Find the joy

Prism · 04-07-2016, 08:24 PM

A few years back I was so into the idea of keeping a home and then blah blah blah long story short things got complicated and hard and I got out of practice and became very lazy and unmotivated and the messes overwhelm me.

I need a positive blog or vlog to help me get back in the mindset and remember why it is i use to be so pro-keeper of the home. I work a night shift, I am under deadline for 2 books, and I run an at home business. The reality is though, even though it sounds like I don't have much time, I do.

I WANT to get my home in order. Right now I am just using the philosophy of discipline over feelings in this department. The same way someone who doesn't love working out drags themselves to the gym. But I want to immerse myself in the culture of "joyous" housekeeping. The resource I used to use really isn't my cup of tea anymore.

sunflowermom · 04-07-2016, 09:22 PM

I'm interested in reading along, but don't have any ideas or resources to offer.

ctab · 04-08-2016, 01:55 AM

It isn't a website, but Sally and Sarah Clarkson's The Lifegiving Home book is very good.

SalH · 04-08-2016, 04:01 PM

Yes that book is good. I did enjoy it although I am very much on the same path so it was more affirming than lightbulb moment for me.

I was taught to hate housework, my mum still doesn't do it and my parents house is not at all good. So I had to both learn how to do it and learn how to love it.

My biggest turning points are:

Having less.
Semi minimalist, and therefore there is actually far LESS housework to do. And when the floor is vacuumed or swept, and dishes done, and a quick tidy has happened, the house feels so spacious and light (even though it is a 3 storey student townhouse and not at all spacious and has very little storage).

When the work is done, being intentional about enjoying the results. This helps us all, the kids are keen to help clean and do jobs because once it's done we all love how it feels and what we have achieved.

I am intentional about enjoying little jobs such as hanging the washing on the line. I get a few uninterrupted minutes outside, I can enjoy the breeze, the birdsong, and I am thankful for my family as I hang out the washing.

I see my management of The home (still improving myself, still not totally 'made it') as a ministry to my family and to anyone who visits. Inviting people over and enjoying the freedom to do that quite easily increases my joy and satisfaction getting it done.

Not earth shattering, but it's how I find the joy myself.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

rjy9343 · 04-08-2016, 07:55 PM

I stay overwhelmed by my house.

RiverRock · 04-08-2016, 08:12 PM

Not really a blog, but I like this forum for finding the joy in housekeeping. It is a great place to ask questions and get a variety of responses.

Once I got through all the cute and clutter of her website, I like the plans I made based on Flylady. Working in zones and from lists has helped me a lot.

The House that Cleans Itself is also a book that has helped me a lot. A house if for living in, so my house needs to be organized in ways that make it easy for me and my family to live in our spaces.

A side note, I was chatting with my DH just yesterday about how I like to clean, but I don't like all the decision making that comes with organizing and decluttering. He mentioned matter-of-factly that it's because I like to keep my hands busy. He drew a parallel to one of our daughters who loves to play the piano. She also need to keep her hands busy.

I have been cleaning less as my kids grow up. The house is still in a good state because I delegate some of the cleaning to my kids. I have bigger blocks of time when the kids don't need me, so I've been spending more time working on art projects.

Were you on top of your cleaning game when your kids needed you to be close by? Cleaning was a productive way for me to keep my hands and fingers busy while I needed to be able to drop what I was doing to tend to kids.

Beth1231 · 04-09-2016, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SalH

Yes that book is good. I did enjoy it although I am very much on the same path so it was more affirming than lightbulb moment for me.

I was taught to hate housework, my mum still doesn't do it and my parents house is not at all good. So I had to both learn how to do it and learn how to love it.

My biggest turning points are:

Having less.
Semi minimalist, and therefore there is actually far LESS housework to do. And when the floor is vacuumed or swept, and dishes done, and a quick tidy has happened, the house feels so spacious and light (even though it is a 3 storey student townhouse and not at all spacious and has very little storage).

