Let Go of More; Live Fully Now

It has been a while since I've written about clutter.  But, it's still something that's on the forefront of my mind and heart.  Letting go of the physical, mental and spiritual junk is definitely a daily practice, and just when I think it's getting easier, something like baby clothes, reminds me just how hard it is to give away things, especially with sentimental value.

I've taken advantage of some hot days to organize and now I have two full bins of clothes that no longer fit the boys.  Although I did set aside my very favorites, all the others I'm ready to let go of.  Or so I thought.  The bins have been sitting in my dining room for the past week.  I couldn't get myself to bring them to the thrift store.  The consignment shop sort of interested me, but still, I avoided going.  Finally, I put a post on Facebook to see if anyone knew of a mom in need.  I did get a response - a soon-to-be mom of 3 who is expecting her first boy.  She could use some help.  And, even though I am more than happy to help, I noticed some sad feelings come up at the thought of letting the clothes go.

After taking some quiet time last night to reflect on what I was feeling, I realized that I was clinging to the clothes, the things, because really I'm feeling a sense of sadness that the precious newborn and early infant stage for my boys is over.  It's gone.  Just like that. They are too big to fit in those tiny, tender little clothes.  The clothes that at one time I held in my arms only wondering what my sweet little baby would look like wearing them.

And now, not one, but two boys are too big for them.  They are growing before my very eyes.  Yes, just the thought of it can make me cry, yet, when I sit with these feelings, I see that I really only feel that sadness when I try to grip, hold on to, and resist the rhythm of life.  Everything changes.  Moments are temporary.  Life keeps moving on.  My children are growing out of their clothes.  

And then, I remember that I don't have to hold on to the past, because the only moment I have is NOW.  I can let go.  Sometimes letting go is easy.  Sometimes it's hard.  And if I choose to, I will carry the memories in my heart.  I can take a big, deep breath and smile knowing that all I need to do is enjoy, LIVE, fully experience, and have gratitude for the moments I do have with my boys.  And know that in letting go of the past I am making space for what's to come.

Bye-bye baby clothes.  Oh, how I've loved zipping up my boys in those winter-newborn-jammies-with the-feet.  I know you will keep another baby warm.  

And I'll keep celebrating this moment as a mother to my growing boys.

One day.

One moment.

One breath at a time...

Your Personal Reflection:  Is there something from your past that you are holding on to? What are you ready to let go of?

Creative Living & The Ten Minute Doodle

If you have yet to listen to Jamie Ridler's podcast series, Creative Living, then you must head on over there!  I had the privilege of speaking with her recently and shared a little bit about my creative journey.  You can listen to that interview on her blog today, where you'll hear me talk about how I came to embrace myself as a creative being, how I practice each day to find and maintain balance, and advice on how YOU can express your inner artist (we all have one)!

And, see that new "Newsletter Sign-up" button on the top-left of my blog?  Please take a moment to send me your email address and I'll make sure you get some buzzin' inspiration sent your way.  My new monthly newsletter, Create the Life You Love, will be full of tips and resources related to creativity, wellness and mindful living.  

Yesterday I had about ten minutes of free-time, so I ran to the art room, grabbed my markers, sketchbook, tea and turned on my Ani DiFranco (who I heart so much!) Pandora station and started doodling.  It was mindless.  It was fun.  It was energizing.

The Ten Minute Doodle

Can you spare just ten minutes today to create a doodle of your own?  I bet you can! Here are the guidelines:  Use simple materials, like crayons, markers or colored pencils. Choose an animal, random design or any image that you can draw quickly.  Don't think about it.  This is a doodle - not a perfect masterpiece!  Turn on some energizing music and let your mind go.  Play with lines, colors and designs.  Doodle away - with no judgment.  If you are feeling stuck or rigid, give yourself only ten minutes, and draw with your opposite hand!  Have fun...  

Also, I've created a new Flickr group.  It's a place for you to share your photos and join discussions about the self-discovery journey.  How about uploading your doodle today? Join us at Free Spirit Knits - Create the life YOU love! Flickr group.  I would love to see you there!

The doodle clock starts...now!

Your Personal Reflection:  Can you give yourself permission to enjoy just ten minutes of creative play today?

