As we sit mid-August, I am focusing 100% on being present with my family. I know that I’m about to enter a busy schedule of over 700 students and bringing them the best musical experience surrounded by a genuine appreciation of who they are. This is my teachers’ New Years: the time to make resolutions and press a much-needed “reset” button before returning to the full-time balance of work and family.
So for 2017-18, my focus is on a solid tree, rooted in family, a passion for bringing joyful music-making to students of ALL backgrounds, and of keeping true to myself in the midst. Surrounded by so many others who are doing their best to plod forward, I can feel hopeful for the year ahead.
On the awareness front, we have embraced Prescribe-Nutrition as a family unit, pressing a “reset” on our nutrition before we all get busy! It is very simpatico with the writings of Michael Pollan and how I have been feeling over the summer about whole foods and less processed food entering our normal diet. Being able to do this with a good friend has been wonderful, and I highly recommend this plan if you are looking at how and why you eat the way you do. Feeling so much more energy these days!
While on vacation, our minimalist de-cluttering took a back seat. Though my parents, our host for the past month, are impressively minimalist people! We returned home, and in the few days that I took while the kids played with their friends at daycare, this is what I’ve noticed:
- A summer of de-cluttering has really cleared my mind!
- De-cluttering is simpler with practice: Throw it? Recycle it? Donate it? or Keep it? (aka put it back where it is supposed to be) Those are the only choices.
- Our kids seem happier with less choice: One toy bin means one place to look for toys to play with. They end up playing with each other more often than toys, anyways.
- Our kids can help clean up! The one toy bin on the main floor is where all of the toys for the day go. Books on the shelf. Clean up takes 5 minutes.
- The kids now ask to de-clutter: our daughter this morning commented, “mom, I can’t find….(name object here)….I think it’s time we clean up the art shelf.” She’s four.
- It’s never-ending. Oh gosh, one morning of cleaning, and I slipped down a few rabbit holes (the kids’ bookshelf, the bathroom closet, my nighstand, my clothing, a new bag for recycling….!!)
- But once a little thing is taken care of, it’s very rewarding. A clean shelf. Another bag for donation. Books walked to the lending library. Sigh.
- My husband (a naturally ‘less is more’ person), seems very pleased with the progress.
Coincidentally, I’m enjoying “The Worry Trick” on audible by David A. Carbonell. It all ties in nicely with wanting to clean outside and in. Happy August!