This is based a blog I wrote last year but never posted. In 2017 I committed to  emptying a drawer or a shelf each month. The results - read on to find out.

Original Blog

My most empowering achievement in 2016 was … drum roll please … an empty drawer.
 
Yup, you read that right.
 
In the fall of 2016 I co-facilitated Creative Clutter Clearing: a KMI Master Mind™ with fellow facilitator Donna Mills. A KMI Master Mind™ is process focused, and so I wanted to document my process of the tool, The 1/3 Rule, to share with the members during our Tips, Tools and Techniques segment.
 
The aim of The 1/3 Rule is simply to reduce the contents of a space, a closet or a drawer by 1/3. The space I choose was my bedside dresser which has 3 drawers. I emptied everything out, threw away a bunch of stuff, sorted and found a different home for some items and then returned the remaining items to the dresser.
 
Then, I decided to reorganize the space a little further. I decided to leave one drawer completely empty. I can’t remember exactly why, perhaps it was just a way to illustrate The 1/3 Rule.  Either way that empty drawer became a huge source of empowerment.
 
It was like a delightful little secret – a source of calm, control, an inspiration, a reminder that I can conquer my clutter. Occasionally, when the world felt like it was closing in I would just open the drawer to marvel at its expansiveness.
 
Life happens … one day in 2017 I opened the drawer and stuff had found its way back in. Ugh
 
That’s when I decided to start The Empty Drawer Project. I decided that each month I would empty one drawer or one shelf in one room of our house. A month gives me amble time to choose my target, plan and implement.  As of January 2018 I have 7 empty spaces plus I have eliminated an entire display cabinet and a set of shelves. A few other spaces have been significantly reduced in stored items.
 
What’s my bigger why? This challenge helps me to move towards my dream of building and living in a much smaller house. To be able to live a more simplified life that has less stuff to look after and be responsible for and more time for doing what I want. Less frustration at not being able to find things and less time to spent on cleaning and more on living.
 
Are you downsizing? Adapting to an empty nest? Perhaps you just want to feel a greater control over your surroundings. Whatever ever your reason you aren’t alone in your struggle clutter. And you don’t need to deal with it on your own. I invite you to check out latest online series of Creative Clutter Clearing: a KMI Master Mind. Join us for one, some or all in these independent sessions.
 

Happy New Year, dear reader.

Do you set New Year resolutions?

Do you choose a word of the year or start a new venture in the first week?

I do choose a word/phrase of the year – or rather I let it choose me. For 2018 it is Open Delight. I have yet to unpack the deeper meaning behind this choice, but then I have a whole year ahead to see what reveals itself.
 
And yup – I’m a new venture kinda girl. This year I am taking my Ayurveda and Yoga Coaching certification with Carrie Hensley, and offering one of my own along with Kathy Kane – Your Creative Edge 2018 for women entrepreneurs. 
 
With regard to New Year resolutions, I’ve tried to release the need to set them – but I still think about them. It’s hard not to. This year I came up with a combination of resolution/intention and ideal day all wrapped up in one. I call it My Elegant Eight for 2018.
 
These are eight things I would like to strive to meet each day.

1. EASE into my day. This includes a morning routine connected to my Ayurveda training.
2. EXERCISE
3. EAT mindfully. No more diets or restrictions – instead I want to learn to eat more mindfully. I want to rediscover the connection and joy of eating food without judgment or censor.
4. ENJOY life and all the many blessings and experiences it has to offer.
5. EXPRESS myself through my art and creativity.
6. EXPAND my capacity to serve.
7. ELEVATE my thoughts and connections.
8. ENHANCE my surroundings. This includes being a good steward to the land, and also reducing clutter in my home.

I think these are doable. I find the alliteration playful so I'm more likely to stick with them. Now to see how 2018 unfolds and if it will be elegant!

How do you greet the New Year so full of possibilities? Comment below - I'd love to hear your process.
 
Wishing you a wonderful New Year.

​~ mary