“Clutter is anything unfinished, unused, unresolved, tolerated or disorganized.” ~ Vicky White
I read this quote on Facebook a few days ago. It’s been leaning into me ever since.
What could it mean to embrace the unfinished, the unused, the unresolved, the tolerated and the disorganized in our lives? Sounds like work, doesn’t it? But, ahhh, the rewards.
The Unfinished & Unused
If there’s an award for unfinished, I would win it. I’m a quilter. Quilters love fabric. They love to feel it, buy it, stack it, arrange it, store it, cut it and, eventually, sew it.
With that love comes a sense of responsibility–more like a burden. Sew it, Lee, sew it. I have far to many unfinished projects. Unfinished creates heaviness. A sense of obligation. A sense of waste.
The solution? I know many people and organizations that can use the fabric I have–and put it to good use. Right now. That’s the good news.
What are your areas of unfinished-ness? Anything hanging around that you’ve never used? Take action on at least one item. Finish it or give it away. I challenge you. Then just sit down, take a deep breath and enjoy how good it feels.
The Unresolved & Tolerated
Unresolved and tolerated can go in many directions. That overcharge on a bill. A conversation that needs to be finished. A business relationship that isn’t working. That broken thing.
Right now I am tolerating a desk chair that drives me crazy. I’ve known that for awhile, but I haven’t done anything about it. Tomorrow I’ll switch chair with the one upstairs. Done. Just think, I’ve tolerated this one for about 12 months. And why?
For over 25 years there was an unresolved issue between me and my sister. It was in there under the surface–in my heart. I felt responsible to clear up my part of the issue. I wrote to her, explained my concern, told her I was sorry and asked if I could make things right. Her response? She said she had never even given one ounce of thought about it–ever. Not in all the 25 years. It was a non-issue to her. I couldn’t believe it. Bingo. It was gone. Burden lifted. Lightness in heart.
Think of one thing in your life that you consider unresolved or tolerated. Minor or major…it doesn’t matter. Just tackle one. You will love the feeling of closure.
The Disorganized
Paper is my nemesis. It comes in via mail, in person, email and I generate plenty myself. It’s everywhere. I don’t want to get rid of “it” because it might come in handy some day.
Instead, it becomes a burden. Something to shuffle. To stack. To handle. And to handle again. To file. To unfile. And the beat goes on. I am working on improving this daily.
Does this sound remotely familiar?
Recognizing Your Elephant
We have energy drains. They come to us a physical or mental clutter. We have this clutter elephant around us. We adjust. We walk around it. We move it. Can you see it?
What would support you in reclaiming your space? Your energy? You?
What could you do to support others? Donate, recycle and free yourself up. It’s a win-win!
I dare you to face off with your elephant! You’ll feel like a million bucks.
Blessings, Lee
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
i guess i better get used to unfinished. cancer makes my life unfinished. will it ever get finished? dont’ think so. it’s just some sort of continuum of living and breathing one breath after another. i will finish what I can. bake a cake and serve it. clean up the crumbs. teach a class and send in enrollment stats. go for a walk and come home and stretch and sing a little. for today, that is enough. for today, i accept unfinished.
Great insight and acceptance of what’s so. Love it–thank you, Helene.
Wow, Lee – it seems that you and I not only have brother dogs, but twin elephants, as well !! For every unfinished, unused, unresolved, tolerated, disorganized thing you listed I have at least one to match it! Some days, my “unfinished business” is what keeps me going – and on good days I make sporadic progress. Other days, I long to kick my elephant to the curb – or find the peace to just accept that mine is a PERPETUAL “to-do list” and that’s it’s OK that it will never be done.
There is a fine line between the two…too bad it isn’t easier to firmly plant ourselves on either side of it.
I’m so with you, Kari. I have a photo of my elephant–I like to tear a little piece of it off just as some “proof” that there’s progress. Something tangible! Love the visual of matching elephants. You are a so funny. There are days when kicking the big guy to the curb is necessary–for sure. Tiny progress is good for me. I know that some little piece of my elephant will be there, but I am moving towards having a very small piece!!! Thanks for the comment! You rock! Love you, Lee