Teri Poppino

I began this challenge to encourage my efforts at mindfulness. I feel like it's helped. I've enjoyed the support of fellow participants and interacted with people I might not have otherwise, so it's been a refreshing infusion. Thanks, everyone, for your kind words and camaraderie!

I don't have internet at home, so I lose points by not posting on the days of. And, it seems that I've let a few days get away from me. I could blame it on the frenzy at the office of trying to make a new team system way of doing my job work, but the bottom line is that I forgot to weigh in. Mindfulness. That's a good goal, isn't it?

Do you remember this ad from 1970? I've never forgotten it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7OHG7tHrNM

I now understand the little notes that people put on their invitations, "No gifts, please. Your presence is our gift." When I was younger, I didn't get why someone wouldn't want presents! The longer I've lived in my house, the more I understand how possessions can accumulate. I have renewed a friendship with someone from my high school years and he keeps bringing me things that he thinks I would like. I would LIKE less clutter! It's a sticky wicket, but I think we may be on the same page now. At least, I hope we are...

This whole declutter experience is an exercise in persevering. I'm having my two exterior kitchen doors replaced and that has moved everything that was on the counters and walls in my kitchen to my dining room where the clutter is even MORE noticeable! The remodeler's equipment were in my study all weekend and things that were there have also been moved to the dining room and living room. It's a sorting process: "Do I use this?" "Does this bring me joy?" If not, it goes to the basement where I have a perpetual assortment of items (household, clothing, etc.) for my Church's rummage sale. Thank God for that! It's so easy to haul it downstairs and know it's on its way OUT.

I'm fine on my own, but when I go to visit my elderly Mother, she offers me sweets. I opted on one day of my three day weekend to share a pumpkin cookie with her, so I will only be able to claim 2 out of three days. Sometimes, the benefits of succumbing to a failed challenge are better than the rewards of succeeding.