I went on strike once.
There was no fan fair or major announcement.
I went for quiet, passive, annoyance.
I was not making a bed, clearing a dish or picking up a shoe for the entire day.
I wanted to show my family what life would be like if I stopped tidying up all day.
Did I really expect……..
Two kids to come home from school shocked that their beds weren’t made.
Outrage at the pile of shoes blocking the front door.
My hubby to declare he could not sleep in an unmade bed.
Retaliation when the dishwasher was full and the breakfast dishes were still in the sink.
What was I thinking?
Everyone was still happy, no one fussed, no one complained in fact I even wonder how much they noticed.
Me on the other hand….. I was in knots all day.
As someone who works from home I spent a rather unproductive day…..
Resisting the urge to race upstairs and make those dastardly beds
Wringing my hands at the sight of the dishes
Frustrated as I tripped over the shoes countless times
And cranky that I was about to sleep in an unmade bed.
I was on strike and I was the one feeling the impact most.
I do work from home and there is a minimal amount of orderliness that I need to feel good and to focus, and that is okay.
I do like the beds made, the dishes done and a clear pathway when I walk in the door.
Clean clothes, and hygienic toilets are a non negotiable.
I feel energised when I enjoy nourishing home cooked meals and I am happy to shop to provide this.
On the other hand……….
I don’t mind if the legos are all mixed up, the Playstation remotes are lost and the Ipad is not charged to play games.
The clothes in the drawers can be muddled up and ironing can be done when I need it.
I can let the weeds grow in the lawn and crunch through leaves to the front door.
My car can be in need of a wash and I choose to smile when I see little hand prints on my windows.
All these things can wait and that is okay.
In a time poor day doing Less around the home frees up time for you to read, to rest or to play.
It does mean letting go.
Letting go of the things that do not matter most to YOU, and that is wise.
So when you are feeling overwhelmed, and before you go on strike, decide on what is most important for YOU to feel good in your home and do that.
Then let the rest go, just for now.
Take some time to feel free to relax and to enjoy.
This is your one great life, it is up to YOU to lead it fabulously.
P.S. Now when I make the beds each day I know I am doing something for myself…….and that feels good.
What could you let go of?
What do you do that feels good?
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