Closet Clean Out, Life Reboot
How Tidying Up Refocused My Life
Hey Readers!
This week I took on cleaning my closet.
Yikes.
Since the pandemic, my wardrobe has been a bit of a mess. Remember that show, What Not to Wear? I used to watch it when I was younger and think—how could they wear that . . . as I scrunched up my nose.
Mind you, that was before children.
And before remote work.
My uniform changed over the years, but it always depended on my weekday job. Whether classroom, court, law office, or government building, it all had a guidepost. The workweek was for dress pants, cute tops, loafers, heals, blazers and cardigans. Home was old sweatpants. Weekends were cute jeans.
Then the pandemic hit, I barely got out of my pajamas (parents feel me here- remember balancing work and home schooling with your kids? It was lucky I showered).
Thus, the era of yoga pants and office shirts arrived.
And never left.
I now understand why Steve Jobs wore black turtlenecks all the time.
Less is more. More is too much to think about! And my closet was clouding my brain. Too many mixed matched things that no longer made sense in my life.
So, after spending too long thinking about cleaning it, I finally got going.
Here’s What I learned:
1. I don't ever need to buy another turtleneck sweater again. Like EVER.
2. The clothes I bought just because they were on sale are also the ones I am giving away. (note to self- don’t buy stuff on sale just because it’s on sale).
3.Turns out, the expensive hiking clothes I bought were worth the money. I can stomp on my hiking shirts and pants, twist them into a ball, wear these clothes a zillion times, and it all still looks like new. That’s more than I can say for that cheap Target sweater I bought.
4. I seem to like the color cranberry. And black. There’s lots of black.
5. Thanks to hormones, menopause, and the pandemic, I have multiple sized clothes. Problem: Do I keep them all? What if I gain weight? What if lose weight? It’s all possible.
6. There are things I have I don’t wear but don’t want to give away because, what if I need them? And with inflation, I mean, my jeans from three years ago are triple the price now. I’m trying to be smart with my money.
7. I have way too many slipper socks.
8. Did I really need a t-shirt with the Lion King on it? When did I start buying t-shirts with Disney characters? Someone please explain.
9. Why, Sarah, why did you buy purple leopard print leggings? Do you think you’re in an 80s Hard Rock band?
10. I hate shopping. I hate clothes. There are bigger problems in the world and bigger things to think about, so why am I fretting about this?
Why am I writing an entire post to all of my faithful subscribers on the woes of clothes and cleaning closets? Surely, I can do better.
But I have a hunch—you’ve all been there, like me, staring at your closet, junk drawer, basement, attic . . . your whatever, wondering, why the hell do I need all this stuff? Where did it even come from? It can leave you feeling powerless, frustrated, overwhelmed, lost.
So, I’m donating a ton of it. I’m also vowing from now on to only purchase things that bring true value to my life.
Why is this important? Why should you care about my closet woes?
Because I learned that organizing our space helps us refocus and readjust. It forces us to ask: What’s working? What isn’t? How can I do better?
How can I live with more purpose?
Clearing the clutter of my closet cleared my mind. Oh, the joy in feeling focused! The freedom in letting go! With this newfound freedom, I can better see the other areas I need to simplify in my life.
And so can YOU.
Whether it’s cleaning a closet or reevaluating your goals, getting organized can be the jumpstart to a healthier, more focused life. It’s where you take your power back.
So, have you cleaned your closet lately? Are you eyeing that junk drawer? Do you struggle letting things go?
Let me know in the comments!
In the meantime, I’m off to organize my filing cabinet.
Till Next Time,
Sarah
AKA A Busy Lady
P.S.
Other Stuff . . .
Book Update: I’m super excited I finished editing and formatting my novel. Now, cover art! Stay tuned as I keep you up to date on my publishing journey.
Conferences I’m Attending: I’m attending the Catholic Writer’s Guild Conference this Friday—Sunday online. It’s a great budget friendly conference for writers of all faiths to get together and share writing, marketing, and other publishing tips. I can’t wait!
Books I’m Reading: I finished Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. I’m moving on to The Girl in the Castle by James Patterson. Now there’s a shift in genres. . .
Law News: In my law world, I’m studying Privacy and Data law, including design and architecture of IT systems . . . this is going to be incredibly useful in my role as tech lawyer. I bet you didn’t know I was such a data nerd.
What I’m Watching: I rewatched The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings this week. I just love this quote from the Lord of the Rings: “I want to see mountains again, Gandalf—mountains; and then find somewhere where I can rest . . . . In peace and quiet, I might find somewhere where I can finish my book.” Bilbo, I can relate! Getting one novel ready for publication and working on another is a lot of work. I could use some quiet reflection.
How about you? What are you reading? What are you watching?
Share with me in the upcoming A Busy Lady’s Kaffeeklatsch where subscribers can ask me anything and share what’s on their minds! Watch your email for when this will go live.
Have a great week!
This is so relatable!! 😫😫 I am currently debating going through all of my clothes and getting rid of a it. I want to replace them with all high quality pieces I can rotate. Ugh!