Lately, I have completely let go of all my domestic routines. I have been to the grocery store three times a week. I didn’t mop for a month (or more). And a broken washing machine means laundry is chaotic, to say the least.
But I am not complaining. Because after two years of so much restraint (I am of course referring to the virus and all our ethics related) … after two years of clinging to routine like a life raft … I have enjoyed being unmoored just a bit.
I have enjoyed waking up and doing just one or two things that seemed most important. Or not.
Perhaps this is one way I am getting through the dredges of winter. No plans, just survival. No hopes, just presence.
I can tell my time at playing unorganized is coming to an end though. It’s starting to get more tiring and less fun. I’m staring out the window more often and itching to get some momentum. Perhaps to plan dinner before 5 pm would be inspiring.
So here’s a reminder that life is work either way. So long as dirt is real and bodies need to eat, work there will be. And we can either work proactively or responsively. It’s not any less work, it’s just different.
Here’s a prompt for just 5 minutes in the kitchen.
Have you been working around dishes that don’t ever get used? The only time you touch them is to move them aside when you’re putting the clean ones (that you do use) away.
Take a look in the cupboard. I bet you know just what I’m talking about.
It’s the dish that can’t be microwaved.
The plastic storage without a lid.
Take 5 minutes and set aside any dishes that are only taking space and not earning their keep.
As for me, I’ll be dropping off a collection of canning a jars to my friend who actually cans. I only use one at a time for flowers, anyway.
Yes! (To the cabinet above the microwave that used to have one nesting set of containers but now is an almost avalanche of miscellaneous lids- I am coming for you today!)