I’ve committed to writing more. Not for any particular reason other than I need hobbies that are for me and me alone. Hobbies that DON’T revolve around real estate, my dog, my husband or anything or anyone else. Just something I enjoy because it’s fun. It isn’t about a payoff. It isn’t about getting accolades and I’m not tracking likes or shares. (Seriously, I promise I’m not!) It’s just something I truly love and want to explore. Besides… it’s my lifelong goal to write a book at some point so I figure it can’t hurt to stretch that muscle before I decide to take it on a marathon book writing adventure.
On that note, I’m just going for it. And if you’re “here for it” (all the cool kids are saying that these days), then sweet. Welcome. Sundays are officially for editorializing, don’t you think? It’s kind of the laziest day of the week. No structure, no plan, it’s just a day for WHAT. EVER. That applies to writing as well, my friends. But speaking of “no structure”…
Marie Kondo.
*Ugh.* No offense, Marie. I’m sure you’re perfectly lovely. As a matter of fact, you definitely seem genuinely delightful on your new Netflix program. But. Seriously. You’re ruining my Instagram stories and Facebook feed because it’s all anyone is talking about this week. They’re picking up stuff and seeing if it brings them joy… while I’m just over here trying to find time to do the load of laundry that’s been laying next to my bed for a week. Oh, and don’t look now but there are a stack of books that most certainly have NOT been bringing me joy while they sit in the same corner of my bedroom floor for a year. Or two. I’ve stopped keeping track. Hey, I’m out of bookshelf space! (For those of you who aren’t in the Netflix scene, Marie Kondo, world renowned author and master home organizer, now has her own ‘reality’ show that follows the lives of some really messy folks and helps them tidy up and add structure.)
I’m horrible at life when there’s no structure. Which is really funny because I work in one of the most structure-free jobs. It’s also NOT so funny because it causes some issues. I don’t have to be anywhere at a certain time. Translation, I don’t have to wake up at the same time every day. I don’t have to actually BE anywhere at all unless I choose to schedule an appointment for that day and time. Translation, I can wear my pajamas all day. I also don’t have a boss. Translation, no one is telling me how to spend my day or my time. It’s seriously and completely structure-less.
I’m also an adult which means no one is telling me to organize my closet, eat healthy, sweep the floors, wash the dishes or do that pile of laundry. My husband is also the most laid-back person on the plizzzanet (that’s Snoop speak for plant, obviously) and that means no one is upset if I forget to do any of the above items for a day – or five.
Add all that up and you’ve got a recipe for disorganized chaos. I’m not by nature great at organizing, either. Oh, and I also really, really hate cleaning the house. I guess that makes me like, what, a teenager with no supervision? Does anyone actually like to clean the house though? Besides, Marie Kondo, of course.
That being said, if I don’t get up at a decent time and start prospecting, I don’t get a paycheck. All that career freedom and lack-of structure also means I have so much responsibility. Absolutely no one is going to hand me business. I have to go find it on my own. Which means even though I don’t have to get up at a certain time, I still try to. And even though I don’t have to stick to a schedule, I create one every day (then proceed to ignore it – just kidding). I absolutely can not function if I don’t create systems and schedules and really, really force myself to stick to them.
In all seriousness though, can anyone else relate to this? I often used to feel that this made me a bad adult. So much so that I started telling Dave that I’m “failing at adulthood this week”. Growing up I just always looked at the adults in my life as people who instinctually had their lives together and didn’t need a printed-out cleaning schedule on the side of the fridge to make sure they kept the house clean. Adults also didn’t leave piles of clothes on the floor for more than a few hours, they did the dishes immediately – always and I’m like, 99% positive real adults actually enjoy making the bed every morning. So what the heck is wrong with me because I’m not that adult.
You know what though? It’s cool. I’m totally fine with it because I’ve learned how to work with my weaknesses and I get better at it every day. If you know what you’re not great at doing, you can figure out how to be better. In my case, that means I parcel up the cleaning into a task a day (because that feels doable with my busy schedule as opposed to doing it all in one day). I also have a schedule and a really, really strict morning routine. Wake up, make myself tea and do my devotional, throw a load of laundry in the washer, make Dave coffee then have our morning reading together, go over the day’s schedule, do my real estate prospecting, get ready for the day, attack my schedule and DO NOT FORGET to fold that laundry before bed. If I don’t keep it to a strict program, everything slides sideways quickly and it takes time and effort to get back to it.
Whether this makes me a good adult or bad… the jury is still out. But I’m me, and these are the things I’m weak at today. Maybe after years of this schedule and discipline, I’ll become the adult I envisioned as a child. Or maybe, this really is adulting, at it’s finest. P.S. Someone tell Marie I held each piece of the dirty laundry on my floor and NONE of it brought me joy. I did, however, enjoy the hot folding tip she provided.
What say you, my friends, what’s bringing you joy this week? Leave your comments below and if you are still reading, God bless you. I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know.
Cheers!
Stacey
Serious shout out to our new photographer, Danielle Hiltner. She’s making us look good these days by photographing all our listings in Florida and our favorite hot spots in the area. You can find her here.
David Miller says
Growing up is over rated. You are good at it, me not so much.
Stacey says
You’re like grown-up expert number one. I don’t know anyone who works harder than you do and appears to love it. I’ve added that to my grown-up wish list.
Ann W. says
Hey Stacey! What brings me joy currently? When my gut feels healthy enough to eat something. When I get to interact with a friendly animal (whether a street animal or someone’s pet). When I get a good night’s sleep and feel rested. Sadly, routine brings me joy and I look forward to a consistent routine when we get back to the US. No, I don’t want to wish away traveling, because I know this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but I do get great joy on thinking about a “normal” life again. I know by living in the present, we can find greater joy in all the little things. I’ll practice that daily and will hopefully find more joy in everyday living.
You are doing quite well at adulting! From the outside looking in, you seem to be doing quite well. Xoxo
Stacey says
Hi Ann,
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply! I hope your gut heals up quickly so you can still enjoy all the great foods coming your way during your travels. It would be a huge bummer to have to miss out on them. I really enjoyed your durian tasting videos the other day! You are for-sure getting the experience of a lifetime with your travels but I know travel isn’t always easy. It’s a commitment and the payoff is great, but there is also great sacrifice. Guess what? Routine and “normalcy” (whatever THAT is!) are waiting for you whenever you get the opportunity to settle down again – seriously, don’t rush. Ha! So many of us are enjoying your travels with you and we appreciate the time and effort you put into them. Well, I for sure do because I know what it takes to travel and plan it all yourself!
Thank you for your kind words. I will keep adulting to the best of my ability – that’s all I can do. 🙂
xoxo,
Stacey