Thursday 13 September 2012

Where I've Been

So obviously I've been on a bit of a blogging hiatus of late, and I just wanted to pop in and explain a little.

A while back I was having trouble finding balance in my life (you can read about it here), and it seems that it continues.

Since starting my blog at the beginning of the year, I have discovered a love of writing that I never knew existed. I mean, I knew that I've always wanted to write a book, and for years I loved writing in a journal at the end of every day, but this is different. That was as if the 'writing a book dream' was just some silly idea in the back of my head that I would never actually achieve, because I didn't have the motivation to make it happen, nor the talent.

But now, after sitting at my laptop and writing posts for my blog, (including throwing some fiction writing in there as well, thanks to Penny and her Short Tale Tuesday linkup), I have found something that I not only love, but am kind of ok at! I didn't even really know what a blog was until the end of last year, and for some reason I couldn't get the idea out of my head.

But I digress.

Lately because of my head being everywhere, I haven't had the desire to write. My hubby actually opened my blog page on his tablet, and pointed out to me that I hadn't posted since the 31st of August. "What's going on?" he asked me. "I don't know," was all I could reply.

Thinking about though, I just realised that I am unhappy. Not with my family or my life in general, but just with our house and the state of it. I constantly look around myself and feel miserable and overwhelmed. How is  my mind supposed to be free to write and create, when I have all of that negativity swirling around in there? Not to mention, that I feel like a total failure every minute of every day because I can't keep up with it all.

I have decided, for me to be happy and able to do the things I love, without feeling guilty, I need to get my house in order. I need to declutter as I fully believe that a cluttered house leads to a cluttered mind. And that is really how I feel at the moment. I need organisation, so that I'm not running around like a chook with no head, and never actually achieving anything.

So that is exactly what I have been doing. I have embarked on the '20 Days to Clean and Organise Your Home Challenge' with The Organised Housewife, and putting my heart and soul into it! I am only up to Day 4, so quite far behind as the challenge is up to Day 9, but I have decided that it's not important when I do it, but that I do it!

And do you know what? It's working!

Not only does Katrina set specific areas for you to clean, but she also gives tips and advice on how to keep it clean (which has been one of my major issues!). So far, I have done the kitchen, main bedroom and laundry, and they still look amazing! See for yourself!





I am so happy with what I have achieved thus far, and so motivated to keep going! You can always follow my progress on Instagram, as I'm posting my photos there almost every day! I also share my Photo A Day Challenge there, as well as on Facebook. All of my details are just to the right of this page.

So, I am going to take some time away from my blog, to hopefully create more time for the things I love, which of course includes my writing. I will spend my days cleaning, organising and decluttering, and when I return, you should find me a lot happier. My main goal is to find more time to relax and be creative, as it has become such a big part of who I am. 

It won't be long, I'm sure of it. I can feel it happening already! 

I'll see you real soon!


Tracey
xx



26 comments:

  1. Please leave us updated on the progress. I felt the same in our old house. Just wasn't happy with the house. It was old and had lots of clutter. We moved and I got rid of it all. 9 years collecting stuff and I threw out loads to the smith family.

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    1. Thanks Salz, I will. I love my house,(and we definitely won't be moving any time soon lol) but just don't love the state of it. I will be donating heaps too. Just can't wait to get rid of it all :)

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  2. Sounds like a great idea. I often find that the reason I feel "blocked" is because of the general chaos in my life and home.

    Take the time you need and you won't know yourself when you return :-)

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    1. Thanks Dorothy, I'm sure that will be the case. I'm already feeling like I'm finally getting on top of it, even with so far still to go! Looking forward to actually having some space between my ears! (Um, that didn't sound quite right. What I mean is not having all the negative thoughts about myself and home in my head constantly)! lol

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  3. I hate having a cluttered house, for the exact same reason as you. It really does clutter my mind. I'm loving the 20 Day Challenge, it's really given me the kick that I needed.

    See you when your back, de-cluttered and feeling amazing!

