We are in full blown, sell-this-house-before-the-tax-credit-ends mode over here. To say the least, it’s stressful, overwhelming, and just a bit sad. We’ve been in the house for almost six years. Six long and wonderful years. We conceived our son here. We’ve raised him for the past two years here. We became a family here.
For the last three weeks we’ve painted rooms, replaced light fixtures, fixed wooden window blinds. Organized our life, and thrown out half of it. We’ve cleaned. Or Lord have we cleaned. All for the official unveiling of our house to the Realtor, and soon to potential buyers. It’s been an exercise of reducing, limiting, organizing and prioritizing. What is more important, these 16 partially color pictures of Elmo (most of the coloring done by me) or a tidy fridge? The fridge wins.
But it’s also been an exercise in reducing the clutter in our lives, not just our material possessions. Realizing that sometimes, to move forward in life, you have to let some things go. It’s almost always sad to see these things go, but in the end, it’s necessary to move on, to grow and to forget. As a stay-at-home mom, I tend to want to do it all, go to each and every playgroup, gathering, outing and craft event. I want to participate in everything. Be everywhere. Not let anyone down. And of course look good while doing it all.
Tossing bits and pieces of my life in the trash has me a little sentimental and reflective. It’s made me realize that I’ve collected a lot in my life, and a lot of it has gathered dust. I’d like to change that. To focus more on what is important. To do what only I can do. And to do it with all of my heart and soul.
My goals in life are changing, for the better. I need to focus more on the kiddo. Teaching him. Guiding him. Loving him. Giving him my full attention instead of a million thoughts pulling me in a million directions. I’m not going to worry about missing a playdate, because of the possibility that a mom and her kid may be there, and I’d really like to get to know them better. Some days, it’s just better to stay at home, to recharge your body, heart and soul, than to just push and push until you melt into a pile of mush at the end of the day. Plus, during those days at home, some pretty mean chocolate chip cookies are made. 
So here’s to new beginnings. To a new, simplified, stay-at-home-mom happiness.
How would you change your life, your priorities, if you were going through a major cleaning?
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s a hard lesson to learn as a mother, to just be good enough and to not worry about trying to do everything. I’ve been guilty of the same. One thing I am good as is THE PURGE. I love getting rid of stuff. I find it cathartic. It drives my husband who is the complete opposite bananas, but I can’t find any mental peace in my home if I’m surrounded by clutter and just stuff. With kids it can be particularly overwhelming with things like crafts and toys. Fortunately we have a huge rec room in our basement. I let the kids go wild down there. Upstairs though, I reserve the space for mental quiet. Put stuff away, throw it away, whatever works to keeps us clutter free.
Good luck with the sale of your house. I’ve been there with little ones. It isn’t fun. I wish you a speedy, detail free sale.
Christine LaRocque´s last blog ..New name – New home
@Christine LaRocque, I’m really hoping for a finished basement or playroom in our new house. Something were the kiddo can just be a kiddo, clutter and everything. That way the rest of the house can be neat and tidy. Life is much less stressful that way.
Good for you! I am glad you are making some time for yourself and organizing your life. This was my goal for the year. Some days are better than others. But,I do know that overall it’s been better. I go through periods where I feel overwhelmed and I go through my house and declutter. It’s such a good feeling. And now with the sun shining more, I feel the need to Spring clean. It feels good to have a clean house because I want to do it…not cause I feel pressured to do it!
Kasey @ AllThingsMamma´s last blog ..Hope Emerging
@Kasey @ AllThingsMamma, I think Spring is really playing a role. With the sun shining, my mood is lifting, and I want everything organized and tidy (life and the house). I love this time of year.
I can relate to your post on so many levels. It is so hard to juggle everything as a mom ALL THE TIME. It’s hard to let things fall to the wayside every now and then. Sounds like you have the right perspective. Wishing you all the best in the days ahead.
Momisodes´s last blog ..Who wood have thought?
Oh just the thought of getting ready for a selling is scary to me. But that’s because I know I need to do all the things you’re doing right now!! Good for you to know what’s important & what’s not!!