead is getting started" by Mark Twain.  Makes perfect sense, now doesn't it.

After having achieved all that, I came to a standstill, due to some personal upheaval and stressful situation.  There is nothing one can do when this happens and takes place.  You will find at times, when this happens, you have to set your projects aside and concentrate on what is happening in the now. 

Clearly a month has gone by and I have decluttered, but not to the extent I had intended when entering this year.  However, I do not feel low about this as it was out of my control.  In the meantime, a friend came over to see my Dad's and Granddad's tools and power tools to tell me their value and quality and what I should keep and what I could definitely let go. 

The bedroom is functioning well now and now that the tools are out from more of the drawers, it will be better organised even more.

Just a short one this time.  We celebrated Australia Day yesterday and I have to get a jiggle on with my studies of which I am massively behind on.  Just dealing with one situation and project at a time.

My plan is to get all the tools sorted and the little shed cleared and functional.  The spare fridge will go in there next.  Clear the corridor and what is underneath the carport.  That should take a few months as yet.  If I am lucky, I will then get to start taking boxes one at a time from the attic ~ "the last bastion" ~ to be dealt with. 

Then and only then will I feel I am on the home stretch.

However, you would think that would be it.  Then I have to go through all the cupboards that I have left till last to go through and have that one last cull to cut right back.

My method is to cull twice.  Not what the experts advice.  But, hey, this works for me. 

Do what best suits you and can live with.  That way there will be few tears at the end.  No regrets.  Just glad to see the end of the overwhelming 'stuff' myself.  But I am talking more than likely about another years worth of work as yet to be done.

Till next time.  Hope your decluttering is still happening for you and that you keep being kind to thyself.

Ciao for now
Anita who needs to go find her mojo.

THE YEAR THAT WAS!

Hi Guys,

Well, here in Australia it is the last day of 2013. 

I am sitting at my desk, in what I have turned into, my 'office', for better use of the space while decluttering .  This actually helped enormously.  But, boy, what a year I have had.  Stop, then start, then stop, then start again.  Up down and around.  I didn't know at times if I was Arthur or Martha!

The year began with this room being prepared for the new use.  Wish I had painted it now, but we were time poor.  Also, the weather here was stinking hot.  Mid January saw 40+ degrees Celsius - that's 104+ degrees Fahrenheit for those still using imperial measurements.  Bloody hot.

Most of this year, I felt like I was at a standstill due to the fact that I could no longer see my progress.  This is what happens and it can play tricks on you and make you feel like a failure.  I remember, I did a before and now, to perk up my being down in the dumps about it.  But it wasn't till mid December when a dear friend came to pick me up and had not been to my place for some years now due to living far away.  Her immediate response was, 'Wow, look how much has gone and how much better it looks... the photos on your blog do not do it justice'. 

Well, you could have bowled me over with a feather, as I had been feeling like I had made no progress at all.  But I had.  Little by little, bit by bit, you do get there.

Recapping on some of the main events of 2013 were:

- creating the office space.

-  rearranging the lounge and kitchen with my daughter and her boyfriend.

- holding the garden bee with loads of helpers to get the overgrowth back into check.

- started at the markets.

- sorted out again under the carport for Hard Rubbish and the triffid to be hacked at and gone.  Almost missed the Hard Rubbish, which would have been just wrong had I done that.

- had 2 or 3 total complete long stops through the year due to commitments outside of my control or via medical reasons and concerns.

- this year it was 6 years since I moved in and started this process.  Was hoping to be finished by now, but that was just not practical.  Being more than half way with that in mind just didn't seem good enough, hence why I started to feel low about it.

So that was the year that was. 

Doesn't seem like much, but it is much more than before and it is now out and gone forever. 

The bins have been full all year long and that is a good thing.  Where I used to live I would put the bins out every two or three weeks as I really didn't have much to toss out at that time and recycled really well.  Once my bins start to get that way here, then I know I will be done. 

Cannot wait for that day!

