I am spring cleaning my life!

Spring may not be here, but I am going ahead anyway – and spring cleaning – my life. Life is so hectic these days that all that is left is the stress from rushing around. It is practically impossible to keep pace. And it is not just me – it is just about everyone I know – young and old. In fact the retired people I know are even busier than I am – because they are all tied up doing the things they always planned to do, but never had the time to do before.

Makes me think:

“What is this life, if, full of care
We have no time to stand and stare?”

The only staring I seemed to be doing these days was blankly when  trying to recall something from my already over-crowded list. I realized that now is a good time to take stock and find a balance in life. After all, my birthday is just around the corner!

I decided I should begin with clutter-clearing. Yes, I’ve been doing a lot of Feng Shui reading to inspire me.

I took a look around, I considered my routine. I thought about everything I do on any given day. My first question was “Am I getting joy from what I am doing? Does it make my life less complex?” For those that I answered with an emphatic ‘NO’ I realized I must get rid of it, or at least minimize it. It is amazing what an impact our immediate environment can have on us. Is there something I loved to do? Then I should probably do it more.

Next came my relationships. I considered all the people I interacted with, and mulled over whether I had any issues to resolve. I realized there is no need to let things keep going the way they are, if I wanted to change them.

Easier said than done? Yes. But it is not impossible. Like Bob Wiley (played by Bill Murray) says in “What about Bob” Baby steps are the answer. I know how hard it is, sometimes, just to get started. Fact is, once we begin even in a small way, it is exciting to see the results. Me – I like to make a list of even the smallest things – and tick off whatever I’ve completed. The bliss is heavenly!

The trick is to break down every activity into small tasks (ask any Time Management expert!) and tackle them. It can be something as minor as clearing up a stack of letters, calling someone you’ve been meaning to, giving something away, etc. My list reads something like this:

• Return library books
• Get schoolbag handle fixed
• Drop cheque at bank
• Get bike serviced
• Get a new sweater for Vidur
• Plan trip to bookstore with Vidur
• Clear extra containers from Kitchen

You know what I mean?  Of course, my list is a multi-fold one where I segregate things to do at home, outside etc. Basic territory planning.

In the context of spring cleaning – there is one more thing. Learning to say NO. Most of us have a tendency not to say NO because it sounds so rude and harsh. I am learning – and I find that it is not as hard as I thought it would be!

So – I got started by resolving to do ONE small thing per day. The impetus to do more is building up and now – I am well on my way to spring-cleaning my life. It is all in the mind.