Living by the mantra of Keep It Simple, Stupid, known as the KISS principle, has been one of my most elusive dreams. I seem to attract complications and complexities like flies at a picnic, and have grown to believe that I actually call them somehow. The school mornings where we all get up late and I end up flying around the kitchen making breakfast and snacks, half-dressed myself, begging sleepy boys to get into clothes and seats ... they're the ones that I often secretly enjoy. I'm put to the "how-much-can-I-accomplish-at-once" test, and usually pass with flying colors. Meanwhile, the rest of the family is hurried, irritated, and wishing for peace, coffee, and a curl up in the comfy orange chair with a book. My flip side is that peaceful mornings like this... (a beautiful photo blog of a year of mornings) call to me strongly too.
Apparently I'm conflicted :).
I love simplicity, and I love brief periods of chaotic activity. Productive chaos that is, the kind that leaves me exhausted, happy, and looking at a pile of finished things. As my life fills with kids, school schedules and sitter complications, the crazy randomness of being a freelancer (and being married to one), the KISS principle becomes even more important, and has recently started singing a siren-song to me. I want fewer things on my list, fewer obligations, and fewer possessions. More room on my shelves, in my drawers, and even in my fridge. More time to enjoy, and less time to spin. I've been on a "purging" mission, and the more things get cleared out, the more peaceful the house becomes. The more my kids enjoy the toys they can see, as they're no longer hidden behind piles of old art projects and junk. What's left becomes appreciated and enjoyed.
Talking to a friend recently on the subject of paring down, she commented that her quest for simplicity had resulted in the mantra "Is it necessary?" I liked the thought, and find that when answered honestly, the answer is very often a resounding No. De-cluttering experts say if you don't love it, use it, or wear it, get rid of it! Rather than give tips on how to do it, which are all over the place (some links are below), I just have a question. How does clutter and chaos make you feel? If you thrive on it, honestly, then by all means, take it on. If looking at your home space or calendar makes you stressed, and you're always 'mentally clearing the counters', then it's time to do something about it. That kind of cleaning is exhausting after awhile!
If I'm honest with myself, the reason I think I like chaos is because it makes me feel useful, which is something that I have a deep-seated need for. It's not about the chaos, it's about me, and it becomes a taxing thing on my relationships and kids. I'm finding that I truly want the simplicity more than I want the productivity, and it's slowly shifting my priorities. KISS the calendar, the clutter, the relationships, and the things that creep in unawares, and be surprised at how sweet it is!