Reduce Clutter; Create Space Wrap-Up

What started as a personal challenge to de-clutter last December, turned into a yearlong quest to reduce clutter and create space for the things that matter most.  It has been quite the year of sifting and shifting, moving and clearing.  And I'm so grateful for those of you who joined me on this amazing journey.  It provided such a boost knowing that you were all clearing, too, and it definitely kept me going when I wanted to give up.

I've decided that I won't be leading any Reduce Clutter; Create Space challenges for 2011, but clearing physical, emotional and mental junk will continue to be a big priority for me. 

I have such appreciation to each of who joined me in reducing clutter over the past 12 months.  As we welcome the New Year, let's continue our efforts to clear out the stuff and get to the essence - that place where we feel light and free.

To wrap-up our Reduce Clutter; Create Space quest, it is with great excitement to introduce you to Sarah.  She has been extremely consistent in her dedication to reduce clutter in her life and she joined me on this challenge from the very beginning.  Her interview is authentic, compassionate, and extremely reflective, and I know you will find great inspiration as she shares her challenges and celebrations around clutter.

Why did you choose to join the Reduce Clutter; Create Space challenge for 2010?
I joined so I could get kickin' on the emotional/personal life clutter I have ignored for a while.  I can be quite the emotional hoarder; the piles of stress, obligation, and feelings of inadequacy stack up and I ignore them.  I keep charging forward without acknowledging the mess.  The Reduce Clutter; Create Space agenda was so attuned to my 2010 resolution to address what irritates me, what stresses me out, what I could stand to lose, and my goal to work toward a better me.  Plus I had begun to successfully tackle physical clutter the previous year, so I was already motivated.

What does "clutter" mean to you?
Clutter is any thing, thought or feeling that weighs me down or holds me back.

What kinds of reducing have you started this year?
Over the past months, I've been working on the things that drive the emotional build-up, namely: guilt, perfectionist tendencies, motivation issues, anxiety, and fear of missed opportunity.  And because I thrive on immediate gratifications, I have also continued to work on the physical end of things.  It took me a while, but I started to realize my emotional clutter and my physical collecting tendencies were related.

Have you noticed any new space being created as you let things physically, mentally and emotionally go?
For a long time I've felt like I didn't have the prerogative to make guilt-free choices, but as I work toward a positive self, it is getting easier for me to live life without the compulsion to dwell.  I am creating room to relax.

When I am working to reduce physical clutter. the results are very measurable and sometimes measurable accomplishments are just the push I need.  My home is a space more reflective of my family; we are showcasing the things that matter and not just stuff we've picked up along the way.

What has been the easiest part for you?
Planning.  I am a list-a-holic and a preparation fanatic.  I enjoy every moment of dreaming.

How about the toughest?
The toughest was dealing with anxiety and finally working with a counselor who specializes in graduate school related stress. I previously thought asking for help meant I had failed.

I also struggle to keep perspective.  Situations are easily dramatized in my mind, and I can become obsessed with distracting projects.

And my perfectionist tendencies are rather exhausting, too.  Learning that it is not necessary to re-invent, re-perfect, re-evaluate choices I have made has taken time.  This habit extends all the way down from school work to closet organization.  In my quest to maximize my life, I sometimes forget to live it.

Did you encounter any surprises along the way?
My most surprising encounter was when I realized I was overcompensating with my new found love for organizing/re-inventing.  I tend to waiver between a case of "makeover syndrome" and "avoidance-driven chaos;" often dealing with anxiety by binge cleaning/overhauling/making over.  When I'd freak out about an exam or looming work assignments, suddenly I'd have fifteen urgent home decorating or photo projects to attend to.  I would ignore the piles of books and unwritten articles, and I'd feel guilty again.  My guilt snowballed until I felt like a slacker, an idiot, a poser even.  In crisis, I'd run to something manageable...an organization project, a quest for the perfect brown leggings, or a bedroom redesign.  My "needs" and wants got blurred and my priorities turned upside down.  What complicated it more was that I was using de-cluttering (a positive end) as an avoidance technique/stress deferrer (a negative means).  Until recently, I wasn't aware that I was delaying unsavory and uncertain situations with controlled and predictable activities.  This is still an issue I am working on today.

