Day 10: Evaluate the Space Puzzle, then nap

Say, what?! 10 days in already?

Give yourself a pat on the back, you've been getting yourself to a chronically clean for 10 days already, that's no small feat.

Today, we're going to check in on one of the most important aspects of a chronic clean, our chosen space puzzle.

Remember, we chose a space to empower us to live a full life in the narrow space that is caused by chronic conditions. We honored ourselves by selecting the most important space to focus our limited efforts and energy.

So the first step in evaluating our space puzzle is to first, evaluate our chosen space. 10 days in, how are you feeling about the space you've chosen? Did you choose correctly? Is keeping this space tidy helping you feel more dignified? If so, well done! Let's keep with it! If not, re-evaluate. Here are a few questions that may help.

Where do I spend the most time when I am feeling my worst?
What space would empower me to feel more comfortable with my condition?
Is there a space I can keep tidy that will make me feel more confidant around others or when asking for help?

Your individual condition and limitations are your own, so you may need a more narrow or wide space than I do. That's the reality of the life we live. Honor yourself and your limitations and abilities by choosing a space that works for you!

Next, let's look at our actual puzzle. Here's mine again for reference:

How is your space puzzle working for you? Did you forget an important item? Are you struggling to complete most of your list over a 2-3 day period? If so, you may have overextended yourself a bit. Is each item manageable (less than 5 or 10 minutes)? Break down tasks that need additional break down in order to keep things simple and achievable on bad days.

At this point, if things seem to be working well, you may consider making note of which tasks to start with. This is a very personal decision and can be based on many different factors. For example, you may select the hardest task to do first or the easiest. I recommend considering doing the task with the most impact for you personally first (I'm a sucker for a cleared living room floor, it makes it so I can navigate my walker around easily). Ordering your tasks to get you the most benefit out of what you are able to do in a given way is just another way we are empowering and honoring ourselves and our condition.

Once you've evaluated your space puzzle, check to see how you are feeling. I sometimes get a burst of excitement after such an improvement and may want to start right away on my new space puzzle. If this evaluation has left you sleepy, exhausted, or in pain though, feel free to take a break, a nap, or whatever else you need to take care of your unique body's needs. We'll hit it again tomorrow!

See 31 days to a Chronic Clean.

Day 9: Dishes and Laundry

Here we are again, back to dishes and laundry. Why? Because I believe this habit can make the biggest impact on feeling capable and independent when talking about cleaning.

Habits are powerful, but they take time to develop. The popular saying that it takes "21 days" to make a habit, has been shown to be an underestimate, with researchers now indicating that building a habit depends greatly on the individual, and the new habit. The average time is 66 days, but harder habits could take up to 8 months before they come naturally, without thinking.

Don't get discouraged by this time frame though, since researchers also found that occasional missteps in building habits don't do much to dilute your efforts. This means for us that continually doing dishes and laundry each day will eventually form an easy-to-remember habit even though bad days are bound to happen for chronic sufferers.

The good news is, that dishes and laundry get a little easier each day you successfully complete them, so each day we're moving forward! For today, get each of these tasks done and recognize that you are moving a step closer towards your goals of an achievable, chronic clean.

We'll continue to revisit these two tasks, to ensure that this is one habit that slowly, over-time will become second-nature to even the most chronic sufferer.

Because everyone deserves to have clean clothes and dishes!

See 31 days to a Chronic Clean.

Day 8: Break

When you struggle with a condition that limits your ability to do there are a few important rules to remember:

First, do a little each day to help you feel dignified and productive.
Next, celebrate any and all accomplishments.
Finally, embrace the fact that you are in control of your attitude, not always your ability. Make room for days when you lack the ability you long for by preparing your attitude.

That's what day eight is all about. Day eight is about preparing yourself for bad days, for days when things don't go as planned. By planning breaks into your cleaning schedule, you give yourself permission to handle life as needed.

Taking a break can look different, depending on your needs. Let's look at some examples.

Today, I'm currently feeling quiet weak. I'm not able to do a load of dishes, or get laundry in at the moment. Mentally however, I'm feeling just fine. I don't feel emotionally burned out, which is great for me as well. Today, taking a break may mean forgoing doing the cleaning items I normally do to re-evaluate my approach. I'm thinking I'll look at maybe changing up when I do dishes and only worry about getting a load of laundry in in the morning, since I've had a few rough mornings lately. Then maybe I'll take time to read a digital book or my favorite fun blog.

Perhaps you may be having a day where everything just seems to be falling in, maybe physically you are struggling more than usual and that is making it hard to handle the emotional and mental stress. Maybe today, re-evaluating just sounds too hard and depressing. Maybe today's break needs to include some healthy pampering with your favorite movie or snack, or calling in a friend or family member to chat or to take you out for a bit. If so, take the break you need!!

Here are a few tips in taking breaks that will set you up for future success:

1. Give yourself permission, maybe even aloud if need be.
2. Take breaks that build you up. (Binge eating a chocolate cake may taste good in the moment, but may leave you with feelings of self-disgust or other unhealthy feelings. Let yourself indulge a bit in a healthy, moderate way. Maybe order in from a favorite sandwich shop if it's in your budget, or ask a friend to pick you up a favorite beverage to sip on.)
3. Use breaks as building opportunities. I love to spend time reading inspirational quotes and committing my favorite to memory. You may have your own loves that help you feel like you can do what needs to be done, maybe you are an ultra-planner and you can spend time planning a fun outing with a friend or family member. Using down-time to build yourself up often shortens down-time!
4. Take breaks as needed, but keep trying to get back to "real-life". Don't live in a limbo of "I'm taking breaks". Take a break, an hour, a day, and then get back to trying again.

So whether the break comes today, or tomorrow, take it when you need it and then move forward with the momentum you create when you love yourself enough to take care of the real you!

See 31 days to a Chronic Clean.