Dear Reader,
Shuffling rather than decluttering.
That’s how I got myself to declutter my cabinets this week. No, I wasn’t trying to trick myself into doing an unwanted task. I’ve always enjoyed organizing and cleaning things–making things better is deep in the wiring. (My step grandmother used to keep me from talking her ear off by “letting me” organize the toys in her at-home daycare. I would occupy myself while everyone else napped, arranging and rearranging shelves of toys only to have them destroyed once everyone was up and running around again.)
I’ve been doing a lot of this lately. Taking things out, shuffling them, rearranging them, stepping back, and doing it all over again. There is no pressure to “declutter.” I get to keep these little treasures, enjoy and use them. Shuffling items from the back to the front of my cabinets, I found a cake stand I had forgotten I owned. An old chocolate cake recipe came to mind, and they’d be perfect together.
I found an old lipstick and mascara at the back of my makeup drawer, and into the bin they went. Not all shuffling is successful or uncovers buried treasure. My favorite part, the bit I’m most excited to share with you, is the shuffling of ideas and goals.
At the end of June, I did a mid-year goal check-in and recap. Items I prioritized as my “top three” at the beginning of the year are well underway. Time for a goal reshuffle. I’ve decided not to take anything off the list, but to reshuffle the priorities for the next 30 days. There were some personal familial goals I set as a priority this year, and much of that is in motion. Now, I am free to spend some time thinking about: What I would love to accomplish most over the next 30 days? Where would I like to move the needle? Where would I at least like to get started? Which idea/goal/hope/dream/aspiration would benefit from me sitting still for a minute to sit, think, and pray?
The fourth question is what I’m being called to in this season. Yes, I want to finish the first draft of my second novel. And a laundry list of other things I would like to accomplish and do. But I also know in my heart of hearts that before I rearrange, organize, or shuffle any new ideas around, I need to step back and look at the bigger picture.
That’s most of what reorganizing and shuffling objects is. You move an item, step back, and see how it looks and feels. Then you might go back and turn the item 180, swap it for another, and then step back to look again. I’m asking myself to do the same thing with all the things rattling around in my brain before I take any steps to move things forward or truly get started. All the ideas are on the shelf. None of them are going to be decluttered. I get to use them and enjoy them. The only really beautiful thing I want to do next is to decide what will come off the idea shelf and when, and I am allowing myself space. Time and space to pause, think, and pray.
So my friend, which question is calling to you? If you feel like sharing, comment below. Consider this an invitation to do your own reshuffling this week; be it actual objects on your home or ideas in your head and heart.
P.S. I love being back on my couch writing a letter to you all. I just wrapped up my first short story serial, Chortler on a Train. Part of the Misadventures of Madame J Series. There will be more stories in the future, and I can’t wait to introduce you to more of that world.
A collection of random items I am eyeing, loving, or finally enjoying.
Rediscovered this playlist Issamood 2. Listen here.
Learning more about Emily Dickinson.
A little Summerween magic. Loved this book.
Three past podcast episodes dedicated to Summer:
August is the Brainy & Bougie Scavenger Hunt. Four weeks of becoming a tourist in your own life. Paid subscribers will receive a scavenger hunt card with activities designed to help you explore your own town, make new discoveries, and find the lovely things hiding in plain sight. Think independent bookstores, golden hour views, meals eaten alone on purpose, and local gems you’ve been driving past for years.
Two community calls this month:
August 3rd: Live Virtual Workshop
How to be a tourist in your own life and make new discoveries. Come ready to play.August 27th Maison Gaton Salon
Our regular community call: share your scavenger hunt adventures, ask me anything, and catch up with other members.
If you’ve been thinking about joining as a paid subscriber, August is an excellent time. Come, be a tourist with us.
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