I also started out this year with the intention to sweep out the deadwood and clear the slate for a fresh start.  Along with eliminating any 'stressors' from my life to enable me to concentrate more on the job at hand, which was to get my home in order and to get a job being that I had been recently unemployed at that time.

Now, nearly a year on, I am still unemployed, but required by our Government to do some studies.  The first course was far too simple for me, but out of it came an unexpected opportunity and that was to get me to do a Certificate IV to become a Trainer and Assessor.  Loads of jobs in this field that lend itself to my abilities.  This will only be completed in March.  So 2014 is going to benefit from all the 2013 groundwork. 

Just like this one so had to toss it in for good measure.

            

 

 

Due to all the madness over the last few months my home has started to look like a dumping ground in far too many areas, but being time poor and having suffered a medical condition, I have had to let things pile up.  I have finally tackled my bedroom first with the floor now being free of boxes, bags etc and now onto the dining room table, which has papers and left over product still on it from my last job.

Next will be to tidy up the study once more and then lastly the lounge room that got a few boxes put in there for me to sort  through from the day we worked under the carport.  See how easily things can be derailed.  But if you are patient there does come a time you can tackle it. 

Managed to get some of my personal items out so I can fully enjoy them finally.

 

Now I have a 'go to' place for all my accessories.

Have to get a place to put all the perfumes my Mum had.  Some are just too good to just throw out and will use them.  I wont want for any perfumes except maybe for 'the' one I don't have.

This area below is still a work in progress.  Eventually, once I get through the whole lot, and I hope I then be able to go through what's left a second time round as I really do have far too much 'stuff'.  I fully intend to eventually cull it down to only the absolute favourite items.  I can hear a few of my friends having a full on belly laugh at that comment.  But I do mean it.  I just have to get through the first massive cull is all.

Again, if one cannot have a laugh or two along the way, then what's the point.  It just wouldn't be fun and what's the fun in that if one is not having fun!

            

 

Hope I am this interesting as I grow older.  However, I do have to start getting colour into my wardrobe.

 

 



           

This coming year I will attempt to get the garden looking nicer with even a foundation of some beautiful and colourful flowers.  This is more a dream than a reality at this stage though, but doesn't hurt to put it out there into the universe.

          

 

 

Even though my Mum tried her best to sort through her pile of treasures as well as her Mums, it really all landed in my lap to deal with.  I may not get to enjoy this as long as I would hope to, but I can rest easy knowing that I will have made life that little bit more easier for my children.  If nothing else we will have done that much.

 



 

                

 

 

I must say, I have not always felt all that confident that I would have been able to get this far.   The fact that I haven't gone further is proof that I am not perfect and that life does and will get in the way.  However, this does not entirely stop the process of decluttering.  It only slows it down.

 

 



                 

 

This next one isn't quite on topic of what I wanted to say, but I like it enough to include it any way.  Basically, I have had to be selective at times to drop the process of decluttering in order to get on by, well, not getting on.  We cannot do all that we want to get done as we get older and if we did we would do ourselves an injury.  I do know of some who are like Sherman tanks and just keep on keeping on and seem to have boundless well of energy that springs from no where, but I don't.  I do happen to have health issues that get in the way, and I choose to stick around for the more important things in life and those are my children, the family who do love me and my gorgeous friends whom I all love dearly instead of pushing myself too far.

 

However, I have noticed some run for the hills when I am about to ask for a small 'favour'.  Was it something I said as I ponder!  No all jokes aside, not many of my friends mind helping out, as I don't ask all the time.  I make sure that I do not abuse their friendship or their own personal time.  Rather have my friends than the help. 

 

 



 

Going with the flow is more sensible in the long run.  Being that many things are out of our control any way, it is best to try and be as positive and relaxed as possible to ride through any given situation that has halted the process in the first place.

 

              

 

 

So when this does happen.... as in 'stop' due to a situation... no not just reading, but an actual life event...  we have to be mindful to not go into stress mode.  Stress is dangerous to one's health.  Well, it has been for me and am under doctors orders to lead a 'stressless' life.