When the work is done, being intentional about enjoying the results. This helps us all, the kids are keen to help clean and do jobs because once it's done we all love how it feels and what we have achieved.

I am intentional about enjoying little jobs such as hanging the washing on the line. I get a few uninterrupted minutes outside, I can enjoy the breeze, the birdsong, and I am thankful for my family as I hang out the washing.

I see my management of The home (still improving myself, still not totally 'made it') as a ministry to my family and to anyone who visits. Inviting people over and enjoying the freedom to do that quite easily increases my joy and satisfaction getting it done.

Not earth shattering, but it's how I find the joy myself.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I love this,so much good stuff here

Trixie · 04-10-2016, 11:45 AM

I'm another flylady fan. I tend to stay on the email list long enough to get in the routine of cleaning, get everything organized and then take it from there. The emails get very overwhelming very quickly. I don't even read most of them, but the sheer number of them is crazy.

I like how she explains that you can look at housekeeping as a horrible chore, or something you do to bless your family. I am much more likely to spend extra energy cleaning dishes every night if I know it will bless my family with a more peaceful morning.

mummy2boys · 04-11-2016, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctab

It isn't a website, but Sally and Sarah Clarkson's The Lifegiving Home book is very good.

I am waiting for our Christian bookstore to get this in stock as I've heard it's excellent.

Aerynne · 04-11-2016, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiverRock

A side note, I was chatting with my DH just yesterday about how I like to clean, but I don't like all the decision making that comes with organizing and decluttering. He mentioned matter-of-factly that it's because I like to keep my hands busy. He drew a parallel to one of our daughters who loves to play the piano. She also need to keep her hands busy.

Come clean my house and I'll organize yours? I love decluttering and organizing and do not like cleaning nearly as much. I do clean and it's not too bad but I don't like the detailed stuff like windows, baseboards, etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mummy2boys

I am waiting for our Christian bookstore to get this in stock as I've heard it's excellent.

I requested that my library buy it and they did.

As for the OP, do you like your house? For me there is something about liking my home overall that makes me enjoy cleaning more (even though the doors need painting and I desperately need new carpet and can't afford it and there are some other things wrong with it, it is basically a very good house and I feel contentment here) If you don't like your house, is there something you can do about that? Is there one area you could make look nice so you enjoy it, even if you have to buy a new picture and a vase, etc? Parts of the house that look nice have a way (at least for me) of spilling over into the rest. If I decide to clean just one thing, I will keep going. So let's say I decide that I'm too tired to clean the bathroom so I'm just going to do the mirror because it looks bad. I'll get in there and once the mirror is done it will look so much nicer than everything else that I will decide to clean the faucet and the sink, etc.

RiverRock · 04-11-2016, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aerynne

Come clean my house and I'll organize yours? I love decluttering and organizing and do not like cleaning nearly as much. I do clean and it's not too bad but I don't like the detailed stuff like windows, baseboards, etc.

This would be awesome! I wonder if there is a skill-trade grant we can apply for to make this exchange possible.

bananacake · 04-11-2016, 08:16 AM

Does your 9 y/o have chores? This has helped me a lot in keeping my home cleaner.

MamaCare · 04-11-2016, 10:12 AM

I don't have much joy in the housekeeping, so watching for ideas here. (Currently, when the house is in good shape my kids ask: "Who's coming over?"

And yesterday we had a guest, so right now it's pretty nice. I need to figure out how to keep it that way!)

Prism · 04-12-2016, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aerynne

Come clean my house and I'll organize yours? I love decluttering and organizing and do not like cleaning nearly as much. I do clean and it's not too bad but I don't like the detailed stuff like windows, baseboards, etc.

I requested that my library buy it and they did.

