Normally January is my favorite month. It’s my planning month. It’s the month that I can reflect, be still…watch snow fall with a cozy cup of coffee. Walk around with no makeup on and leggings and warm socks while the washer is going and the crockpot is making some amazing soup…and I’m helping my daughter with homeschooling. Those are my favorite days. The “at home” days.
I usually plan clowning events for the year until summer…plan the themes for which I will do games at the retirement homes. I plan for teaching courses….but as for everyone, this year is different.
I sat down this evening, and I changed some things. My husband went to bed early, because the holidays always kick us in the butt…and the anxiety of this year has been no different, it’s added to the already stressful times of year. As I folded laundry, cleaned the kitchen, paid the bills…And I thought about what I could be Intentional about this year.
My husband and I are in the market for a rowing machine. I’ve done running…and after breaking my leg on a 5K race…I’m sure that I will never feel confident enough to run again…but I still want to be fit. This year I wanted to replace my rugs. Get a new couch and update a few pieces in my wardrobe and take advantage of some shoe sales…which I have done.
Like most Americans…I usually don’t put much thought into purchases…it’s cute…ok…let’s have it…but there’s this age you become…where you just want to vomit if one more thing comes into your house. Right now the sales are extreme as the retailers make their last push to get rid of winter products before they launch spring. Can I just say how irritating that is. It’s barely winter…and if I lose all the gloves in my house…I will only be able to purchase swimsuits in February NOT gloves. In other years this would annoy me slightly…with Covid it enrages me…where are we all going in swimsuits? We can’t go anywhere yet anyway!!!!
For awhile now, I’ve tried to do the rule of whatever I bring into my house….something else must go. It’s been working….but that urge, that panic that sets in that I just may not have a sweater to wear for the winter feels real…even though it isn’t. The latest and greatest toothbrush that sanitizes, I should have that…because you know….Covid. If I don’t have this in my house I would be ready for “the gram”.
Today We cleaned. We purged…we cooked, we did laundry…and turned off the noise. Sometimes the noise is what you think brings you joy. You only need to turn it off to realize the immediate calm that fills your soul.
My dog Charlie is happy Christmas is over…he has his favorite spot back….
I hope the next few days you will enjoy some sparkle lights a bit more…and realize…we all don’t need all the things…that won’t bring you joy…just clutter and a skinnier wallet.
The Reluctant Red Nose 