Do you ever feel like your brain is going to simply explode? Yes, me too. And it’s usually because I have a mile-long mental list of things that I really need to do, things that I’ve been procrastinating about, things I’m worrying about, things I told someone I would do but haven’t yet done, and things that I want to do “someday” but I’m not sure when but I keep them in the semi-forefront of my mind so I don’t forget them. All that adds up to: Mental Clutter!
And with school starting today, I can assure you that the mental clutter is only going to get worse. Lunch money, permission slips, school volunteering, homework… my brain will be chock full o’ stuff. And so, in order to clear out some of the mess and give my mind a little room to breathe, I am committed to doing a little mental decluttering this week. I will handle at least one thing from each of the various categories I listed above.
And, just to hold myself accountable, I’ll post my plan right here:
Something I really need to do: Drop off birthday gift at my sister-in-law’s (her birthday was last week, so I’m already late!)
Something I’ve been procrastinating about: Write note to C.’s piano teacher re: lessons.
Something I’m worrying about: Spend time in prayer for my friend who is battling cancer, and then drop a note in the mail, just to let her know I’m thinking of and praying for her.
Something I told someone I would do but haven’t done yet: Get C. batteries for his little electronic thingamajig.
And…regarding the things I want to do “someday”: I will sit down and make a Master To-Do List of all the things I need to do or want to do or should do, but that are not time-sensitive (such as clearing the maternity clothes out of my closet, or cleaning the baseboards throughout the house, or learning how to use Photoshop Elements). Then, hopefully, I can tackle one or more of those things each week, thereby slowly but surely getting through the entire list.
How about you? Do you have any mental clutter to deal with? What’s one thing you can do to ease the load on your own mind this week?
“What’s one thing you can do to ease the load on your own mind this week?” Quit my job?
I find when I have mind clutter I start misplacing things.
LOL to dianne’s comment. I can relate! That’s usually where alot of the overload things in my head come from!
Like you, I know with school starting, life is going to be BUSY. Fall is our most hectic time of year with personal stuff. So, I started this weekend. I re-arranged furniture (actually removed some!), went through all the old mail, etc. that’s been stacking up, got my home office in order, and overall just tried to make life simpler…a place to put everything, etc. I really tried to PARE DOWN. I even started a Yard Sale box…our church does one for missions every year, so I’m getting a head start. When I have less PHYSICAL clutter, I have less MENTAL clutter, too! (No more wasted time looking for things, etc. = happy, less stressful me!)
Good luck w/ your decluttering.
I have been thinking along these very same lines. It must be the “new year.” I may post the same type list on my blog later. I love accountability, too.
Like, Melissa, a big thing on my todo THIS week is to get rid of some physical clutter. I agree that it helps my frame of mind as well.
For me, I need to call the transportation office, because I noticed on Friday that our house number wasn’t listed on the stops. I found out today at the school walk through that our address is wrong. I think her driver will remember her, but I have been worrying about it. Such a simple thing, but I’ve delayed and caused myself some stress.
yes! mental clutter here too…need some “mental floss!”
Hope this school year goes great!
I need to declutter my brain myself! A someday to-do list is a good idea!
This post could have come from my own fingertips!
Mental clutter — love the term and plan to work at getting rid of some of it. Making a list tonight of all I need to do before my inlaws arrive Friday might help ease the clutter.
Then I need to get off my duff and move the clutter, oh . . . out to the garage?!?!
I always have mental clutter and I haven’t found a way out of it yet. I’ve tried PDAs, schedule books, computer lists, you name it. I just have to be faithful to write whatever small things I have to do down on paper (doesn’t matter where) and then consolidate regularly into one list. The old-fashioned lists still work best for me. One thing on my list that I haven’t gotten around to yet- update the kids’ books and journals.
The one thing really nagging at me is that I need to clean my house. From top to bottom. It’s driving me nuts. So I just need to jump in and start. First step of course is to turn the computer off.
Ahh, clutter is evil no matter where it is! My mental clutter can usually be controlled by controlling the physical chaos around me. Oh and with lists. Love that you posted your list. That is the best way to get the clutter out of your head. Once its written down you just need to do one step at a time and one day at a time. Try not to get overwhelmed although easier said than done right?!
Laura
PS: I want to learn how to use Photoshop Elements also. My hubbie bought it for me for my birthday a couple of months ago.
I can throw away the paper trail and stop moving it around the counter. I really can’t justify counting that as exercise anymore.
C
My tasks this :week:
1. Make sure the bills are paid.
2. Play with my children
3. Figure out what’s for dinner
Everything else gets sandwiched in and then I de-clutter the next week!!