organizing for a new year

every time a new year rolls around, i feel the urge to organize.  physically, i straighten up kitchen cupboards, sort through closets, gather accumulated items for which we no longer have a use for, make piles to donate, and try my best to simplify what we have.

living in such a small space for a family of four, this can all be rather challenging.  i always end up making a large messes in every nook while trying to manage organizing things around our home.  i would have to say it always looks much worse before it starts to feel better.  playing a new mix tape helps.

once our space is back to its calm old self, i start on the non-tangible things.  like our plans for the year both big and small.  this, of course, means getting out my trustee spiral notebook and colored felt tip pens for list making.

after lighting a candle and making some coffee, i make my lists.

...new places to take the kiddos here in kansas city, things i want to do with andrew on date nights, day trips for our weekends, books i want to read, ideas for exploration, new meals to try, correspondences that need to be made, appointments that should be carried out, budgeting ideas, activities to craft, and the like.

for me, this is all very therapeutic, putting things in their respective boxes .  my mind works best that way.  i believe that organizing mindfully is something that truly makes me a better person.  it soothes my anxiety and helps me be the best version of myself.  it gives me the extra push to be a better mother and helps me breathe when chaos seems to well inside.  taking time to really sort through the stuff of life is essential for me, and something i look forward to with the dawn of each new year.  it sets the tone for the coming days.  it keeps my minds fresh.

this weekend and probably the week following, organization will be my focus.  the four of us will need to escape for some brunch at some point, to church on sunday, and a visit to the museum before the impressionist exhibit leaves town, but other than that, just simple organizing for the year.  i already feel lighter.

ahhh.