I also never imagined that my fear of missed opportunities (at all levels) was causing me to relentlessly seek "deals" and agree to every résumé building exercise that came my way.  This became apparent to me when I scurried off to purchase a black "must have" blazer to complete my fall wardrobe.  Guess what item still has the tag attached four months later?  Opportunity searching has also allowed me to over-commit myself for fear of "missing out."  I am working to reassess my spending habits and the fear that drives me to compulsively capitalize on all prospects that I'm offered.  I do not have to treat myself to everything I want or can afford, and saying "no" to jobs when my schedule is tight is not the end of the world.

Do you have any tips, thoughts or suggestions to offer others who might be interested in reducing clutter to create more space in their lives?

1) Once you have acknowledged what is negatively impacting your life, keep yourself accountable; blog or journal about it, have a spouse or loved one check in, contemplate your habits and take note of what triggers your behaviors, and try to consciously retrain yourself.

2) Refuse Victimhood.  In my case, I was feeling indecisive and conflicted about every choice I made, I was exhausted from setting the bar too high, and I felt defeated because I wasn't getting the recognition I thought I deserved for my hard work.  One evening I was having a good cry about it and I asked my husband how he deals with these situations and he said, "don't let yourself be the victim."  That advice, above all, has been the easiest for me to follow.  I have tried to pump myself up with mantras and face the rational me on many occasions, but somehow I never seem to really take myself seriously.  But refusing to be the victim has been very empowering!  Now when I have a Debbie Downer moment, when I don't get credit for the work I've done, or others are hurtful or rude, I think about what I've gained from the experiences instead of focusing on how lousy I feel (even if I might genuinely be in a "victim" position).  I am working to refuse being hurt by people or situations when it's not necessary.  As a result, pity parties have drastically decreased in my life.  I think this process has helped me from projecting "intentions" onto others, speculating, and from holding grudges.

3) Don't expect overnight results; this only sets you up for disappointment.  I've done this to myself on many occasions and it's painful.  Some days I can tell guilt to kiss off and other days I am not as strong.  It doesn't mean that I have incurred a major setback (and thus more guilt); it just means I'm human.

4)  Waiting takes the edge off of wanting.  Admire more; purchase less.

Will this journey continue for you into this next year?
Definitely!

Now that we are in the holiday season, how do you stay grounded and keep from bringing more "stuff" into your life?
I am really working on moderation, especially during the holidays.  I'll be avoiding certain websites and style blogs until my "needs" dissipate.

My biggest holiday test will be in the relationship department though.  Families can get into routines/roles, especially during the holidays.  Past Christmases have been spent sulking over family encounters and worrying about what so and so did or said.  This year I will work to break the cycle of assumption.  I certainly don't want to spend the car ride home boiling over "injustices" and hurt feelings.  Quirks aside, family is about love.

*******
Isn't that just beautiful?  Thank you, thank you, Sarah...

Your Personal Reflection:  Take some time to reflect on this past year and ask yourself, "What physical, mental and emotional junk am I ready to get rid of?  Am I ready to reduce more clutter to create more space for what truly matters in my life?  What small steps can I take today?"

Inside Out Registration is Now Open!

Join me for the fourth session of Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery!  This is an e-course that you get to take in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace, while connecting to an amazing on-line community of like-minded explorers.  It is an experience that invites you to go deeper, to let go of perfect, to be messy, to embrace your authenticity, to explore your creative side, and to shine as the incredible being that you are.  Visit HERE to learn more.

Are you ready to make 2011 the best year yet?

I'm still offering a "Cyber Monday" special to anyone who joins my Facebook page.  This special - exclusive to fans - gives you a discount (limited time only) for the Inside Out registration fee.  Simply join my Facebook page to see the special offer.  If you don't participate in Facebook - no problem!  Email me directly and I'll give you the scoop on another deal.

Your Personal Reflection: What are you waiting for?

The "Art Every Day" of Motherhood

As we wrap up the month of November, the Art Every Day challenge is coming to an end.  I didn't blog much about my creative endeavors this month, but I did find little moments throughout the days to create.  I especially enjoyed experimenting with new vegan, gluten-free recipes (that I hope to share soon), and loved getting back to my knitting needles.  I even bought some new yarn for the first time in a long time, and have been working on a few scarves and some felted flower pins.

