Simple Things Digest
on uncertainty, connection, and letting the seemingly small things lead you home
Life Lately
I started the week feeling a little unsettled by how temporary everything feels right now.
My work schedule is unknown and always changing as a substitute teacher. A warning light in the dashboard constantly reminds me the car needs attention. I don’t feel like I can make a decision about the house until life unfolds a bit more. Even my clothes, since I’m between sizes, feel like a continual reminder that I’m in between the life I left and the life I want to build. The temporary nature left me feeling unsettled.
As I stood at car rider duty this week, former students and students I’ve met as a substitute, smiled and waved, excitedly calling my name. Parents of former students asked how I’m doing. Then, while walking the halls, a teacher commented I should just move back in. Slowly but surely, these encounters eased the tension of the in between. I felt like part of a community.
I’m finding deep satisfaction in meaningful work. Advocating for a couple of students made me feel like I was making an impact, temporary or not. My home still offers me shelter and comfort. The car provides safe, reliable transportation. Even the baggy pants feel like a symbol of healing…evidence I’m slowly returning to myself.
By the end of the week, my definition of temporary, along with the feelings associated with it, expanded. Rather than being fleeting and unsettling, I now view temporary as a safe space where I’m being held while also moving forward. For that, I’m incredibly grateful.
What I’m Enjoying
These things are too good not to share, so I’ve included my Amazon affiliate links where possible, just in case you’d like to join in on the goodness.
Lounge clothes - Soft, comfortable clothes are my favorite way to transition from an active work day into a relaxing evening at home.
Timer clock - I’ve come to rely on this timer clock to combat time blindness and be on time to work.
Fireplace - The warm glow of the fire is so soothing and meditative. It’s the perfect way to ground and unwind after a day of teaching.
Home manicures - Painting my nails keeps me from picking them. It also makes me feel more polished, no pun intended, and put together. I’ve been experimenting with gel polish for a longer lasting manicure.
What I’m Letting Go
Fall reading list - I knew I wouldn’t read a lot of the books I included on my Fall reading list. Frankly, that list felt very misaligned. To bring myself back into alignment, I’m checking out books from the library and pulling books off my shelves at home.
House plants - I love live plants, but I realized I’m just not enjoying a couple of the house plants that were in my living room. So, I moved one into the study and another into the yoga room.
Hosting - I’ve accepted that given my current season of life, I’m not up to hosting Christmas this year. So, I’ve taken it off my plate.
All or Nothing Mentality - I’ve been an all or nothing girl for as long as I can remember. But, when I painted my room last weekend, I listened to my body and took breaks. And instead of going all out, all at once with Christmas decor, I started with taking the tree out of the box. I stopped at setting it up. I didn’t even fluff it. Even so, we’re still enjoying the ambient lighting and warmth it brings to the corner of the living room.
Organizing Tip - Sorting Through the Things We Treasure
While moving my bedroom furniture to paint, I came across my box of keepsake items. It includes strings of yarn from a significant therapy exercise, handmade gifts from my daughter, and my childhood tape recorder with a tape of me and my siblings playing ‘news reporter,’ among a few other special items.
When it comes to those things we treasure, I suggest picking the items that mean the most, and placing them in a bin.
After working with one client, she said “I kept too much, didn’t I?” To which I replied, “It’s none of my business how much you keep.” What I meant by that is, you determine what you have the space for, and what your goal is for sorting and decluttering. So, if you need more than one bin for keepsake items, use more than one bin.
Then, place your keepsake bins somewhere you can easily go through them to relive and enjoy those memories.
Last Week on “The Mirror”
The Quiet Work of Creating Home from Within
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On the blog
Crafting Ease: Creating a Simple, Well-Organized Gift-Wrapping Station
How I can help
I believe you are the best person to declutter, organize, and curate your home. So, I’ve created resources designed to help.
My book - Now is the perfect time to grab a copy of my best-selling book, Home on Purpose: Mindful Living in a Hectic World. (It’s like hiring a professional organizer for the price of a book.) In it, I guide you through cleaning, decluttering, organizing, and styling your home…just in time to get your home ready for the holidays. .
Gift Guides - I’ve curated all my gift guides into one convenient place, including thoughtful gifts for her, for him, and children…almost everyone on your list. I’ll be adding more ideas throughout the holiday season, so be sure to select “Follow” on my storefront.