Hello and Happy Week Two!
How did Week One feel?
- 101s: Did you consistently put one thing away near your bed? If so, how does that space feel now?
- 201s: Did you make your bed each day? If so, how does it feel to be greeted by a made bed at the end of the day?
I hope you were able to cast those votes for yourself and that you feel a little stronger and a little lighter. If not, it’s ok, no matter where you are, you can always join in. “Now” is always a good time to start.
Are you ready to keep those going, and add a little more? This week, we’re staying in our “homeroom” (the bedroom) and moving to our closets.
Recently, someone asked me if clothing was a big decluttering struggle for me. I said no, I’m more likely to wrestle with keeping craft supplies under control. And it’s true: I can justify keeping almost every piece of clothing I own (weekly “theme days” at my work definitely don’t help my tendency to justify pieces!). Compared to many people, my wardrobe is actually pretty small.
But as I shopped some Labor Day sales and packages started arriving on my doorstep, I realized: the number of clothes I own isn’t the real measure of whether this is a “problem area” for me.
Here’s the real: I love the thrill of donating clothes. Reorganizing my closet is one of my favorite de-stressing activities. I feel accomplished when I pile up bags for donation. But then…I find myself thinking I need “just a few things” for an upcoming event, a trip, or just because – and I get the dopamine hit of buying something new. Which, of course, gives me the chance to reorganize again.
When I chase the rush from both the purchase and the purge, it’s not so much about the clothes themselves – it’s about seeking the dopamine hits coming and going. It’s about the rush in the cycle. And that cycle costs real time, energy, and money.
This week we’re going to take a look at our closet. When I say closet, feel free to substitute wherever you keep your clothes: dresser drawers, a standing rack, that closet down the hall, or even your floordrobe (that pile of rando clothes on the floor).
As we’ll do each week, there is homework (101 level or 201 level, with a bonus extra credit assignment, if you’re ready). Each assignment will take you just minutes a day, and every day you complete the simple task, you are building your muscles and casting a vote for the person you want to be. You’re moving yourself one steady step closer to calm.
Assignments for Week 2
101 Assignment:
Lay out tomorrow’s outfit the night before.
- Have you ever gone to get dressed, only to discover your shirt has a stain or your pants are still in the wash?
- By choosing your outfit the night before, you’re sparing yourself that last minute scramble.
- Even if you think some days you’ll change your mind in the morning, you have a clean, ready option waiting.
201 Assignment:
Say goodbye to one thing each day.
- Place an empty box or bag in your bedroom closet. Don’t go designing a fancy “Donate” sign on your Cricut and buying a cute bin from Marshalls to hold your donations. We’re talking about a cardboard box, a tote bag you no longer want – something you can take to the donation center with the donations in it and drop the whole dang thing off.
- Each day, put one item to donate inside.
Resist the urge to pull everything out of your closet! Remember our goal isn’t to overwhelm ourselves, it’s those slow, simple changes that add up over time, while keeping our bodies and minds calm.
Extra Credit Reflection
This week, as you choose what to get rid of or wear, simply notice what you reach for.
- Which pieces do you instinctively grab first to wear?
- Which items consistently get cycled between wash and worn?
- How do those frequent flyers make you feel – maybe comfortable? Confident? Playful? “Safe”?
- What gets skipped over day after day, even if it’s an everyday item (as opposed to a special occasion dress/suit or other occasion specific item)?
You don’t have to make any big decisions right now. We’re not tearing everything out of our closets, or designing capsule wardrobes.
Just pay attention. Eventually, your daily choices will quietly show you what belongs front and center in your closet, and what might be ready to move on.
Uncovering Real 