I have been following you for some time, Stephanie, and you nurture my soul with your thoughts. I have been on a unique clearing journey recently. Last summer I endeavored to whip my parents house into shape with full vitality and energy and was abruptly met with a "no, thank you". It was frustrating and if I was honest infuriating that they wouldn't accept my help. Fast forward to spring and I approached the task with a "I wouldn't want someone to just tell me what to get rid of" mindset and all has changed. My parents are accepting of my help and look forward to seeing me. It has been tedious (who takes six hours to clean off the kitchen counter?) as clearly any "clearing" stopped about 25 years ago. I approach the task with loving patience and a timer (no more than 3 hours at a time or everyone is exhausted). I feel we are meeting with success. The job is large but with love we can tackle it all and keep our relationship intact. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you for sharing this, Lori. What a gift you are to your parents. It can be so hard (and threatening) when it comes to helping others clear their spaces -- getting them to let us in. Your parents saying yes is a testament to your spaciousness. Brava!
I have been following you for some time, Stephanie, and you nurture my soul with your thoughts. I have been on a unique clearing journey recently. Last summer I endeavored to whip my parents house into shape with full vitality and energy and was abruptly met with a "no, thank you". It was frustrating and if I was honest infuriating that they wouldn't accept my help. Fast forward to spring and I approached the task with a "I wouldn't want someone to just tell me what to get rid of" mindset and all has changed. My parents are accepting of my help and look forward to seeing me. It has been tedious (who takes six hours to clean off the kitchen counter?) as clearly any "clearing" stopped about 25 years ago. I approach the task with loving patience and a timer (no more than 3 hours at a time or everyone is exhausted). I feel we are meeting with success. The job is large but with love we can tackle it all and keep our relationship intact. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you for sharing this, Lori. What a gift you are to your parents. It can be so hard (and threatening) when it comes to helping others clear their spaces -- getting them to let us in. Your parents saying yes is a testament to your spaciousness. Brava!