I made up my bed today.
I know--for most people that is just a given. But it's pretty significant to me. A few years ago I could have convinced Martha Stewart that making up a bed was absolutely insane. I said that it was a pointless task. I hated it and I never, ever, ever did it.
Thankfully, a couple of years ago I began to learn that my mind, emotions and physical state all work together. It turns out that every area of my life is inextricably linked. Who knew? So basically what I realized is that when my house is a wreck then I am kind of a wreck as well.
Eventually I had to do one of the most difficult things we have the option to do in life and admit that maybe, just maybe, I could have been wrong about some things. For starters--accepting that perhaps making up the bed could somehow be a good thing?
So I did it. I made up my bed. I decided that everyday I would just pull up the sheets, throw on the pillows and make it up. It didn't have to look perfect. That wasn't the point. The point was just simply to get it done. So I did it.
Over and over again.
It may not seem like a huge thing. Making up a bed? Not a big deal. It's really not. The habit created itself so quietly that I didn't even realize it was mine until today. When I looked at my bed and thought, Now that's nice. You stubborn old mule--THAT'S NICE! And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Obviously it's not pointless and I don't hate it. It's not insane. Insanity is always doing the same thing and expecting different results...
And I hope you see that this is not about whether or not a bed should be made. At all...
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." Andy Warhol
It was one thing. One small thing. That I changed. That I admitted might need changing in my life.
An accomplished housekeeper I am not. I will never be. Actually, you know what? Scratch that. Maybe I will be one day! Maybe one day my house will be on the cover of Martha Stewart and she will be interviewing me about my mad housekeeping skills. Yes! And we will laugh about how I used to never make up my bed.
You just never know... Right, Martha?
But for now, a made-up bed is good enough for me.
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10 comments:
I find that my bed and my kitchen sink are the greatest indicators of how I'm doing in all areas of my life. When those are clean, My eating habits, mental state, emotional state, etc are all so much better. When they're a mess...you better not look any deeper, it's definitely a mess! Congrats to you for making your bed, and all the other things in your life it has helped improve!
I feel the exact same way about making the bed! If our room and kitchen are clean then I feel so much better!!
Keelie,
Love your made up bed! You know I'm a cancer survivor. Way back, when I was going through chemo my sister Elaine (who was a three time cancer survivor at that point) called me to see how I was doing. I shared my struggles with her and one of them was the state of our home. I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when our three children were 6, 4 and 11 weeks. That meant my poor hubby had his hands full taking care of three children and a wife who had just had an unplanned hysterectomy. I'm a bit of a neat freak and the house was a bit of a shambles.
Elaine gave me the best advice. She told me to turn my room into a sanctuary and never mind the rest of the house. When it got so I couldn't stand the mess I could always retreat to my room. That was what I did and it really worked. It's been twelve years (the Lord saw fit to heal me, praise God!) and I still keep my room as my sanctuary which includes making my bed. I HAVE to do it or I will break out in hives, I swear! ;)
Kudos to you on making your bed, it looks fabulous!
Love it! That's a habit that is important - it's easy and visible! I feel accomplished every time I walk by. Thanks for the suggestions. It is really appreciated! Have a great day!
I'm a stickler for bed-making but when I don't get to it, I feel totally outta whack, overwhelmed and unorganized when I enter the bedroom. All because the bed is not made. But I don't have any fancy throw pillows. I should get me some.
Developing order and discipline in one area of your life can bleed to the others. I've heard that if you break your leg, exercising the other helps the injured one.
So, if making your bed develops a habit that begets other good habits, you have won!
I've never been one to make my bed either but somehow feel inspired. Perhaps I will turn over a new leaf or at least a clean sheet.
I make my bed every morning as well, and it has a direct effect on my productivity for the day.
Do you think Martha makes her own bed? I'm pretty sure she doesn't use the sheets that she hawks for Kmart or Walmart or whoever.
I love it when you post pics of your house because everything is so . . . cool, artistic. I think my bedroom is the same color?! Mine's kind of a burgundy.
And that sounds like the least painful way possible to create a good habit. I like your style. =)
YOU SAID:
"It was one thing. One small thing. That I changed."
Just one small thing. I need to apply that idea to my weight loss. All I need to do is eat less food -- one uneaten spoonful at a time.
Surely I can cut back one spoonful at a time. I hope.
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