Life on the homestead (at least on ours) can be first riddled with chores (mind you it's not a complaint) and distractions (okay that one is a complaint) to the point that we can sometimes feel that our heads are spinning from the 'to do' and 'didn't get done yet' lists. It is true for many of us, no matter where we live, that life can get like that far too often. Organizing is huge for a homestead, but I surmise that it is equally as important to having a sense of peace anywhere you live. For the most part,
I am task oriented in the morning and creative in the afternoon and a limp noodle by night fall (that's when laundry gets folded!) I have figured this out this week as I've organized the daylights out of many areas at home. Also I've noticed how my very spirit within me reacts to this new organization. It's more than getting my ducks in a row or closet cleaning. Those are tasks. There is a deeper sense behind all this organizing that first is affected by it and second drives me to continue it.
One task for my organizing was to get a grip on time, then on actual stuff and the home. The effects have reached into saving our money and our health, but the shear act of getting a chair into our master bedroom for a place to have my morning Quiet Time has been one benefit spiritually. Also, the cleanliness and order brings a peace that has helped enable my mind to focus - pray and be still. There are still areas of the house that do not create that spiritual sanctuary like I'd like (my office is one of them) but it's getting there. How does this relate to stretching dollars? Well, when the home is peaceful, we tend to enjoy it and being here more rather than looking (and paying) for escapism (eat out, go out, movies, etc).
How does it relate to creating a homestead mindset? Well, the self-sufficiency of a person with a homesteading mindset is more satisfied when you can enJOY the home and creative parts of this life rather than battle the clutter, disarray and feel spiritually weighed down by your surroundings.
If you are experiencing the winter doldrums, let me encourage you to go purge an area of your home. Organize it. Just see how it affects your spirit. Better yet, if you don't love it or use it - GIVE it to someone who NEEDS it and see how THAT affects your spirit!
Best Blessings!
Donna Miller
