Take Time Away and Clean Your Closet

2011 August 10
by Grace Boyle

As the Summer is nearing its end, I took a peaceful four days (too short, probably) back home to Iowa to see my family and friends.

Iowa corn we grilled with a fresh basil and garlic schmear

Whatever your “place” is, go there. Make sure to.

I forgot how much of a reset four days at home, unwinding with my family and boyfriend, could do. We mostly unplugged, we slept 9 hours every night, cooked fresh food from my mom’s garden, laughed, we drank cold white wine out in the hot sunshine on the deck overlooking the lake, read for hours and walked the lake path around my house together. The heart connection was stirred and tied.

It’s really simple isn’t it? Even a short time can help us reevaluate and take some time away from our everyday busy schedules. This wasn’t a glamorous trip to Aspen or away to the beach (love those ones too) but it was necessary for the psyche especially because to me, family is everything.

My point is, it doesn’t have to be expensive. Maybe it means camping an hour away or just a day trip. Just take time away.

Clean Your Closet:

Another story to share, my cousin just moved here and moved in with me. We’re the only girl Boyle’s and close as can be. We never thought we would live in the same city, and now here we are.

For some reason she loves unpacking, packing and arranging things. She got giddy when I mentioned I needed to clean out my messy and overflowing closet of clothes.

“Umm…okay?” I said in confusion.

She sat with me for two hours, helping me evaluate what I don’t wear, what I don’t need and what I absoultely love. The result was five big bags filled with clothes.

Ugh, I know.

I’m donating and also selling to consignment.

It feels really good. My closet is organized and clean. Everything is in place.

Those are my two stories to share. What have you done recently that you’re proud of or have made your day?

 

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from → Inspiration, Relationships

  • http://www.linkedin.com/in/saberap Sabera

    I so hear you on the wonders a reset does to you. I’m in dire need of one! Unfortunately for me, going to my ‘place’ is traveling for almost 30 hours and buying a very expensive international ticket to India ;) I think I’m finally going to take up a friend’s offer to visit! I recently helped someone understand the bus system here in the twin cities and how to get around downtown. I don’t allow myself to feel good about a lot that I do… but this felt good :)

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.com Grace Boyle

    I have many places – some are far away (other one, where I have dual citizenship is Italy) so I completely understand. That’s far and expensive. It’s great to have a milestone and SAVE to go to your place too. In the meantime, a small weekend trip or just a Saturday to yourself can be a nice interim treat.

    You should feel wonderful, because you are wonderful :) Thanks for sharing.

  • http://twitter.com/sarahewelch Sarah Welch

    I’m headed home soon, too–can’t wait. It’s been far too long.

  • http://twitter.com/sarahewelch Sarah Welch

    I’m headed home soon, too–can’t wait. It’s been far too long.

  • http://parisianfeline.wordpress.com Tatiana

    I can definitely relate to the cleaning part. Yesterday me and my grandmother spent pretty much all day cleaning out the computer room – shredding hundreds of documents, cleaning off the desk and rearranging everything. And we compiled a small amount of items to donate to GoodWill. And every time I go into that room I feel SO refreshed. With all the clutter and whatnot gone, the room feels more freeing. 

    So I’m a huge advocate for cleaning out spaces. And it’s part of the reason why I don’t understand being so messy. Being able to get rid of whatever you don’t need is so excellent. It’s good to do a sweep every now and then of what you don’t need or aren’t using anymore! 

  • http://poorgirlorganics.com/ Rachel

    I recently removed some clutter from the bedroom.  I got rid of three lamps that I was beginning to despise and moved the dining room rug into the bed room.  It really feels like a whole new room.  It’s so funny how the things we put off the longest sometimes makes us feel the best!

  • http://www.nycreativejunky.blogspot.com Tracy Schwartz

    I am headed to Martha’s Vineyard my “summer home” for a long weekend in two weeks and cant wait to sit on the balcony with my blush wine, books, and dinners lakeside with my extended family!!

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.com Grace Boyle

    Ah good! Enjoy it :)

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.com Grace Boyle

    Ahh, isn’t it the best? Makes me so happy.

    The only time, when things become disorganized (not messy for me) is because I have zero time and become a bit lazy. I don’t even have time to change the dish washer or laundry at times, but you just have to do it. Buckle down I say :)

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.com Grace Boyle

    Rearranging is great too! Try even walking or driving a new way to work ;)

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.com Grace Boyle

    Tracy, that sounds AMAZING! I love that area :) Enjoy and thanks for popping by.

  • http://doniree.com/ doniree

    Remember how much I love your hand-me-downs? Yeah… :)  

  • Sam Davidson

    Turning my phone off and going outside to play. It’s therapeutic.