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Finding happiness in

organizing and cleaning

by Maria Gracia Join our newsletter to be notified when the newest Organizing Happiness is available. Ask people what they think about organizing and cleaning, and some will emphatically say both are necessary chores that they don’t like doing, but must be done. I see both a bit differently. In fact, organizing and cleaning bring me happiness and peace of mind. Here’s my perspective: • Organizing and cleaning gives us a sense of control. While we certainly can’t control everything in life and the world around us, we can definitely control the organization and cleanliness of our own homes. We can bring order, joy, peace, and love to our own worlds. Dust on our counters? A microfiber cloth, a few moments of our time, a touch of energy…and the dust all magically disappears. • Organizing and cleaning provides immediate gratification. In my mind, seeing a pile of papers vanish into the recycling container or a filing cabinet, depending on what it is, is pure joy. Removing streaks and grime from windows and mirrors? I can’t imagine how that wouldn’t make anyone a bit calmer, happier, and appreciative. One might say, “well it takes too long to organize and clean the garage…that’s not immediate.” I agree. That’s why I always break large projects down into smaller jobs that can be started and finished quickly…providing lots of chances to celebrate! • Organizing and cleaning allows us to be solution-focused. So, often, when I notice something that seems to be in a bit of disarray, my brain begins coming up with ideas and solutions to remedy the problem. For instance, not being able to find a bandage in the medicine cabinet may result in me sorting all medical-related items into a container so they’re more easily found. Dust on the top of the refrigerator may result in cleaning that area…and perhaps placing a towel up there that can be removed and washed once a week.   • Organizing and cleaning brings inner-peace. Life can be truly challenging sometimes, sometimes even giving us the feeling that we’re using up every bit of brain power and energy we have. There is a incredible meditative peace that can be found in focusing on and handling simple tasks…especially those that we already know how to do. Washing the dishes can be seen as washing all of your stress away, dish by dish. Organizing a sock drawer, which doesn’t take a whole lot of brain power, can be incredibly calming. As you clean your home, your office, your car, your desk at work…rather than becoming frustrated that it’s a task that must be done, try looking at it from a more joyful perspective. Make the tasks easier on yourself by naming a small task that can be done rather quickly, beginning it with a bit of gratitude (like being happy that you have a car to clean or a home to provide shelter for you and your family), and then celebrating your achievement of the task when it’s done. Find the joy in organizing and cleaning. It’s there if you want it to be. Back to Organizing Happiness Index