Coming Clean

Writing101 Day8: Expand a Comment into a Post

“This past year I took my procrastination to a whole new level and turned it into complete and utter avoidance.”

I was actually quite ambitious last fall. I made a list of some home renovation projects that I felt I could tackle during the cold winter months. My goal was “simple” – reinsulate, re-poly the basement, and apply a roll of P2000 or equivalent. My aim? To make my home more energy efficient. I would save on heating costs and, as an added bonus, I would be able to restructure the containers that are strewn about the basement floor. I knew it would be a daunting task. I broke it down into manageable sections and resolved to tackle one small space at a time. I set about, eager with my plan, and finished off the first area with a satisfied gleam in my eye.

The problem occurred when I moved on to the next section…

As I began to sort through some of the boxes, I became lost in their contents. One hour would turn four. Sentimental feelings over the trinkets that I would find would wash over me. I would smile and place the possessions back into the box.

 A month passed by and I had not accomplished much. I abandoned my efforts and moved them to the main floor. I began to declutter my daughter’s room – bagging up the clothes that didn`t fit and boxing up the toys that she wasn`t playing with. When I took those upstairs, I realized there was very little room up there too.

As a new parent, I was grateful when other people donated their clothes and toys. I would hate to have to open my wallet and spend my money on anything if I could get it for free. I was reluctant to give any of those belongings away – maybe we will have another child, maybe she will want to play with this rattle for five minutes again; I can`t give that away, my sister bought it. As a stepmother of two older daughters, I was reluctant to get rid of some of the boxes of dishes and extra appliances that are downstairs. What happens if the girls need something? They might want that pot one day; they might need a four slice toaster for their bachelor pad; they might need twenty saucers.You know what? The girls live three hours away. When they needed a set of dishes, they went to Walmart and bought their own!

I came to the conclusion that I was a hoarder . My excuses were ridiculous. I was overwhelmed! I burnt my to-do-lists and enjoyed life. I ignored all of those things I didn`t accomplish. But they never left the back of my mind; they seemed to linger and quietly nag me.

At least being able to go back to the source has helped me to face it and start again. Thank you Brooke, for creating the starting point. If you would like to join our conversation as we tackle our chronic procrastination issues, please visit us there. And thanks too, to Hoarder Comes Clean, for the motto “one box at time.” It seems less overwhelming when you look at it that way.