Rather than making physical art pieces every day, though, I realized that my "art every day" in this moment is actually my practice in mindful mothering.  Balancing being the mother of two and all that comes with staying home with my children, working from home, and making sure my personal self-care and creative interests aren't totally ignored, is quite a challenge for sure!

Here's how I work these days:


baby on my chest,


little boy at my feet,


and kitty above my head.

And some days totally flow (especially the ones when I've gotten sleep)!  I set my expectations aside and simply move from one moment to the next - getting to my art and work in-between the feedings, diaper changes, potty training, laundry, grocery shopping, dinner prepping, playing trains etc.

But some days have me in tears as I throw up my hands and pray for Calgon to take me away! I feel tired, grouchy and frustrated because I can't spend more than one minute on anything without getting interrupted or someone needing something from me.

Being a mother is hard work.  We all know it's a 24/7 job with little breaks.  And here's what I can say without a doubt -  I love being a mom.  I love staying home with my children.  AND I love my creative work.  I used to have a belief system that the household duties somehow held more importance or value over my creativity.  Now I know that is just plain ridiculous.  If I don't make time for me, my art and the work I love so much, than I'm that tired, grouchy mama that no one wants to be around.  But when I put value on and make me, my art and my work a priority - NO MATTER WHAT - than I am joyful, happy and really fun to be with!

Making space for our creativity is absolutely essential.  Learning how to do this is an art form in itself.  For me, this notion of "art every day" will continue way beyond the month of November because I've made a conscious choice to create the life I love - EVERY single day.

This pile of laundry is literally stacked in my living room waiting to be folded.  I made the decision this morning to create first and to post this blog entry before folding the clothes.  Now that I've made time for my creativity I can head towards those baskets and simply enjoy folding the clothes, rather than feeling resentful or sad because I don't ever get time for the things I enjoy most.  (Except now I have a little boy who wants to play trains - hence, going with the flow!)

Making these choices, to make ME a priority in my life, is my art every day.  And it's what allows me to be fully present with my children, so I don't miss moments like this one:

Your Personal Reflection:  What takes up your time and energy?  Do you make space for you, your creativity and your personal interests?  What small changes can you make, starting today, to make you and your creativity a priority in your life?  Are you ready to make the conscious choice to create the life you love - every single day?  You deserve to be happy and your creativity matters!  

A Creative Adventure (and winner announced)

Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery e-course offers you an opportunity to become a BOLD explorer of your life, encourages you to celebrate your unique brilliance, and invites you to embrace your authenticity through art journaling, yoga, guided meditation and community.

Because it's an e-course, you get to participate in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace, yet you'll also receive the unique experience of connecting with other like-minded explorers as you share your journey together.  It's in the connecting and sharing that we tend to grow the most!


The e-course runs for 4-weeks:   January 17th - February 11th, 2011.

The supplies are simple: a journal, pencils and pens, crayons, markers and basic paints.

You will receive daily writing exercises, creative play activities, weekly yoga postures, audio guided meditations, and personal coaching along the way.  You will have the option to join the Inside Out community where you can chat and share daily, as well as participate in three LIVE journal jam sessions throughout the 4-weeks (and beyond).


You will be encouraged to get messy, to play like a child, to let go of perfect, to embrace YOU as an artist (we all are one!), and you will be reminded that there is NO RIGHT WAY to explore, to discover, to go deeper, and to create.

I have explored my artist-within throughout my life.  I'm a certified Hatha yoga teacher and a holistic life coach.  This class is near and dear to my heart and I hope you will consider joining us for the winter session - so you can continue creating the life YOU love.


Visit Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery to learn more.

Registration will open December 1st, 2011 and this 4-week e-course is $79 (only $20 a week)!  Gift certificates will be available - great holiday gift idea for you or someone special in your life.


And now...to announce the winner(s) of my giveaway...

Like last time, I couldn't help myself and randomly picked two names from the jar...

The WINNERS are:  Amy P. and Rochelle  (Congratulations!)

I'll be taking a break from posting on my blog until my little boy decides he's ready to enter the world.  Thanks to each of you for your warm wishes, love and support.

