Thursday, March 08, 2007

Just watch my "toss pile" grow!

It feels so good to declutter. I feel like I'm on "Clean Sweep," except without the corny TV show host.

Last week we donated a sofa, chair and filing cabinet to Love 'n Care ministries, clothes to Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and we recycled piles of packaging and paperwork. I feel like someone added 100 square feet to my house, and I no longer have to bodysurf over boxes to reach the back of the storage closet! Bonus!

It felt so good, in fact, that I think I'm going to declutter on the inside too. There are a few things taking up space in my mind that need to go: indecision, jealousy, hopelessness, self-depreciation. I'm fed up with the way they've been crowding peace out.

I'm ready to start standing up to criticism and condescension by respecting my own dignity, privacy and reputation. Instead of only sharing the questions I'm still processing and the areas I need prayer, I'm going to let my friends see the strong advocate, coach and "prodder" that my children and interviewees (and any professional in a position to help Kieran) already know.

Four years ago my family faced changes and challenges that became the catalyst for the creation of a New - more confident and joyful - Ange. With Tony's job ending in 4 weeks, we're in that same situation again, and I am presented with another opportunity to re-examine, risk, and reflect.

I think I feel a Newer Ange coming on.

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