For the month of November, I challenged myself to make my bed every day (and list 10 things I'm thankful for).
Honestly, when I decided to give this a try, I expected to skip days, fizzle out before the month ended, and learn nothing. But that has not happened! I haven't missed a day (except for one, but Husband saved the day) and I am actually enjoying this new daily task!
Background: I was not forced to make my bed as a kid (pro choice, Mom!). I never considered making my bed to be an essential or even responsible act. I used to think bed making was a meaningless, extra chore only carried out by people with OCD or nothing else to do. I still kind of think that.
In the past few years, I've heard multiple people (book author, pastor, podcast interviewee) share how making their bed saved their marriage, turned their life around, and was one of their morning keys to success and productivity.
How?! I wondered. It's arbitrary. Pointless. A waste of time!
But I've tried it and here's what I like about it --
This is not the first time I've attempted to start this habit. I've wanted to be a bed-making person for a while now. I guess I'm finally mature enough to notice the payoff.
But know that if you don't make your bed, I support you!
Honestly, when I decided to give this a try, I expected to skip days, fizzle out before the month ended, and learn nothing. But that has not happened! I haven't missed a day (except for one, but Husband saved the day) and I am actually enjoying this new daily task!
Background: I was not forced to make my bed as a kid (pro choice, Mom!). I never considered making my bed to be an essential or even responsible act. I used to think bed making was a meaningless, extra chore only carried out by people with OCD or nothing else to do. I still kind of think that.
In the past few years, I've heard multiple people (book author, pastor, podcast interviewee) share how making their bed saved their marriage, turned their life around, and was one of their morning keys to success and productivity.
How?! I wondered. It's arbitrary. Pointless. A waste of time!
But I've tried it and here's what I like about it --
- It's a super easy self-care task that I can complete in less than 2 minutes - even if babies are crying!
- It does have psychological powers! Even though I don't consider it to be a meaningful task, I can't deny that it's something I start and finish successfully. Something happens in my brain that makes me feel so much more in control and content to just have done that one little thing.
- It might be more powerful for me because I consider making my bed to be a meaningless task - it becomes frivolous. A treat. It almost feels selfish (but it doesn't).
- I can think through my day while I do it.
- It makes the room look more tidy which makes it stay more tidy. Confession: I often leave my clothes on the floor if they're not dirty enough to wash. Since I started making my bed, I have had no problem stuffing them back in my closet (sometimes unfolded 🙈).
- It's a pick me up that lasts all day long. Tidy rooms make me smile. I still really like the quilt I picked out before we were married. Crawling into bed at night feels a little bit more relaxing - and kind of like I live in a hotel where a maid (oh wait, that's me) cleans my room.
This is not the first time I've attempted to start this habit. I've wanted to be a bed-making person for a while now. I guess I'm finally mature enough to notice the payoff.
But know that if you don't make your bed, I support you!
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