"To the contemporary mind, the idea that happiness depends on good housekeeping might seem quaint or odd. A century or two ago, and in fact until the past few decades, it was taken for granted, and the quality of housekeeping was not beneath the attention of such great novelists as Jane Austen and Leo Tolstoy." -Cheryl Mendelson, Home Comforts: The Art & Science of Keeping House
I think this true in my own life anyway. When my house runs smoothly and is in order, I feel in control but when it is disorganised or dirty, I feel irritable and unhappy. It is true that most people don't notice housework until it's not done, and that in itself doesn't bolster the home keepers' spirits. However, I have learnt to focus on the end result. It helps me get through the mundane cleaning.
There is a scripture that says that without a vision the people perish and I often equate housework with this verse. Unless we visualise the finished result of a clean house, we will often neglect doing it and miss the mark completely as regards of being a good home keeper. Like it or not, good housekeeping creates happiness. If we lose sight of that, we will be people without a vision!
I think this true in my own life anyway. When my house runs smoothly and is in order, I feel in control but when it is disorganised or dirty, I feel irritable and unhappy. It is true that most people don't notice housework until it's not done, and that in itself doesn't bolster the home keepers' spirits. However, I have learnt to focus on the end result. It helps me get through the mundane cleaning.
There is a scripture that says that without a vision the people perish and I often equate housework with this verse. Unless we visualise the finished result of a clean house, we will often neglect doing it and miss the mark completely as regards of being a good home keeper. Like it or not, good housekeeping creates happiness. If we lose sight of that, we will be people without a vision!
Funnily enough, when my house is clean and tidy, I find am less anxious and I find it easier to relax as a clean house makes me happy.
© Glenys Robyn Hicks
Where [there is] no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he. Proverbs 29:18
I agree it's so much easier to relax in a clean & clutter free home.
ReplyDeleteWhen it's not clean, I always feel anxious because I know I should be cleaning. It's almost impossible to relax when that nagging thought is always there. Of course, chronic illness doesn't help... thanks for sharing a cuppa with me, Barb!
DeleteI agree! My son and husband went to an amusement park yesterday and I had a sparkling clean kitchen all day and it inspired me to get so much done! Every time I saw it I smiled. I agree that a clean house helps us to relax and feel in control. My biggest problem is surface clutter of books we are reading, papers on my desk, mail on the table...papers papers everywhere it seems.
ReplyDeleteI love the picture...I wish I could find a dress like the woman in it is wearing!
Janine, I hear ya. My desk is so cluttered and I must declutter it for my own peace of mind. Isn't that dress lovely?! It's elegant, simple and very feminine! I love that picture too.
DeleteBecause a clean house makes me happy, I clean as I go. If I'm in the bathroom and it's untidy, I tidy it up. That might mean emptying the trash or cleaning the toilet. When I am cooking, I clean as I go instead of letting the dishes pile up in the sink until the end. I don't do clutter, therefore, if I am not using it or wearing it, I pack it up and take it to the Goodwill or give the items away to someone. When I change my sheets, I put on a new set right away instead of waiting. A clean home equals happiness and peace. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteGood ideas, Yvonne! It's worth the effort. Thanks for having a cuppa with me today! Be blessed!
DeleteYou know I never thought of it this way before > "It is true that most people don't notice housework until it's not done," but it really is true.
ReplyDeletePaula, it takes me half an hour to get our home company ready. And I have done it in that time when people are coming, yet most days, it is a real effort to get things done. I think it must be psychological. I think planning someone's visit motivates me lol
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