So I was reading my Good Housekeeping magazine, while soaking in a hot bubble bath, when I came across an article that caught my eye. It was about staying organized, on top of things, so you don't fall behind in household chores. I feel like I am behind all.the.time. Trying to catch up on housework is like, well, an unrealistic goal. a myth. Before I had children, my apartment was spotless, I mean, take-your-white-glove-and -run-it-across-the- mantle spotless. I cleaned once a week, the entire
475square foot, one bedroom apartment. Scrubbed every floor, toilet, and sink. Nowadays, with the exception of that one time a cleaning crew cleaned my house, my whole house is never clean all at the same time. I clean a room a day, so by the end of the week...I have to start over again. Oh and laundry, it is never ending! When I finally think that I have gotten it all washed, dried, folded, and put away, the hampers are full again......but I digress.
So, as I'm reading my GH, the "one minute" rule grabbed my interest immediately. The rule is, if it only takes a minute or less to do it, why not do it right then? Such as hanging up your coat, putting those three lone forks into the dishwasher, or unsubscribing to an email. Hmm... I like this rule. Because although I would classify myself as someone who is organized, and generally likes order, its the little things that I let slide. I look at the BIG picture: clean clothes, dinner on the table,
checking facebook.....but the little things often get overlooked. That pile of shoes at the bottom of the stairs. Or the couch pillows that are scattered across the living room, or the junk mail from last week. But really, if I would just deal with those little things as they come up, they wouldn't be there. Or, as a mother of young children, my days are filled with random one minutes here and there throughout the day. Imagine what all I could accomplish?
I don't know about you, but when my physical surroundings are in order, I feel more internally in order as well. And I am much more productive (and just nicer) when my house is clean and in order.
