Tuesday, April 5, 2011

E is for Eliminate

You know, this A to Z blogfest is actually pretty fun. I've enjoyed coming up with subjects to match the letter of the day. It gets my brain thinking early.

Today, E is the lucky letter, and I'm going to post on something that I am doing today. Eliminating. And I don't mean just in writing, but that is a good place to start too.

I'm talking about getting rid of all the clutter in your life. My niece was telling me that she seldom visits her dad, my sister's ex, because he's a hoarder--just like you see on TV, and she doesn't like taking her kids there. Sad, isn't it?

I can't stand clutter. I have a bag--at ALL times--that I throw stuff in that we don't need, which doesn't fit or is worn out. I give the bag to the DI or Salvation Army. It's a catch 22 for my husband because he doesn't like me throwing things out, but he's a saver. Not a hoarder though, thank heavens.

I save those things that I'm sentimental about, but that's it. If I haven't worn it in the last while, out it goes. Same goes with my kid's stuff. Today, I'm cleaning out my 9 and 3 yr old's room. I LOVE IT! I love tossing and organizing and keeping things that work. I love folding and placing the clothes where they go and throwing out the chaff that doesn't fit anymore. They hate it. I do it while they're at school. No sense in 'hoarding' what we don't need. Plus, someone else might need it more.

Do the same with your writing. Go through your latest ms and sift, toss, cut and re-arrange. I promise, you'll be glad you did.

13 comments:

Karen Jones Gowen said...

I'm having fun with it too, in fact I started up on my other blog as well because it's so cool to come up with ideas for a letter each day. I've been getting rid of stuff in preparation for a move. It is so fun to clear the junk out of my life!

Chantele Sedgwick said...

I love organizing my house as well. I just went through my girls room and gave a ton of stuff to the DI. It's so nice getting rid of clutter or things they don't play with anymore. I also love knowing that someone else can use it again.
My husband LOVES it when I throw things away or take stuff to the DI. He is sort of a clean freak sometimes! :)

Jenni James said...

Oooh! What a great post!
I loved this. And you're so right--eliminating can do wonders!

Jenni
:)

Unknown said...

I need to de-clutter. I have way too much stuff and need to get it all gone in a garage sale I think.
I stopped by as part of the A-Z Challenge!
gigglelaughcry.blogspot.com

Talei said...

I would love to eliminate the editing process right now...as in finish it!! Who knew it would take so long, but I keep on with it... ;-)

baygirl32 said...

I sould start eleminating some of the drama in my life, things would be simpler

stopping in from the A to Z
http://baygirl32.blogspot.com

Old Kitty said...

Gosh, I'm a hoarder and can never bear to get rid of things (too sentimental!) LOL!! But I'm learning I can't be this with my writing!!!

Great E post! take care
x

Unknown said...

I'm using this A-Z to exactly that, Melissa, posting snippets of my novels, mostly old ones, published and unpublished, and sifting. :0)

mooderino said...

While i agree with you about the writing, leave your kids' stuff alone! Used to be the bane of my life to come home and fond my mum had chucked out stuff I apparently didn't want any more.

Melissa Cunningham said...

Mood-my kids don't get to hoard clothes that don't fit any more. Sorry. We just don't have the room. =) Plus, until they start paying rent, I get to go through anything I feel a need to. That's called being a mom. Just sayin.

Mary@GigglesandGuns said...

I question myself about "things" all the time. When I do the things almost always end up in the trash or being owned by someone who requested them person or charity). I always feel much better when it's done.
Eliminating writing is more difficult for me but just a freeing.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Melissa .. good to meet you - I've just done that with my mother's books from her place - 12 big bags to St Wilfrid's Hospice, 5 bags to a drama teacher .. who may like some, as the rest of the family - teen turning kids .. educational things.

Had to clear Mum's flat and my own house .. so am completely downsizing for now .. til life's sorted!

So pleased your son is recovering well .. fortunately at that age we seem to heal well.

All the best and good to be here - Hilary

Kathi Oram Peterson said...

I need some of your will power. I have a hard time tossing things out. Especially if it's been a gift, even if I don't like it, I feel obligated to hang on to it. I need the spring-cleaning fairy to come dust my house. ;)