18 Comments
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Shital Morjaria (she/her)'s avatar

Every time I clean my cupboards I feel damn good!! There is something relaxing about cleaning.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

It's so true, Shital. Clearing the clutter somehow clears the mind too. The psychological benefits are worth it.

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Julie Hester's avatar

Thanks for sharing Stella, and for that Thich Nhat Hanh quote!

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you again for the inspiration, Julie. I'm glad you liked the Thich Nhat Hanh quote.

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Alice Goldbloom's avatar

I love the collage you have created to go either your piece.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Alice! It turned out better than I had expected. I love it when that happens!

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Susi Kleiman's avatar

I don’t always enjoy my daily chores but there is a certain satisfaction when things are neat and tidy. I am however an emotional cleaner - when I’m angry, upset, sad - I clean and tackle organizational tasks that I may put off from time to time. My family always knows when I’m in one of those moods! 😂

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thanks, Susie. Me too-- I'm not fond of chores either that's why it was such a surprise to me that I couldn't help myself while I was in Manila. Re: emotional cleaner-- LOL! Thanks for sharing that story. Watch out for Susi when she starts cleaning!!

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Mary Ellen Gambutti's avatar

I love Thay! Thanks Stella.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Mary Ellen!

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Beth T (BethOfAus)'s avatar

Cleaning, folding, decluttering can be such rewarding tasks. I’m so glad they helped soothe you through a difficult time. And it’s not just you who benefits. So worth it. Well done with the collage too. Hugs my dear. 🤗🤗😘

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Beth!

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Manuela Thames's avatar

I love this (just catching up now with your most recent letters!). I definitely feel a sense of accomplishment after doing chores but I don't love doing them. Although, I have been trying to see it more as a time for meditation and that helps a lot. I also know about myself that order around me calms me and gives me a sense of peace. Outer chaos contributes to more inner chaos, at least in my world.

I think chores are good for the soul especially in our crazy world.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Well said, Manuela: "Outer chaos contributes to more inner chaos" You said it better in a phrase. Love it! Thank you for chiming in!

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

Such a great post, Stella - you're right on my page!

I've brought attention training into my life after participating in a CBT course earlier this year to help me live better with my OCD. Doing repetitive tasks, like the washing up, consciously - enjoying the feel of the soap suds, the sound of the tap running, the swoosh of the water - makes such a difference.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Rebecca. Yes, I forgot to mention the sensations I felt on this post. I do remember focusing on texture wiping plates off— the stickiness of a granule of white rice, the oily bits of fried egg and spam (my siblings’ plate, not mine), the coffee stains on the mugs. It brought it all back after I saw your comment.

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Sabine Strutzke's avatar

Oh gosh, I just love your writing so so much. You should write a book!!! 📖 and yes, I do the same for many years. As more I am nervous or not well as more I clean up and declutter (like this word). 🙏 it nakes me calm down and relax and it is so much nicer 😉🤗

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Oh, thank you Sabine! I appreciate your kind words. I know what you mean and can also relate.

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