By: Gabriela Yareliz
The goal is to simplify.
As the seasons turn, I have that urge to clean, as I have mentioned before. It’s a built-in syndrome or something.
This cleaning is not limited to actual closet sweeps, but also, apps, subscriptions, etc. It’s time to take inventory.
I still need to do a comprehensive closet sweep. I have been a bit slow in my cleaning, and the fact that I got stuck in our elevator the other day (the only mechanism to get to our basement for trash disposal and laundry), does not inspire me a bunch. It will happen, though. (More on the elevator story later).
Here are some of the things I think about while trying not to get shanked on a train:
• I have a morning routine that I want to adjust. I want less Bible reading on my phone, and a return to staring at physical pages. I will keep my Duolingo streak alive. Maybe, I will email people a bit later than usual to keep the morning more sacred.
• My exercise platform junkie days are over. I feel privileged to have been able to try many different methods and trainers. For more on that, see my post here. I am streamlining the platforms I actually use that motivate me toward consistency. Aside from my lifetime access platforms, I will only pay for a maximum of two subscriptions.
• The majority of law school stuff in my closet needs to be reduced to the absolutely necessary and emotional memory item. Everything else needs to be cut ruthlessly. Such is the life of limited space in NYC.
• I want to use either old law schools textbooks (the few that remain that didn’t sell) or lesser used cookbooks to build a night table structure by my side of the bed. Sounds weird, but I saw it on Pinterest, and it looks cool. This will also free some shelf space (which is always an issue for a book addict like me).
• The more that can be put away, the better. It clears visual clutter. Minimalism for a space, though, is unrealistic. I am of the opinion a space should look lived in.
• Old bras need to go. Why do we keep this stuff around? What is our attachment to the ratty bra that cuts off our torso circulation? It’s a universal struggle.
• Clear out the old shoes. You know the ones. The ones with holes and thin soles. The sandals that have survived five summers. You know— they are ready to go.
• I need to clear the pantry of expired items. The other day, I saw our nutmeg was way past its expiration date. Also, I have been plotting my return to the kitchen for fall and reading cookbooks like they are scripture. I was surprised to see how many recipes use vinegar. It’s time to clear the old, and stock the new essentials.
Cleaning will continue to unfold soon. My hope is once cleaning is complete, the space will feel more refreshed and cozy. My husband will have more space. And subsequently, we can focus on creative pursuits and inviting rest in. (It’s like winter is nature’s Sabbath, and autumn is preparation day— Friday).
How will you create a little autumn sanctuary? What are you clearing from your life and digital clutter? How can you simplify routines?
GABRIELA YARELIZ 