I leave you with some inspiration from past blog entries that you may have missed:

Everyone is Born Creative - Everyone!
Choosing an Authentic Life
Free Your Spirit Through Writing
Creating with a Beginner's Mind
Why I Journal
Let Your True Colors Shine Bright
Self-Discovery is a Life Long Journey

Also, check out my Rhythm of the Home project on Capturing Your Mothering Memories Through Art Journaling.

Your Personal Reflection: Continue taking small steps each day to live more fully, boldly and freely!

Being Fully Present

Three years ago my sweet boy, Kestan, grew inside me for 9-months.




He blessed our lives beyond measure with his beautiful, gentle spirit.

And very soon, this "big boy" will be blessed with the gift of becoming a brother.

After releasing my last post into the universe I felt an emptying of my mind, a shift in consciousness, and a softness in my body.  It's as though the present moment has swept over me.  I genuinely feel at peace.  Nothing matters, truly, but this moment.

I've let go of needing to be on a schedule and I have no "to do's" or things to check off.  What's important to me now is to rest, to breathe and to BE FULLY PRESENT with my boys.

So today we let the blue ball guide our way.



And just as Kestan told me, "No more photos, mommy," he reached to my belly, lifted my shirt and kissed "his baby."


The baby growing inside me now will soon take his first breath.  And there is nothing more present than that.

Your Personal Reflection:  Stop right now.  Close your eyes.  Take a deep breath in.  Take a slow breath out.  Can you BE FULLY PRESENT with your own breath?  Smile and feel gratitude that you are alive in this moment.


A couple of things...
I'll announce the winner to my giveaway on Friday. There's still time to enter so get on over there.

My brother wrote, produced and sang the song from the video.  Get over to his site to hear the full version of Be Free.  (It's also the theme song to Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery e-course.)

And a BIG thanks to all of you who took the time to read and comment on my last post.  I feel your love and support and it means so very much to me.  I am blessed.

Last Night I Cried

This past weekend we took family photos at the pumpkin patch.  It was a gorgeous fall morning and my brother-in-law and sister snapped shots while we played in the haystacks and ran down the country roads.  My brother was the perfect jokester trying to do whatever it took to make Kestan laugh.

300 photos later I started to get really worn out and didn't feel very good.  I felt that it was possible little man would decide to come into the world later that evening.  And then I thought..."Wait...I'm not ready!"

As we drove home through the back roads I started feeling like I was on a rollercoaster, and it totally related to my internal feelings of preparing for this upcoming birth.  I love rollercoasters, but they scare me like crazy.  I wait in line and I watch the cars before me going ever so slowly up the hill and I freak myself out.  It doesn't stop me from going, but it definitely builds up the anticipation, and my mind becomes a whirlwind of "what ifs?"

Once I'm locked in there's no turning back!  I have an idea of what's to come, but there are so many unknowns, so I'm forced to throw my expectations out the window.  All I can do to fully be in the moment is empty my mind, scream and enjoy the ride!  And what I can say for sure is that even though going up the hill is scary, I know once I'm on the other side it's going to feel and be AMAZING.

I noticed all along the drive I had nervous energy that I kept letting out with deep sighs.  At home I rested and spent some quiet time making music CD's and creating my affirmation board that I'll have with me during the birth.  I called my friend for some reassurance.  She reminded me of the mantra she used during her first birth,

I can do this. My body was meant to do this.

And I got a nice email from another friend, who said,

Let me tell you, that when you have a second child it does not double your work; it just doubles your love.

Those were wonderful reminders that I needed to hear in that moment.  And after a good cry to my husband about my fears and trepidations, I felt a huge relief letting them out.  I realized that I've embraced and let go of my fears around giving birth again and becoming the mother of two.  My emotions last night were more about working through all the new transformations coming my way.  Changes like - taking care of a newborn again, saying goodbye to this stage in my life where all I know is mothering Kestan, the ending of a 9 month preparation and soon my baby won't be inside me anymore, and thinking about the physical and emotional changes that I will experience over the next year(s).

I accepted my feelings and let them come to surface.  I embraced them.  I released them.

And now...I feel at peace.  I'm calm.  I'm alive.  I'm strong.  I'm powerful.  I am prepared.  I'm ready.

Most importantly, I have TRUST.  I am stepping out of my own way and letting my body and baby guide me.  And I'm so incredibly excited to meet my little pumpkin!

