I love Fridays. I don’t cook on Friday nights.
I’ve always loved Fridays because if I clean my kitchen, it stays clean for almost 24 hours!
This Friday is the best though, because it has been clean for two weeks now, and I even cleared the other corner’s pile today so I’m pretty sure ANY one would consider it clean, not just someone who knows how bad it usually is, or used to be.
My sweet husband complimented me this morning. He is a very encouraging person, but I don’t think he’s taken my recent dedication to a clean kitchen very seriously, since I’ve been through this before. Many times. I know he hasn’t put his finger on it, but I’m pretty sure that he feels like something is different this time. Tee hee.
I’ve been wondering if you’ve told him yet, guess not!
Like many others, I’m following your advice and reading backwards. I smiled when I saw at this point, your husband still didn’t know what was up:) I laughed/cried all the way through your decluttering the kitchen drawer webisode. You are really funny! You’ve probably heard this a million times, but you’ve inspired me to 1) write down my “done” list and 2) just start with something. I’m tackling bills today. When I finish that, I’m starting with the 9 yo’s clothing. He wears the same 7 things each week. The rest needs to go! You’ve really helped change my mindset from “some day I might need this” to “do I really use this and will I look for it here when I do?”. Thank you. Your words are a gift and a blessing. I look forward to enjoying more!
THank you so much for this comment!
Dana,
I. just. LOVE. you!!! You are so real. I’ve commented to you before how much I feel like I know you and think that we could totally be friends. But I really do! You see I found you through your podcasts, and have listened to practically all of them so I feel as if we’ve had long phone conversations about all of these topics. In August I started a new job where I had an hour commute to and from work. Thru an itunes search, I found one of your podcasts and I was hooked. Between you and Andy Stanley’s podcasts, I came to relish my drive to and from work. So in October, when my boss very kindly relocated me to within 15 minutes of my home, it was like I lost a friend. That hour drive gave me freedom to sit and listen without worry of what I could or should be doing.
Following your “Summer” advice, last Friday, I read your testimonial e-book. It was wonderful! Thank you for writing it and gifting us with it!
Since then, I’ve been craving more so I’ve started reading your blog backwards. Oh my goodness! In reading these posts, it feels like I’m rekindling a kindred friendship once again, and it’s inspiring me to actually DO it. Get up and get started…anywhere…just do something! Thank you, Dana! I’ll say it again: This is your ministry! You have touched my life for the good and continue to do so. Thank you for being faithful to follow God’s will!
P.S. I hope you’re enjoying your summer!
Thank you SO much for this comment, Lori! It encourages me so much!
Been following your Youtube channel, podcasts on and off. But your latest Yt video sent me here and I started at the oldest post.
You give hope for myself. We are farmers in South Africa and I have to make adjustments for our way of living, but still, the truths are the same.
Thanks for being honest.
Dana,
I’m an avid cross stitcher. We’re talking all day, every day, with meal and TV/movie/YouTube breaks. I sprained my dominant-hand wrist quite badly 8 weeks ago. With all the extra time, I fell down more than one YouTube rabbit holes. In one of them I found the Minimalist Mom. I got hooked on the idea that maybe I could have a clean house. When I was healed, of course. She mentions you frequently and I wanted to know more. So here I am, reading your blogs from beginning to end, because getting started is hard.
This post reminded me that I already started! Six or so months ago, in October of 2024, I decided to do the dishes before going to bed every day. Because I hate doing dishes and 2-3 days worth feels daunting but 1 day is easy (it’s just me and my husband). About 3 weeks ago I decided to make the bed every morning (takes 5 seconds to straighten the sheets and comforter). I couldn’t do the dishes because of the sprain, but I could straighten the bed.
But that’s not why I’m commenting on this post. It’s because my dear husband of 51 years never said a word about either one of those things. If *I* didn’t feel so good about them, I’d just stop. But I do feel good, so I’ve kept going, little bit by little bit. I declutterred one side of my under-sink bathroom cabinet (I have NO drawers!) with one hand in 10 minutes. Same with 4 of my kitchen drawers (less than 5 minutes each). They’re not truly organized yet, but I can see what’s in them at a glance and that makes me happy. The rest has to wait until I’m healed, but I’m okay with that. Someday soon maybe I’ll tell my guy what I’m doing, but maybe not. After living with a slob for 51 yrs I doubt he’d believe me.