 

 

               

 

 

Due to this, I have had to learn how to best use that time in a useful way rather than 'stress' or 'worry'.  I don't always succeed, but I did find the best answer for me in the end with what helps me most when those 'moments of a holding pattern' occur.  And that is humour.  And here are some other suggestions.  But humour does it for me.  Oh, and music, but humour first then music.... or both together... oh, whichever comes first then.



 

 

                 

 



 

Humour really is the best medicine for me.  Here I am with a fellow ex ABC TV artisan and all round fun guy, Paul McDermott.  I was on staff and he was the talent.  Now, I can highly recommend comedy as the best elixir and you can ask me till the cows come home and I would still profess that humour is the best elixir to all ails.  A good old fashioned belly laugh fixes all.  That and a huge gorgeous hug does it also, but laughing is fantastic to soothe your soul and take your cares and troubles away.

 



 

 

 

Have to agree with Mae West.  You can never have enough wonderful.  So glad I went on my quest to distress my life at the start of this year.  



 

 

As 2013 is about to be washed away, it is a time to not only reflect on what was, but what will be.

 

 



 

 

I did get what I set out to do, at the beginning of this year, as to what I intended to get done.  To rid myself of the worries, the stress, the added workload for others and any thing that was negative in order to allow the positive options in to open up a brighter future for my family.

 



 

 

The only thing I need to add to this list below is 'MORE TOSSING' as in getting rid of the over-abundance of stuff.

 

 

 

 

If I happen to have a few things happen  to get in the way this year to slow the process down, then all I have to do is remind myself some simple rules.  The main one is just to smile and laugh a little or a lot. 



 

All of us do not know when things may go completely pear shaped and turn our lives up-side-down.  We all suffer the same way.  We all cry, laugh, fear, protect and so on.  Let's hope 2014 brings more compassion, friendship, understanding, laughter, health into our lives.  It truly is only one world.

 

 

 

This coming year I fully intend to do more relaxing and concentrate on getting to the 'Y' to start on that all important start on my general health.

 

 

 

Get outdoors and enjoy nature and the sunshine more.

 

 

 

Go to Art Galleries, attend more local events and participate fully with my local community.

 

 

 

 

To seize the day rather than let it slip by.  However, it does say in this piece not to shed a tear or not be sad.  Now that ain't gonna happen.  Apart from that, not bad sentiments expressed.

 

 

 As for all of you, I wish the following...

  

 

 

Most who make resolutions may feel this way about it.... let's face... how many of us keep our NYE resolutions any way.  The reason being is we make impossible ones instead of realistic ones.  Make them achievable instead of going down this track of thought....

 

 

 

 

2013 has been one tough year.  I have done much.  I have learnt much.  Out of work for the whole year, but studied in two courses with this current one looking likely to gain me employment.

 

 

Found this and it is so eloquent.  The full poem can be found via www.linda-ellis.com.  Making the most of my 'dash'.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just remember this...

 

 

 

  

Looking forward to watching the fireworks with my son and his friends, which is only 5 hours away now.  Just enjoying the simple things in life that are free.  Even though this is the Sydney fireworks, we shall be watching the Melbourne fireworks just for clarification.

 

 

 

Fully intend to have a laugh or more this coming year, listen to some music and play me some games.  For tomorrow, I will be back to decluttering. 

 

And I get to see my two children on the first day of the year, which is the day for family.   

 

 

 

 

 

What a great way to kick start the year off... couldn't think of anything better than that.  Sharing the love and friendship with family.

 

 

 

 

 

Have achieved a hell of a lot.  Have a long way yet to go.  Have to say I am glad this year will be over.  Have to say am looking forward to building a better, brighter and healthier new year ahead.  We shall see on next years reflection if this ended up being so. 

 

Ciao for now,

Thanks for reading my blog and for those who have contacted me and wishing you all a safe and happy year ahead.

Anita

x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



WHY DOES IT HAVE TO TAKE SO LONG TO GET TO THE FINISH LINE!

Hi Guys,

Life has a funny way of getting in the way of all or many of our 'good intentions'.

