I ordered a new bedroom set in late September, handmade by the Amish, and it arrived on March 1. The platform bed has 5 large drawers - 3 on each side - underneath the mattress. I also ordered a chifforobe, a chest of drawers, a dressers, 2 nightstands, and a large jewelry chest.
The set is beautiful - maple with tiger maple drawer fronts and embellishments on the headboard. This is the first new bedroom set I have ever owned - all the rest were hand-me-downs. Beyond its beauty, however, the new bedroom set has forced me to examine all the clothes and assorted "stuff" I was keeping in my old furniture. I have been cleaning out and going thorough items that I have not looked at in years. This purging has benefitted the loal Dress for Success program - 8 large garbage can sized bags of clothing I no longer wear - and it has also benefitted several local shelters for homeless women. I honestly did not know I had so many pairs of socks! And the 40+ pairs of slacks and capris I no longer wear are great for someone else. All those samples of toiletries will be used and appreciated by the women's shelter, and the sheer number of coats given to a local food bank and other charities will warm someone who needs them.
Somehow, after all this cleaning out, my space and my life seem "lighter." I still have more to do, but expunging so much stuff for the benefit of others just feels good. So does knowing that I have have found a place for everything, and that just about everything is in its place. I am a work in progress.
Cleaning clutter from one's life allows a person to see things so much more clearly. I am relishing my new space, with less "stuff." I am more attuned to asking myself if something I have not used lately is useful or necessary in my life. It feels good to give items to someone who needs them.
"Tidying is the act of confronting yourself." Marie Kondo Such a wonderful observation, and one that feels so good. Give it a try. You might also enjoy the outcome!
Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!
Connect with Dede!
Twitter @dederittman
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