Your Personal Reflection:  What fears are you ready to accept, embrace and release?

For those of you interested in preparing for a natural birth, check out these links:

3 Ways to Create a Sacred Space Around Pregnancy & Birth
Birthing from Within
Ina May Gaskin
Mothering

GIVEAWAY!  Don't miss your chance to win a spot in my January e-course:  Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery!  Click HERE to register.

Your Chance to Win!

Since I met Shannon and went on the "Inside Out" journey, my life has unfolded in such a beautiful way that I now have wings!  The course gave me the courage to live my wildest dreams and to accomplish my life purpose! -Inside Out class participant



More art journaling, more "how to" videos, more guided meditations, and more exploring have all been added to the January 2011 Inside Out e-course!  Class runs for 4-weeks from January 17th - February 11th.  Because it's an e-course you get the opportunity to participate at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home, and you'll connect, share and grow with all the other life explorers taking the course (who happen to be from all over the world)!

Learn more about Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery.

Read comments from explorers who have taken the class.

Check out why I created this e-course.

Here are some frequently asked questions.

Are you ready to create the life you love from the inside out?  Then take some time right now to do one (or all) of the following:

1) Leave a comment here telling me why you would like to take the class.
2) Become a fan on my Facebook page.
3) Send a tweet on Twitter (and let me know here or @freespiritknits that you sent one out) about this giveaway.
4) Subscribe to my blog

For each one that you choose to do, you'll be entered that many times in my random drawing.  I'll announce the winner next Friday, October 1st.  If baby comes before then, I'm sure you'll understand and I'll be back after his arrival!

(If you are interested in taking the course for your second, third of fourth time, you can also enter the drawing!)

Your Personal Reflection:  Are you ready to make 2011 your best year yet?

Clutter Going Out; Creativity Coming In

I've finished what I'm calling the "first phase" of clearing clutter in my creative space.  I've needed more table space for months.  And more than anything, I've wanted this space to stay clear, as a way to invite my next creative project to emerge.  I walk in and see this open space and it just feels good.

This shelf is where I keep my very special things.  It may look cluttered to you, but I find it to be very inspiring.  Only my favorite treasures get a place here.

I've cleared out all materials that don't relate to art journaling and painting.  So my special fabrics, beads, wool, and felting supplies have all made their way to a small art cabinet in the basement.  I just couldn't take out my yarn, though, as I can always find time and space for knitting.

I cleared and organized my office supplies.

I went through every last book I own.  This was definitely a hard task for me as I love my books.  I kept the ones that make me smile, have a special story, were from a good friend, or bring joy and inspiration into my life.  I gave away my favorite fiction books to friends who were interested.  And I donated the rest.  Even ones that I love and have a special connection to.  If I knew that I hadn't opened it in months, then it was time for it to have a new life.  A book's purpose should not be to collect dust.  They should be experienced.

Many of you know we let go of cable this summer.  I kept a small TV in my art room where I could still get basic channels.  I hardly ever used it and it always seemed to be in the way.  I literally had to wheel it out of my closet before I could get to my art supplies.  It's now gone.  It feels great!


I went through piles and piles and piles of paperwork and files.  Including the one in my office, we have two other file cabinets in the basement with old household and personal business.  This was definitely a chore and by the end of the week I filled up our recycle bin with a lot of my past.  As you can see, I still have some piles to sort through, including CD's.  Oh man...the CD's...what to do with my old CD's?  Which then reminds me of the digital clutter I have yet to attack!

All in due time.  Slow, relaxed, gentle steps...  

And now I sit in this new space... 

And I feel a shift taking place...

Your Personal Reflection:  What slow, relaxed, gentle steps can you take, starting today, to clear some clutter from your life?  Need more inspiration, check out these 5 Tips to Declutter Your Life.

Psst...be on the lookout for some announcements about Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery, including another giveaway!

Getting Clutter Out of my Creative Space

The de-cluttering bug is totally wreaking havoc over here!  No room, closet, nook or cranny is safe!  

I'm completely clearing, reorganizing and custom designing a new creative space. (With my hubbies help.)   With baby on the way, I'm sure this project will take a lot longer than I think, so that's why I'm doing it in stages.  Over the next several days I'm clearing it all out...felt, yarn, paints, sewing machine, fabric, paper...everything will be scrutinized under a mindful eye.  Then, I'll organize all of my supplies into three piles - 1) precious materials to keep & use on current project 2) precious materials to keep in small art cabinet downstairs for future projects ('cause my art studio is small) and 3) supplies to donate and give-away. 