I have been down for the count with health and study issues.  I always wondered 'where is my energy?', 'why cannot I find my get up and go?' and so on.  I mean, in my head, I get every thing done, easy peasy.  But the minute I go to 'actually' do what I have envisioned, 'well, it couldn't be further from that vision', is all I can say.  I just found out that I have very little Vitamin D, which now explains much of the fatigue and inertia along with the muscle aches and horrid joint pains.  This should start to improve within 6 to 8 weeks now that I am correcting this lack.  When telling my female friends all said 'oh that, I had the same thing' or 'oh yes my Mum/Sister/Girlfriend had the same thing'.  Why do we not say something.  I was clueless.  All this suffering for something so easily fixed.  You live and learn.

Most persons who find themselves in a similar situation with too much stuff, generally are in their older years with health and family issues attached that greatly affect their effectiveness and ability to do much about it.  Depending on the magnitude of the stuff involved, this then exponentially magnifies the problem and task ahead.  That is why one must be mindful to be 'kind to thyself'.  No one else will be kind to you about your situation so you may as well be.  Instead, you find at times people waving their scrawny finger in your face with judgement and some times even with disdain.  Not a glimmer of support or understanding.  Just assumed falsehoods.

I have come a long way, but I do find the perpetual stop/starts still frustrating no matter how positive I try to remain.  Logically, I decided what is happening with my family has to come first along with looking for work and so on.  But once you have a health issue that stops you in your tracks to working on your project such as decluttering is when I begin to feel hamstrung.

I had a fall the other day at my course on the kitchen floor.  It was wet from the cleaner who forgot to put out a sign to warn others that it was slippery.  I walked in as I always did and whoosh, down I went on my left side trying not to hit my head and save my wrists. Since then I can hardly move and in much pain.  Life still goes on, but I am at a standstill because of this fall.  I still have to get the fundamentals done, but cannot achieve those extras like the purging and getting rid of stuff.

This is where one has to be mindful not to let this get you down and to stay positive.  You tell yourself that it is only for a moment and once well enough you keep on going.  But  you cannot help but see your timeline slipping further away.  But you have to keep studying to retrain for a new career path and is taking up much time with the added study and research and you feel it is taking a toll on your health due to the added stress and now the tumble I took.

When you have a plan, plan on the plan having to change and alter it's course along the way, as that happens often.  This journey I have now been on for some years, has taken much longer than I at first thought.  Never in a million years would I have expected to still be sorting through my Mum and Grandmum's stuff along with mine.

I had fully intended to take advantage of the markets, but the weather has not been kind for me to do and till my back is better I can't even do that.

In the meantime, I have been helped by a friend of mine who has given me some free passes to a pool so that I can go and do some walking and physio in the swimming pool.  That and a few chiro sessions will fix me up.  Lord, please let it be sooner rather than later.

I am a member of a few recycling groups and it never ceases to amaze me what these people find, retrieve to then restore and either use, give or in some few cases on sell for a small fee.  This all helps to keep the land fill to a minimum.  I have gathered that there are those that take umbrage at those who do find, retrieve and save these items.  More good is being done.  No harm no foul.  As I have noticed that many TV sets are being tossed out onto many nature strips at present as the change to digital comes closer and analogue phased out.  Perfectly functioning TVs being tossed.  Such a waste perplexes me.

Christmas is coming and it is the first time I am unable to buy presents.  It makes me feel sad that things have gotten that tight.  I remind myself that many others are worse off and count the blessings I do have.  On the other hand I will not be adding to landfill either.  I have made a pact with one friend that we 'don't give gifts this year' and just spend time together and enjoying the company and laughter. I could go through some of my stuff and give some of the best to those I love.  This sounds like regifting, but it isn't.  I will only do that if the item is truly wonderful or just what they want.  Other than that this Christmas is truly going to be about family and friends who only have love and light in their hearts.

Due to my health issues I must not have 'stress' around me.  Stress is the mortal enemy.

