Papers stacked everywhere. Last night's dishes still in the sink. Last month's bills scattered about on your desk. The children's art projects piled up in a heap on the floor. A seat cushion covered in photographs just waiting for that scrapbooking day. A heap of clothes waiting for a visit to Goodwill. A pantry with herbs that date back to the Great Depression.
Sound like your home? Or as the FlyLady would say: "Are YOU living in CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome)?"
Then I suggest you stand up at the table, shout I've had enough and I'm not going to take this anymore and log on to flylady.com.
It's a hoot.
And it's also a day-by-day program that brings your house—and life—back from the brink. Day One: Scrub your sink. (Don't fret. She details exactly how it is to be done.)
Other examples of how she tackles the upturned state of it all: Day Four: Write Things Down. Day Seven: Pick Out Your Clothes. It goes on to creating a control journal, to tackling negative thoughts, to cleaning a single room in five minutes, and on and on and on.
The FlyLady's program last 31 days—a bit less than the normal rehab and 12-step programs but probably a very effective start.
There are also products to buy (love the FlyLady's Rubba Scrubba), books to read, videos to watch. There is even a schedule on when to tackle the various zones of your home (the kitchen: November 8–12; the bathroom and one extra room: November 15–19, etc).
Personally—and luckily, my house is pretty well-organized—thanks to the sweet man I married. Our lives are chaotic enough; luckily at home, everything has a place and is in it. But of course, that is not to say it always has been—and always will be. I am definitely bookmarking the FlyLady.
