Hey, All! I just wanted to share with you a quick message on how to declutter your mind, or what worked for me a couple of days ago.

For weeks we’ve been watching that PNW mist and rain come down and had to wait out the weather. Back in the Midwest, we had to wait out ice and snow, so rain isn’t so bad unless you want to move dirt. A frick ton of dirt.

Truth is, this to-do list involved three projects: tearing out and leveling an old flower bed, filling a low spot in the driveway, and moving a garden stand nearly as tall as I am that’s full of my favorite medium, dirt.

We did it in one day. How?

-> A plan, a list, and steps. (and good weather)

The best part about this process was pulling out the “ifs, ands, or buts,” out of my mind by getting logical and focused. Let me explain.

1. The list was filled with each itemized step: Moving the pavers to the front of the house in X spot, shoveling the dirt into the wheelbarrow to move to the driveway, raking it to even it out, etc. You get the picture. This helps to pull out the minute and sometimes overwhelming details of “how you are going to do it” out of your head.
2. Each step was grouped with like-minded items: The flower bed needs were grouped on the list. The garden stand kerfuffle had categorized steps. Basically, each itemized step that is part of an activity or process gets grouped; and then you focus on the activities needed within that group.
3. While working on one step in the present, I ignored the other steps until they were needed. I didn’t worry about the driveway when trying to empty that garden bed of dirt while hanging over the deck railing. Shoveling 20 + cubic ft. of dirt keeps one grounded, I’ll tell you what. Pun intended. Also, bless those who do this kind of work for their occupations – I give you props.

What I appreciate about Sunday is we got things accomplished and we checked off over six steps on the house list. There’s nothing better than checking something off a list to declutter your thoughts. It’s even better when it’s something that’s been on your mind for months or you weren’t sure you could do it. 🙂

Whether it’s outside work, your job, your kids, your relationship – if something needs to be done and it’s been waiting for a bit, break it down. You don’t have to do everything 160% in four hours. Do what you can and be proud of that.