I'm really excited about this project because I can see what my art studio is starting to become.  And I can already feel the new energy buzz a-happening...  The creative juices are flowing, to be sure, despite all the boxes and dust needed sifting.  Can't imagine what it will be like without the clutter!  

See you when I emerge from the piles. Encouragement is happily accepted...  Better yet, feel like joining me?  Check out the Reduce Clutter; Create Space challenge and declutter with this brave group.

Your Personal Reflection:  What does your creative or personal space look like?  Is it time for a revamp?

Being OK with S p a c e

Many of us have taken the challenge this year to reduce clutter to create s p a c e for the things that matter most in life.  For the first 6 months I've focused primarily on reducing physical clutter.  It has been exhilarating, frustrating, overwhelming, relieving and wonderful.  Some days I feel like I've made a lot of progress, and some days I just want people to come over and take everything out of my basement. (Anyone interested?)

My husband has been out of town for the last 5 days taking a photography workshop in Utah.  So I decided that while he was gone Kestan and I would have our own mini-vacation in town.  I relinquished most household duties and we've enjoyed eating out, picnics in the park, swimming, a visit to the zoo, the farmer's market, and get-togethers with friends and family.

We've also enjoyed a lot of downtime at home.  And letting go of our daily routine has freed up some much needed s p a c e to do nothing.  Like playing in the park without a time restraint.  Or stopping in the middle of folding clothes to build a fort out of fresh sheets.  Or deciding that spices were just as interesting as blocks, so why not build a little town with them on the kitchen floor?  

My Internet has been down the last several days so I didn't have the computer to fill up my time.  And having this downtime has allowed me a chance to focus more on what it means to have s p a c e.  We can create physical space in our homes by donating boxes of old books and clothes, but what about our daily schedule?  How often do we fill up our day so full that we find ourselves running around until crashing in bed at some ungodly hour, just to get up early the next morning to do it all over again? 

Sometimes I find that clearing the closets, cupboards and basement shelves are the easy part.  The hard part is to keep from filling the empty spaces again.  I actually find great joy in looking at empty shelves, just as I love days with no plans.  In fact, I "schedule" days that stay blank on my calendar.  Sometimes I even encourage my husband to take our one-and-only car to work so that I don't get tempted to go do something.  That way Kestan and I can move slowly throughout our day, with no plans, and with s p a c e to explore around our home.  These are my favorite days.

But then there are days where I feel stir crazy, like my hair is standing on end, and I have a lot of s p a c e that I don't know what to do with.  I think, "What should we do?"  Why is it that we feel this need to do something, anything, to fill up the s p a c e?  

Now that I'm getting close to my last month of pregnancy I feel really moved to create even more s p a c e.  So I'm going to continue being more conscious when those feelings of needing to fill the s p a c e come up.  I want to be OK with s p a c e.  I want to have more time where I don't know what to do with myself.  I am going to practice embracing more being time rather than so much doing.  Less agenda.  Less schedule.  Less expectations.  Less thinking about what's next.  More unplanned days.  More time at home.  More spontaneous, creative play.  More s p a c e.

I know I don't need to do something, make something, go somewhere, be somebody, or fill up my days to feel important and productive.  I know what's important for me now is to be in the s p a c e, because it's in the s p a c e that I appreciate these special little moments - like simply playing in the park.  It's in this s p a c e where I learn the most.  It's where I'm the most present.  Feeling the stillness that s p a c e brings (along with the discomfort and agitation) is where I need to be.  And being OK with no plans, no agenda, and no time-restraints is what this little guy is teaching me.  Not only is he teaching me it's OK, but that doing nothing and letting our time spontaneously unfold is more fun than I could have ever imagined.

Your Personal Reflection:  How can you create more s p a c e in your day so that you move at a pleasant pace - one that is balanced with more downtime?   What are some things you can let go of to create more s p a c e in your daily schedule?  How can you keep from filling up your s p a c e and simply enjoy being there?  What do you learn when you allow yourself to embrace doing nothing?