I’m Not A Domestic Goddess

People often assume that because of the nature of my work I am some sort of domestic goddess. Although that’s greatly flattering, it may shock you to hear that I have a somewhat dubious track record with housework!

I’ve shared stories in the past about clients who were brilliant at cleaning and organising their homes but who fell flat at decluttering their wardrobes. Or loved doing their wardrobes but ignored their paperwork. Or religiously decluttered their clothes and ignored the sprouting pile of scarves or shoes. This is usually much to the surprise of family and friends who often expect an extension of glossy perfection in every aspect of our homes. (If you find it hard to “let go” emotionally, I’m afraid all the sorting and tidying in the world won’t rescue you – been there with that one!)

To speak in general terms for the purposes of this blog, I’m going to put decluttering, organising, tidying and cleaning under “housework”. And, not too dissimilar to many of my clients, I haven’t been very consistent in every aspect of domesticity. Here is a summary of my Housework History…

• I’ve always excelled at tidying and organising, but my OCD tendencies used to kick in when I was stressed, and I sometimes got a bit carried away with it!
• I used to hate doing the dishes, but I actually find it therapeutic now with the help of my favourite music in the background (cheers, Meatloaf!)
• I don’t particularly enjoy anything that involves scrubbing (I think it’s partly the old association with the smell and feel of harsh chemical cleaning products)
• I’ll always find some tidying or sorting to do to avoid dusting and vacuuming (my husband is better with these!)
• I struggled to declutter until I was almost 30 (it was, of course, all in the letting go)
• I was a very messy student in my late teens (it was great fun)

Domestic Goddess

Everyone with whom I’ve worked has faced similar struggles and has at times felt inadequate about their housekeeping prowess. For me, it was in the overcoming of these struggles (as well as much training and self-development) that has enabled me to help and support from a place of practicality and empathy.

Let’s shatter the myth. No-one is perfect and nothing is black and white, however things may appear on the outside. What’s that expression about assumptions and donkeys?

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