This year I set about eliminating as much stress as possible from my life and have managed to do just that in most cases.  Some were easy to do and others a little harder for certain personal reasons.  Toxic and negativity is just that no matter which way you cut it.  Now I only want those surrounding me to have laughter within and friendship without judgemental strings attached.  I am well on my way to this and I must say life has become brighter and more enjoyable even with these constant stops and starts that I keep experiencing along the way.

I met up with a girlfriend recently, whom I had not seen for some 25 years.  We had so much to catch up on. What amazed me is what she remembered and how comforted by that I was.  She is also on the path to rediscovering her way forward.  All the years washed away and it felt like just yesterday.  The reconnect with kindred spirits is what I now look forward to and embrace a more lighter, softer and kinder connection with all those in my life.

You may be thinking, what has all this got to do with decluttering.  Glad you thought that! Well, how we feel about ourselves is important as to how we function.  We all get battered around while traversing through life and the way you feel will decide the outcomes.

If you are negative and down this will equal that not much good will get done.

If you are positive and feel good about yourself this will equal that you will set out to get things done.

It is quite simple really.

Most of those whom I have spoken to over the last few years that have this issue - and again I will state whether of your own doing or inherited or however it happened - I have noticed a common thread and that is all end up feeling that they have no self worth, lack confidence or develop a deep depression due to being weighed down by the problem and then feeling bad if they are not able to deal with it quickly and expediently.

Life is not perfect and neither are any of us.

So why do we expect to all of a sudden be able to perform miracles?

So I haven't achieved as much as I had wanted.  Big woop!  Who cares!  Am I hurting any one?  Heck no!

So why get down on yourself for something that you have no control over.

If you find yourself in my situation where you cannot get started for a while and fear that you wont keep going, that is where the positive attitude comes in.  It does help.  It is such a simple thing to do.  Yet one of the hardest to achieve.  Once you get this right, so will your ability to deal with the process to get to the finish line.  No matter when that will be.

My finish line is not all that far now, but still have a ways to go to get there even so.  Without my health I cannot get on with what I want to get done and I have chosen to work on my health first in order to then be able to get on with what needs to get done!  Simples.

We just lost a shining light - Nelson Mandela.  So much that he did and lived spoke volumes to me.  His words resonate so much wisdom and have to take the time to share some here. I see much of what he says as being helpful, comforting, uplifting and caring, which is what one needs when on this journey.  One has to have not only positivity, but also determination, endurance and tenacity and if possible calm and a massive sense of humour!

Here are some well known passages from writings and speeches by Nelson Mandela and now famous quotes that I have personally found helpful while on my journey to declutter.

The need to keep on keeping...

Keeping on keeping on and nothing wrong with falling down... no pun intended...

Doing this blog about my 'stuff' issue has helped me enormously to first off deal and face it no matter how confronting and on the way get to know human nature.  I do hope that I have opened some closed eyes/hearts/minds that a situation is not always as it 'looks or seems'...

And it does always seem impossible until you realise you can achieve your way...

Just for interest the history on this sculpture is ... It consists of 50, ten metre high laser cut steel plates set into the landscape, representing the 50 year anniversary of when and where Nelson Mandela was captured and arrested, on August 6 1962, prior to his 27 years of incarceration.
Standing at a particular point the columns come into focus and the image of Nelson Mandela can be seen.

The sculptor is Marco Cianfanelli, of Johannesburg. An amazing creation!

Stop talking.  Just do.  Be your destiny that you would like...

It is always about the choice you make in the end...

Just trying is a good start....

Until I get my energy levels back up, I will just keep on trying, even if it means I have to crawl in order to get it finished.

Once you have made that commitment and decision, it is only full steam ahead, even with all the pit stops and side trips there may have been along the way and to come...

Nothing is going to stop me from realising my promise to my Mum.  The job will get done.

Just like the Tortoise.  I will get there.

All the time remembering, just be kind to thyself.

Cheers to you all
Anita
ps. As that one saying goes 'don't sweat the small stuff', and as I like to tack on to that with... 'as the big stuff needs sweating first!'!