Keeping things beautiful is as important as making things beautiful

If you're ready for a breath of fresh air, here are some suggestions for refreshing and brightening your home... and your spirits!

DRESS FOR SUCCESS
The right active-wear will help you spring into action. Housework is a wonderful excuse to exercise and build strength. Imagine yourself as a spry and agile athlete. You're bound to feel better about all the stretching, scrubbing, lifting, pushing, and pulling if you dress as you would for a fitness or dance class. Never wear a dreary old shift or tattered shorts and a tee. Choose comfortable, attractive clothing in colors that delight you. Embrace the joy of movement and allow yourself the pride of looking and feeling good about bringing more beauty into your home and to yourself.

SET A NEW TONE
While you're at it, let the music blare: golden oldies, romantic ballads, heavy metal, pop, or show tunes! Nothing else sets a mood and creates energy more instantly than a happy tune. Listening to recorded books and lectures is another smart way to make your housecleaning time more inspiring and enjoyable.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Ending a job is as important as beginning it! So reverse the old adage that “housework is never done” by limiting the number of hours you devote to it. Mark your calendar with the specific day and number of hours you will spend on maintenance. The simple act of sticking to a set schedule will give you a wonderful sense of freedom and control.

TAKE CLUES FROM NATURE
Healthy, environmentally safe cleaning supplies like vinegar and water make cleaning chores more pleasant. For lots of easy tips for nontoxic cleansers, pick up a copy of the handy paperback book, The Naturally Clean Home, by Karyn Siegel-Maier (Storey Books).

PLANT THE SEEDS OF CHANGE
Spring cleaning is the perfect time to reexamine your aesthetic preferences. If you have been yearning for a new look, remember that it is impossible to change without actively letting go of the past. Find a way to recycle objects that have outlived their purpose. Say a fond farewell to the old by clearing counters, tabletops, shelves, and drawers to allow room for fresh new ideas. Learn to enjoy the luxury of open space, and refrain from the impulse to immediately fill it up.

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Just like good design, proper maintenance demands commitment and careful attention to every detail. When approached with a creative spirit and honest enthusiasm, even the most everyday chores begin to feel like play. And we all know the rewards of a thorough Spring cleaning!

Do you have any ideas for me? Please share on the Joan Asks You page.