As for the OP, do you like your house? For me there is something about liking my home overall that makes me enjoy cleaning more (even though the doors need painting and I desperately need new carpet and can't afford it and there are some other things wrong with it, it is basically a very good house and I feel contentment here) If you don't like your house, is there something you can do about that? Is there one area you could make look nice so you enjoy it, even if you have to buy a new picture and a vase, etc? Parts of the house that look nice have a way (at least for me) of spilling over into the rest. If I decide to clean just one thing, I will keep going. So let's say I decide that I'm too tired to clean the bathroom so I'm just going to do the mirror because it looks bad. I'll get in there and once the mirror is done it will look so much nicer than everything else that I will decide to clean the faucet and the sink, etc.

We are gearing up to move actually. So Part of this is trying to get ready for that. I do hope i like our next house more.

Aerynne · 04-12-2016, 08:57 PM

I hope so, too.

Just don't settle- if you don't find something you like, keep looking until you do.

04-07-2016, 08:24 PM	#1
Prism Rose Trellis Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 3,412	Find the joy A few years back I was so into the idea of keeping a home and then blah blah blah long story short things got complicated and hard and I got out of practice and became very lazy and unmotivated and the messes overwhelm me. I need a positive blog or vlog to help me get back in the mindset and remember why it is i use to be so pro-keeper of the home. I work a night shift, I am under deadline for 2 books, and I run an at home business. The reality is though, even though it sounds like I don't have much time, I do. I WANT to get my home in order. Right now I am just using the philosophy of discipline over feelings in this department. The same way someone who doesn't love working out drags themselves to the gym. But I want to immerse myself in the culture of "joyous" housekeeping. The resource I used to use really isn't my cup of tea anymore. __________________ Stacy-29 ♥ DH-31 = Married 12 years is 9! I am a CRAZY Wrap girl! Feel free to add me on facebook! https://www.facebook.com/stacy.r.baron

04-07-2016, 09:22 PM	#2
sunflowermom Rose Garden Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Oregon Posts: 3,579	Re: Find the joy I'm interested in reading along, but don't have any ideas or resources to offer. __________________ Mae Married my DH in 2/2008 Gave birth my DS 3/2012

04-08-2016, 01:55 AM	#3
ctab Rose Bouquet Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 784	Re: Find the joy It isn't a website, but Sally and Sarah Clarkson's The Lifegiving Home book is very good. __________________ Mom to A born 2009 B born 2010 and M born 2013 baby #4 due June 2015

04-08-2016, 04:01 PM	#4
SalH Rose Trellis Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Adelaide, South Australia Posts: 1,590	Re: Find the joy Yes that book is good. I did enjoy it although I am very much on the same path so it was more affirming than lightbulb moment for me. I was taught to hate housework, my mum still doesn't do it and my parents house is not at all good. So I had to both learn how to do it and learn how to love it. My biggest turning points are: Having less. Semi minimalist, and therefore there is actually far LESS housework to do. And when the floor is vacuumed or swept, and dishes done, and a quick tidy has happened, the house feels so spacious and light (even though it is a 3 storey student townhouse and not at all spacious and has very little storage). When the work is done, being intentional about enjoying the results. This helps us all, the kids are keen to help clean and do jobs because once it's done we all love how it feels and what we have achieved. I am intentional about enjoying little jobs such as hanging the washing on the line. I get a few uninterrupted minutes outside, I can enjoy the breeze, the birdsong, and I am thankful for my family as I hang out the washing. I see my management of The home (still improving myself, still not totally 'made it') as a ministry to my family and to anyone who visits. Inviting people over and enjoying the freedom to do that quite easily increases my joy and satisfaction getting it done. Not earth shattering, but it's how I find the joy myself. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk __________________ Sal (41) wife to Matthew (41) Home educating mummy to: DS1 (13), DS2 (11) DS3 (9), DD1 (7), DD2 (5) and DD3 (3).

