The Ordinary Arts

“The ordinary arts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest.” ― Thomas More

Have you ever felt like you were at home in someone else's house?  I have, and I think it was due not only to the personalities of the people who lived in that house, but also to their ability to make the house feel like a home.  Don't let this be a daunting idea to you.  It is one that can be achieved in simple abodes and in the most sophisticated homes.  Moreover, the key to doing this does not mean we all have to have top designer capabilities:  we just need...
to practice the art of homemaking on a regular basis.

Usually, we like to apply the term homemaker to just women, but it is applicable to anyone that has a home.  A man who is in charge of his home, either because he is single or this is his designated job, needs routines as much as anyone who takes care of a home.  And from my own experience, I know that a simple routine is the best for people who have disabilities.  However, it is not just people with chronic illness that need simplicity:  busy people, children, elderly people, middle-aged people, depressed people, happy people -- they all need to have the comfort of order.  

This is something you can do.  You can have order in your home, and you can have a routine that makes it easier.  

If you have been following my blog, you know I have skipped Day 11 on FlyLady's 31 Beginner Babysteps for two days.  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia kicked in with a vengeance, but they are not winning.  I had my first good night's sleep in a couple of night's, and I ended up taking  a long nap for several hours today.  Therefore, I have not necessarily been able to do Day 11 exactly like FlyLady's schedule, but I have adapted.  People that do shift work have to adapt their schedules too.  I don't think there is any written law that there are only certain things that can be done in the morning;  therefore, if it is past morning, you can no longer do those jobs.  So, if you are letting the schedule get in the way, remember it is getting your house uncluttered little by little that counts, not when you do it.  

Image courtesy of [Maggie Smith] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
The beauty of this bedroom lies in the uncluttered, simplicity.
Anyone would feel comfortable in a room like this.  

P.S.  I was amazed at what I accomplished in my 2 minute Hot Spot pick up today.  I put dirty laundry in a hamper and put away 6 pairs of shoes that were lying on my bedroom floor.  That was so easy!  And it made a difference in how my room looked.