    Prue x

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    1. Thanks Prue. It really does effect you in a negative way doesn't it? Looking forward to coming back with a clear head :)

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  4. WOW - your home looks amazing. I think that I need to have a look at this challenge and try to implement it in our home. Thanks for the link - will be looking into it this weekend as A and K are both working on Sunday and I HAVE THE WHOLE DAY TO MYSELF !!!!
    Have a great Friday !
    Me

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    1. I really think it is one of the best things I've ever embarked on, Me! At least in regards to my home. I'm finally starting to feel like I'm achieving something with it!
      PS I won't show you the areas I haven't started yet! You might not think it looks so amazing then.... ;)

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  5. Good for you! Your house is immaculate! Perhaps I need to do the organisation/cleaning challenge!

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    1. Not quite immaculate yet, but at least I feel like I'm getting somewhere! If you are a bit domestically challenged like I am, I highly recommend it!! :)

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  6. I totally get what you're saying - It gets me down that my house is messy too. Maybe I should give this 20 day challenge a go too.
    Also - you are way more than 'ok' at writing - you are bloody good at it! x

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    1. Thanks Cath. That's a real compliment coming from you!
      This challenge is perfect for me, and it just came along at the right time! And the good thing is, it doesn't matter if you're behind like I am. You just do it when you can! At least I do. If you ever feel overwhelmed by your home and the state of it, I reckon it's the best thing you could do! :)

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  7. Your house is looking fabulous, my dear!
    You know, there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a bloggy break and work on other things that keep you productive and in a positive state of mind.
    And I agree with Catherine - you're an amazing writer! :) x

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    1. Thanks Grace, I'm getting there. I guess because I've got all of this negativity in my head at the moment, I was worried that taking a break would mean losing all of the progress I've made with my blog. But, my blog was meant to be fun and an 'outlet', not something putting more pressure on me, so now I'm prepared to take whatever comes in that regard. I just want to feel better! So don't forget about me, ok? ;) lol
      And thank you for your lovely compliment xx

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  8. Looking good! I spend too much time thinking about how I should get organised, and looking for "pretty" containers and baskets - obviously I just need to get in there and start!

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    1. Thanks Mel. I know what you mean! It is so easy to make lists and plans, but the hard part is actually getting stuck into it! Once you make a start though, you won't want to stop! :)

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  9. I can completely relate to what you are saying here. I have moments of despair when I look around my house. Keeping it clean is an ongoing battle and the grime is gradually winning.
    Well done on getting everything in order. You must feel so much "lighter".
    All the best
    Mumabulous

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    1. I'm definitely starting to feel lighter, that's for sure! Still a long way to go, but I'm more motivated than I've ever been and loving the results! I really recommend this challenge, if you feel like you want to get on top of it :)

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  10. You're doing an amazing job and I'm so enjoying seeing everyones progress pics on Instagram :o)

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    1. Thank you, as are you!
      Watching how everyone else is going is part of what is keeping me motivated, especially as I'm so far behind! Even on the weekends!
      Thanks for popping by my blog, it was a nice surprise! :)

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  11. great pics - I totally agree ....... messy house, messy mind ;-) Having said that, it does creep back in ever so easily - like you I hope to stay on top of it ;-)

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    1. Thanks Cathy, and thanks for popping by!
      You are so right! All it takes is a little thing put down here, and another thing left there, and before you know it you're back where you started! My poor family....I've become the housewife from hell with this challenge! Someone only has to look like they're about to leave something in an area I've cleaned and I'm yelling "Uh uh! Not going to happen!" lol

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  12. Your house looks amazing! I'm a lot like you - when my house is in disarray, I struggle with everything else. And yet, sometimes I can't even muster the energy to clean, so I just get more and more bleh about everything. 24 hours in a day just isn't enough sometimes!

    x Jasmine

    PS. I found the lolly jars you asked about in various places - one was from a Villeroy and Boch store at Harbour Town, one was from Earthborn, one was from a random boutique ... it took me a year to scout them all down for my wedding lolly table - and now they're used at every function we have!

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  13. I'm so glad that you're taking the time out to do this for yourself and your family. I absolutely agree that an uncluttered home is a big part of having an uncluttered mind and therefore time for creative projects.
    Keep it up Tracey! You're doing such a wonderful job.
    Ronnie xo

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  14. Great pics. I'm glad you're getting your house in order, and we'll be here when you're ready to come back!

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  15. You have done amazing things in your absence Tracey. Very impressive.
    I need to get on finishing the 20 day challenge too.

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