04-08-2016, 07:55 PM	#5
rjy9343 Rose Garden Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 10,090	Re: Find the joy I stay overwhelmed by my house. __________________ Rita s IstJ Wife to my brilliant geek James iNtJ since 4/08 Mom to our angel boy Jay 5/08 our quirky miracle DD Ivy 6/10 mellow miracle DS Jacob 7/15 Often Please forgive my frequent typos Standing firmly on Team Lioness!!! Roar!!! I am ready for people to know I am a GCM find me on Facebook

04-08-2016, 08:12 PM	#6
RiverRock Moderator Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms. Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: In green pastures Posts: 9,767	Re: Find the joy Not really a blog, but I like this forum for finding the joy in housekeeping. It is a great place to ask questions and get a variety of responses. Once I got through all the cute and clutter of her website, I like the plans I made based on Flylady. Working in zones and from lists has helped me a lot. The House that Cleans Itself is also a book that has helped me a lot. A house if for living in, so my house needs to be organized in ways that make it easy for me and my family to live in our spaces. A side note, I was chatting with my DH just yesterday about how I like to clean, but I don't like all the decision making that comes with organizing and decluttering. He mentioned matter-of-factly that it's because I like to keep my hands busy. He drew a parallel to one of our daughters who loves to play the piano. She also need to keep her hands busy. I have been cleaning less as my kids grow up. The house is still in a good state because I delegate some of the cleaning to my kids. I have bigger blocks of time when the kids don't need me, so I've been spending more time working on art projects. Were you on top of your cleaning game when your kids needed you to be close by? Cleaning was a productive way for me to keep my hands and fingers busy while I needed to be able to drop what I was doing to tend to kids. __________________ RiverRock, mom to a 24 year old diamond, 22 year old granite, 19 year old pearl, and 16 year old tiger eye. Married for 25 years to a rugged boulder and resting together on the one true Rock.

04-10-2016, 11:45 AM	#8
Trixie Rose Blossom Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Texas! Posts: 127	Re: Find the joy I'm another flylady fan. I tend to stay on the email list long enough to get in the routine of cleaning, get everything organized and then take it from there. The emails get very overwhelming very quickly. I don't even read most of them, but the sheer number of them is crazy. I like how she explains that you can look at housekeeping as a horrible chore, or something you do to bless your family. I am much more likely to spend extra energy cleaning dishes every night if I know it will bless my family with a more peaceful morning.

04-11-2016, 08:16 AM	#12
bananacake Rose Garden I Am A BananaCake Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Northeast US Posts: 25,124	Re: Find the joy Does your 9 y/o have chores? This has helped me a lot in keeping my home cleaner. __________________ Brenna 3 kiddos (16 1/2, 14 & 9) Praying for semi-son, age 35 I live by the motto: seek first to understand. "Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions." Proverbs 18:2

04-11-2016, 10:12 AM	#13
MamaCare Rose Garden Girlie hugging Cubby-in-utero Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,473	Re: Find the joy I don't have much joy in the housekeeping, so watching for ideas here. (Currently, when the house is in good shape my kids ask: "Who's coming over?" And yesterday we had a guest, so right now it's pretty nice. I need to figure out how to keep it that way!) __________________ Care Blessed partner to K-Rock since 1993 Mama to Bug, my intense thinker; 09/96 Mix, my creative fireball; 01/99 my sweetly delightful Girlie; 11/04 my laid-back Cubby-climber; 04/07 my tenacious and joyful I-boy; 07/08 my surprise blessing Baby-J; 04/09 missing my angel, Serenity 03/04; http://mommypress.com/itllturnup/

04-12-2016, 08:57 PM	#15
Aerynne Rose Garden Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 27,359	Re: Find the joy I hope so, too. Just don't settle- if you don't find something you like, keep looking until you do. __________________ Erin born of water and of the Spirit 4/96 married 5/02 Mama to: 2004 2007 2010 2012 2017 2019 Jan 2, 2024 And many I hope to hold in heaven one day

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