Divest-December

We have reached the year end review of our chosen words for 2023. Mine was Divest. I was in a bit of a bad way at the start of the year. Household maintenance, the unexpected, finding my way to somewhere, in fact anything that took me from my comfort space induced panic, sleep problems, anxiety etc. Added to which I was still living with far too much stuff. I needed to divest myself of this physical and mental baggage.

I really worked at this one, reading anything I thought might help, putting things into action, checking in here every month and receiving wonderful comments, suggestions and encouragement. I can honestly say that I am a different person now.

So what helped?

Sleep- I have pretty much given up caffeine. I don’t make a big deal about it, but at home I rarely drink it. My Nespresso machine is hardly used these days. I also experimented with liquid intake/ bedtime ..10.30pm is my ideal time. Although I have the occasional bad night, my norm is 7-8 hours unbroken sleep per night.

Understanding what causes me stress- The unexpected and having work done in the house. So I now have a list of seasonal routine maintenance tasks to do. Knowing I have done them helps. I have an increasing number of trusted tradespeople to call on. I have worked out ways to cope whilst the work is done..mostly creating a space I can craft in whilst the job is on going. Accepting that procrastination wasn’t my biggest issue but anticipation was..oh my it will be cold, the boiler will break, I won’t manage.. Turns out it did break, but not till months later when I didn’ expect it and I did of course cope..well the nice chap from British Gas did. And just phoning up a family member to say what happened and what I’d done really helped. Positive affirmation and all that.

Afterwards taking time to Rest and Recover. Crafting and reading was always my go to relaxation, but I now appreciate the value of sleep, and very recently I have found playing patience on the computer can really turn me around.

I tried walking with awe which didn’t really work in my immediate urban environment. But working in the garden did which has truly surprised me. Whenever I gardened before there was always someone telling me I was doing it wrong, either my Mum or my husband. I like cottage gardens, I like their haphazard appearance, I like wild flowers and vegetables in flower beds.They both preferred regimented flower borders..no weeds. Let loose on my own I loved being outside. And I had that courgette plant next to some dahlias. I really can’t wait for Spring. I have a few cabbages in mind for this year.

Another suggestion that didn’t do it for me, was to take my mind to a happy place, mostly because everywhere I thought of had memories of those I had lost. Much better was to think of places I’ve not been too that I’d like to go too. And make plans. My sister in law and I hope to go abroad next year. We’re planning on a part of Greece neither of us has visited, and to go in September because I found myself saying I didn’t want to go away when the garden would need attention. I can’t quite believe I uttered those words!

As to the physical stuff, yes a lot has gone. The utility room and a bedroom had a bit of a makeover. The garage clutter is decreasing..the problem there is still dividing the useful from the rubbish. I mean who knew I’d ever be helping a handyman clear a down pipe with an old tentpole from the garage. I have reached the stage though when I spot something I know I have no use for I find someone to give it away too. I’m getting there.

So there we are, a year of working towards less stuff and more positivity. I am truly grateful to my word this year, I am more at peace with myself and much happier. The question is what next? I think I have a new word to build on what happened this year and I’ll write about it next week. Meantime I’m linking this post to others who also had one word this year..https://youronewordblog.wordpress.com/2023/12/26/checking-in-12-23/