In an earlier post I mentioned that last weekend we had three big trees taken down in our back yard. While the decision to have these trees removed last weekend was a last minute decision, the need to take care of this situation had been lingering on our family to-do list for a really long time.
See these trees were big.
Really, really big.
For the longest time I resisted taking the trees down. Years ago one of them was the home to a nest of red bellied woodpeckers—my all time favorite bird. The resident squirrels also loved these trees—using them to create a tree-top interstate that connected the trees in our back yard to the wooded lot behind us. One of the main reasons we bought this lot, and moved to this town was because of the trees. So, I really thought I would miss those trees.
But…I don’t.
See, every time we had a thunder storm, tornado warning, high winds or ice storm…we would worry about these trees. If they had fallen down on their own, it could have been a seriously scary situation. And knowing that often made it difficult, if not impossible, to sleep at night.
When you have a big tree hanging over your head, it’s hard to sleep.
Getting rid of the big tree was like one humongous mental decluttering project. It’s a huge sigh of relief to know that our back yard and home are much safer now—in good weather and in bad.
As you start to think about your to-do list for the weekend, think about what’s hanging over your head. What’s keeping you up at night? Hopefully it’s not a large tree (or three), but is there something nagging at you in the back of your mind? Is there something that’s been sitting on your to-do list—even your mental to-do list—for much too long?
No matter what your nagging to-do is—dealing with a stack of papers that has gotten too tall, making an uncomfortable phone call, putting together a family budget, moving a project forward that is currently stuck, or something else—removing that thing that’s been hanging over your head will feel terrific. The result will be far worth the discomfort of diving in and get it done.
So what’s hanging over your head? Are you ready to put it on this week’s Finish It Friday list?
By the way, if you’re in the St. Louis, Missouri area and need tree work done, give the guys at Lukefahr Farms a call—they did a great job for us. They also sell fireplace wood and mulch. Their phone number is 573-547-4036.
Hi Abby-
Was wondering if you could direct me to the blog post about putting kids art/school papers in binders? I can’t seem to find it today, and want to look at it and pass it on to a friend who’s starting the process with kids that are 14 & 12! Thanks!
PS those were big ole trees!!!
Hi, Ramie,
Here’s the post:
http://creativeorganizing.typepad.com/creative_organizing/2006/06/creative_organi.html
Thanks!
Aby
My big trees for the weekend are finally putting away the summer clothes since fall/winter has arrived in Philly!! It will really feel like winter after we turn the clocks back this weekend. Hope those wooodpeckers find a new home nearby .
@Karen,
Yes, the woodpeckers already have a new home. We’d still have the big trees if they hadn’t moved out. 🙂 There were several holes in the trees…but no nests. Yay. 🙂
Aby
Everything is hanging over my head! I’m a clutterbug from hell! I don’t mean to be but I do so many creative type things and there just isn’t room for everything. I so want to “get it together”. I’m trying one room at a time, company is coming next week. It’s insane but it’s like I don’t have whatever gene or section of my brain that can create a neat, clean house. I’m really discouraged but quitting is not an option! Also, the house isn’t large enough for what I need to use and store. I need help and can’t afford to hire anyone. How many shoes are enough? Clothes? I’m a great shopper and seamstress but my housekeeping just sucks.
@Sharon,
Have you considered one of my online workshops? They’re much more affordable than hiring someone to work with you one-on-one, but you still get the benefit of guidance from a professional organizer, and support of an online community during the workshop. You can learn more about the workshops here, or let me know if you have any questions about them:
http://simplify101.com/online-workshops.php
Thanks!
Aby