Sometimes a bit of support can go a long way towards getting things done and making things easier and happier

Sometimes there is a part of our house that gets designated as “The place to put stuff”. Sometimes the stuff starts to pile up until it becomes a bit overwhelming. I think we have all been here to some extent. The time when the pile of filing piles up so high that there has to be another pile. Or maybe the laundry doesn’t get put away until it is all out of season so it just stays there. Or the airing cupboard becomes the place to put the things that no one wants but no one wants to throw away. Whatever the reason, sometimes things don’t get put away and seem to attract other things that don’t get put away and then it becomes a bit much.

Sometimes we just need some support to help to get on top of things.

It can be helpful to have another pair of hands to take things off to the charity shop. It can be handy to just have someone else there to help make the decision, or to talk things through. What to keep and what not to keep?

Sometimes the whole idea of starting a big job can be overwhelming. Having another person there and having made the decision - “Tomorrow we will sort out the spare room”, can be all that it takes. Other times we need another strategy. It can helpful on these occasions, when it is really hard to get started, to use the ten minute rule. This means that you set the timer and just do it for ten minutes. When the timer goes off you can decide to carry on, but you also have the option to stop. The ten minute rule and can make things more manageable for anyone. Combine the ten minute rule with someone to talk to and to help shift the stuff, and everything becomes a lot easier.

Some things went in the bin and many things went in bags for the charity shop. Some teddy bears went off to the school fair to find new homes where they will be loved. Sometimes a bit of support can go a long way towards getting things done and making things easier and happier.