Jul 6, 2014

CLEANING OUT THE COBWEBS

Summer is in full swing at my house. School is a distant memory, swim team is wrapped up, VBS is over, and my family just returned home from a week-long camping trip to beautiful Brevard, NC (more to come about this lovely town in a future post).

The last month has been enriching, exciting, and FUN. But now that we are home and the laundry is mostly done, we are definitely in need of some R&R. I’m looking forward to focusing on my summer writing goals, catching up on reading, camping more with my family, and cleaning out closets (yes—I am super excited about this, too. If I was brave enough to post a picture of my linen closet right now, you’d *completely* understand why!☺).
What does all of this have to do with writing? Well, for me, an important part of the whole writing process is “cleaning out the cobwebs.” Summer gives me an opportunity to slow down, regroup, and purposefully accomplish things that need to be done, but that aren’t high on my priority list in busier times (like those closets).
When I de-clutter and organize my physical surroundings, I am calmer and more focused, and able to accomplish more in the long run. Although I don’t look forward to this task, I attack it tenaciously each year. Exercise is also a great way to “clean out the cobwebs,” and for me is essential for stress control. If I exercise outdoors, I reap twice the benefits. Baking is also one of my favorite “cleansing” practices, although it can negate all of the exercise benefits if I’m not careful!

What do you do to “clean out the cobwebs,” in summer or during the rest of the year? I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions!
Happy Summer, and Happy Writing!

9 comments:

  1. Same here, Becky. We spend a lot more time together, doing a whole lot of nothing but we need this downtime. I must confess that I do get cranky not being able to write the thoughts screaming to get out. And no, talking doesn't help.

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    1. I understand about the thoughts screaming to get out! Writing can be such a cathartic exercise--even when writing fun or silly stuff. Enjoy your down time! = )

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  2. Our pending move is cleaning out more cobwebs than I'd normally like, but it's all good in the end.

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    1. Since my husband and I got married we've moved three times, and each move was about 5 years apart. I used each of those opportunities to do a big cleanout. We've been in our current house for 6 years, so I am trying to have a "move mentality" when going through everything right now! Good luck with your move, Johnell!

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  3. Becky,
    Even after kids are grown--families get together for summer fun. My husband, younger son, his wife, and our grandsons visited the Duke Gardens on Father's Day weekend. A fun outing.

    I'm doing my best to record some of the emotional stuff going on in my life so I won't forget it. I expect that to come in handy when I have more time to write it out in full. This is the summer of my husband's lung transplant. Not the average summer~

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    1. Thank you for sharing that even when they're grown, families still gather for summer fun, Linda! You and your husband are always in my prayers. I am so glad you can turn to writing to help process everything. It is such a gift, isn't it?

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  4. I totally find myself able to focus better on writing if the house isn't a disaster. Clutter drives me crazy, but it happens so quickly at our place b/c it's small. And lets not talk about closets! =) The kidlet's is a disaster. As he's grown, I've just shoved newborn- 18 mo. clothes into garbage bags and stuffed 'em in there!

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    1. I understand completely, Leandra. For me, a cluttered house = a cluttered mind! I was cleaning out my boys' closets last night and saw the box of "little kid" stuff still stored in there (just a few things). Their collection of baby blankets are still in there, too, folded neatly on the bottom shelf. The blankets will stay in there until they need that space for other items, but it is kind of funny to see them there (and bittersweet). They grow up way too fast! (I say this a lot, don't I?) = )

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  5. I feel exactly the same way! When I clean my house and organize it makes me feel calmer inside and I am more productive. I am still in the cleaning out the cobwebs stage- but I am getting a little done each day. :) Hope you are all nice and organized now!
    ~Jess

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