E is for Edit

E is for Edit

.....as a writer, I do my fair share of editing, and spend too much time worrying about submitted pieces, while I am waiting for my editors to edit....

but that is not what this blog post is about.

Instead, I am talking about editing your life-

Edit: correct, modify, adapt and eliminate everything that weighs you down.

 

There are a few main areas that need constant editing in my life: what I say yes to, my office and my closets.

Taking the time to make the necessary cuts, is essential to keeping sane. Moving from a big house to a small house made me pare down everything from furniture to books and toys, but it is a constant battle.

Even after the big move and all the cuts made, my born neat daughter cleaned out the attic and I was able to take an entire truck load to the dump....where did it all come from? 

Does clutter actually multiply? I think it does, put it in a warm, dark place and watch it grow...

Time to be tough. Edit Mr. Clean-style.

Edit the Yes

I've also gone through and edited the companies I work for, cutting out several that don't really line up with my ultimate goals. I've stopped going to art shows, stopped selling art online and stopped looking for new 'out of the house' jobs...this frees me up to really throw myself into one main career....with a little peripherals like teaching once a week and a tiny bit of commission work.    

Edit the office

As much as I try to keep my desk neat, when I am under pressure to make money, (hello, end of month)...or have too many deadlines or difficult assignments...this spot becomes my little cave. I am comfortable among piles of books, papers and computers...but the chaos really doesn't help. Time to toss and sort!

Edit the closets

I came across this intriguing website Project 333 - that proposes living with only 33 items. Every 3 months you are encouraged to choose 33 items including clothes, accessories, jewelry, outerwear and shoes! 

(she doesn't make you count underwear, workout clothes or sleepwear thankfully!)  The rest of your wardrobe is to be boxed up, sealed and stored out of sight.  So, for three months those 33 items are rotated exclusively. This extreme simplicity makes me go aaaaaaaaa....thinking I will give it a go. I can imagine saving so much time on the whole, "hmmm, what should I wear today?" game. 

Pairing down shoes and accessories will be strange, but I won't have to play flamingo in front of the mirror anymore,  (what looks better with this outfit, this shoe, or that shoe),  or for at least three months.

 Be More with Less is by the same author, Courtney Carver....I haven't delved too far into this site yet, but it looks interesting...and as I edit, I'll be freeing up more time to read. :) 

  Time to grab boxes, trash bags and a ruthless attitude!