I might need to join this group! You know, I think I have heard the words “you first have to admit you have a problem before you can fix it.” Oh oh. This week I have went from self-help (finding inner peace by finishing things already started, oink, oink) to self-help (healthy brain food), now, Messies Anonymous?!
I listen to various radio programs when I am out and about, sometimes I catch a few words even between the house and the barn. This Friday I was driving to pick up grain for the goats. The program on the radio grabbed my attention to the extent that I changed my well thought out chore schedule in mid-stream (it was one of those stop 4 places in 45 minutes trips). I even turned the truck’s cruise control on so I would not drive over 55 MPH. I was mesmerized.
As I listened to the radio conversation about Messies (Vs. Neats), I thought to myself, “Surely I am not a Messy? No way!!!” But, yes, something sounded eerily familiar to me.
Just look at this photo, carefully. I walked all around the house to find messes, and it was not difficult. From a corner of my office, here is a porcelain dish pan that was purchased about 8 years ago, with the price tag (from the antiques house) still attached. The jar that I use to store pens in is practically empty. The pens are dumped in the bottom of the pan. There is also a dust rag in the pan, hmmm…I might need to use that. I used it once before. The chair is an old office chair that really needs to go. Then, there is my Scooby Doo. Yes, he reminds me of my late boxer, Samson. Then, folded on top is a curtain. Yes, a curtain. A curtain that I removed a few months back. To the left, along the wall, is the leaf from one of the dining tables. Now, I do need to resurrect myself just slightly, only 2 of the rooms in my house are messy, the rest have no clutter, nothing but dust now and then. My desk, kitchen and soap shop are clutter free as well. It is a start, right?!
As I looked for a messy setting for a photo I laughed and giggled. As the speaker said, “A Messy does not see their mess like a Neat does.” She is right! When you look through a different pair of eyes you see exactly where you are at. You see the things you keep because you think you will use them someday. Clutter.
It isn’t easy being messy. I feel horribly guilty. Not that I have time to clean each and eveyr day (I work around the clock on some days). At least once a week the thought crosses my mind, “If only I could have someone clean my house for $25.00!” Uh huh…that’s going to happen! And, God wants us to be neat and clean, he wants us to see things that are beautiful. Double guilt. Helllppp meee…tee hee. As the speaker (Ms. Felton) said, we are all born with certain things we need to overcome. I agree!! But…I posted a while back about building on strengths and ignoring the weaknesses, does this count (I ask myself)? No!
Hilarious and “out there” as it seems, Ms. Sandra Felton, touched my heart. She is a self-proclaimed Messy. She has written books, developed groups, even online Yahoo groups devoted to Messies. Her website is, www.messies.com. Yes, you got it, she is real, and I even see a small TM next to some of her “products.” Did someone mention pokes at self-help gurus? Well, we will leave Ms. Felton out of this, I need her today (as I shake my finger at you, tee hee), funny!
I hope you enjoyed my confession, ha, and Messies Anonymous, here I come (perhaps in the near future)!
Again, no poking allowed, but I thought you would enjoy Ms. Feltons day one plan:
Step One
Make a strong take-off every day. A good take-off sets the tone of the day. When you:
WAKE UP — set a time
JUMP UP — don’t lie in bed, there’s a wonderful world waiting
MAKE UP — the bed immediately, automatically
EAT UP — something nutritious
WASH UP — bathe body or wash face
BRUSH UP — take care of your teeth
DRESS UP — completely from head to toe including hair, shoes, and makeup of some kind on your face
LOOK UP — somewhere during the day you need to turn your heart upward to God (a great way to start the day)
Add any other steps you may need to your flight plan, like TAKE A WALK. They don’t have to end with UP.
This list comes from The Organizer Lady® and is sent weekly along with the daily news reminder to those who subscribe.
Final note: I do these things already, except for the making up the bed…I guess I am salvageable!!!! Well…I do not dress up for the goats, either. Perhaps I should??? And I definitely do not have aisles that I have to clear just to walk from room to room, I just tend to go blind to the obvious from time to time.
Are you a Messy, or are you a Neat?
Have a wonderful Sunday, relax, smell the roses, and remember me the next time you dust the furniture…ask me how I am progressing with my spring cleaning!
Annies Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps 
Hmmm… spring cleaning in July? lol I’m a messie and proud of it. It’s taken my hubby a while to get used to the fact, but I keep repeating to him that I want my headstone to say more than ‘she was one heck of a house cleaner!’ I don’t have aisles, either, nor am I a true slob. But I like to live life… if the house is clean, so be it. If it’s cluttered, over look it — and as I tell my family, if you don’t like the way it looks, have at it!
I do find, though, if I jump out of bed, make it and shower instantly, my day’s energy is good. But, as today… I strolled in the garden first, the bed is unmade and I’m still in my jammies.
That’s what Sundays are for, right? 🙂
Have a great one!
I must confess that I’m a “messie”, too. Should probably be a charter member. I don’t see my messes, but then neither does my sweet hubby. In fact, he’s pretty good about helping me with my own messes. I am a messy cook, too – a good cook, but messy. My daughter fusses at me about that. I need to do a spring cleaning, too, but time gets away from me. Actually I probably need to take about 75% of the junk in my house out into the front yard and burn it…
I’m a messy, striving to be a neat. I know I will never be a neat, but it gives me something to work at.
The only time I put makeup on is when I leave the house. And that is only sometimes. Just depends on where I’m going.
I do not wear much make up either, a touch of blush is about it. I cannot wear it anyhow, due to eye problems.
As far as being Messy, glad I am not alone. Honestly, I hate a messy kitchen, and I work hard to keep it uncluttered. The kitchen is my space to be creative, even if it means opening a can of ravioli. But I love for it to be ready for use whenever I get the whim!
Vickie, you cannot get rid of that beautiful stuff. I think you like the old vintage things as I do.
Ha, Lynnanne, I love it!
I’m a neat-but it’s no fun. I hardly ever have company-so it’s not like I clean for them-it’s for me. I can’t rest unless everything is in order. Honestly-I’m so weird-I find myself wanting to straighten the carts at walmart : )
Tipper, you made me smile!
This topic was one of those things that could seem obvious to so many people, but then there are few of us that never give it much thought (Messy or Neat), until it sits square between the eyes, whack, there you are!
I guess in many marriages there are real issues when the partners are on the opposite ends of the scale.
My husband is messier than I am. I like order in my life, but I tend to give in to him in the busiest of rooms (we eat, watch television, talk on the phone with friends and do laundry in what used to be a back porch/mud room area years ago). The rest of the house is not too difficult to maintain, thankfully. In this case, the middle ground has worked out well!