The Living Room Can Wait

I’m sitting on my couch with a pile of clean laundry on the coffee table needing to be put away, a sink full of dishes waiting for their turn in the dishwasher, and various toys, a plasma car, mismatched crocs, and Magna-tiles all scattered about throughout the room.

I wish I could say this is an unusual sight in my house on a Sunday afternoon, but alas, this has become quite common these days in the Boegem family household.

And boy does it drive me nuts.

I specifically told my husband that I wanted to keep the agenda clear today so I could be at home, do some gardening, take a dip in the hot tub, and do some writing.

After spending the entire morning not entirely clear where to begin, I lollygagged making little progress on any of those fronts.

Finally around 12:30 I went out back with the little man, did some weeding, and took a dip in the hot tub.

Now he’s napping, so it’s my opportune time to write, and I’m staring at a living room in desperate need of attention.

Do I tidy up the living room mess in front of me, so I can CLEAR SPACE for my writing, or just say screw it and write amidst the mess?

The mess is nagging at me, but the writing beckoned.

I can’t stand writing in an environment like this.  It’s uncomfortable.  Feels cluttered.  Even noisy.

But I’m making myself do it.  Maybe it helps that I’m writing about it.

But in any event, I know when that little man wakes up from his nap, I can have accomplished one of two things.  Either the laundry will be put away, the dishes in the dishwasher, and the toys collected – or – I’ll have created something.

And there’s always the risk that having created something will inspire me to tend to the living room as well, and – well, wouldn’t that be the best scenario.

I know that creating gets me energized.  Makes me feel productive.  Feeds my soul.  Makes me feel ALIVE.

And feeling ALIVE is most urgent, isn’t it?

What’s urgent for you today?

Respect its urgency.

My girl Marie Forleo says, “Insight without action is useless.”

Take some action, mama.  Do something right now that is really good for you.  Maybe cleaning the living room is it.  So do it.

And if it’s not, don’t sweat it.  The living room can wait.

xo,
Stacy

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