Conquer Clutter Campaign—Part 3

(Originally published 6 February 2011)

Actually, my last few blogs, while not "officially" part of the CCC series, have touched on my campaign--which took an unexpected turn when I decided to create a new team: the Babysteps Brigade, which launched 2/2/11.

Now that the structure is set up, and I'm getting back into the fray, I can report that I've liberated new territory. In fact I've doubled the area of my Clutter-Free Zones this weekend. I started with small limited spaces that didn't take long to clear and have been easy to guard against invasion by the clutter which has heretofore had the habit of creeping back (rather like the Weasleys' garden gnomes after each eviction). Then yesterday I freed several square feet of bedroom floor space to add to the surfaces and countertops already taken back.

You may notice that my terminology in this series tends to be somewhat militaristic. Which is sort of odd for a proponent of peace, who won't watch crime dramas on TV because I don't want to inflict weekly doses of violence and cruelty on my psyche. And while I wouldn't characterize myself as being at "war," I would say I am "battling" not just the physical clutter itself, but at least 3 decades of habits and thinking that have led to this point.

But that doesn't mean I have to take it all seriously! In a discussion I started a few weeks ago on another team, titled "DOWNTOWNJEN says: Closet! Release your prisoners!" (based on a teammate's huddle), I made these comments:

"Thank you for making me laugh, DOWNTOWNJEN! Since I more often want to cry over my clutter and disorganization, I much prefer going into battle with laughter in my heart; it's certainly more energizing! Perhaps I can use the image of myself as a warrior out to liberate my life from the clutches of the dastardly Clutter Demon, armed with my timer!"

Ahh, humor . . . and picturing myself as Xena—now there's motivation to keep up with my fitness program!  So long for now from the front lines.

Blessed Be, Amanda

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