COMMITMENT vs INTERESTS

[@RamonaStrait]

I am 67, and I agree with you 100% about not taking chances going up and down any pull down attic stairs. No, no no! If you never get those things out out of there, your children will do it for you happily knowing that mama did not break a hip, trying to do something like that! Hugs…

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@RamonaStrait yes breaking a hip at this point would be very bad.

[@silentnot4812]

I think you feel overwhelmed with all of your stuff. I did a huge purge when I moved to my new house and even got rid of all my furniture. I’m buying all new and being very selective what comes into my house. I continue to go through what I kept and keep downsizing. I have found I don’t want to do any extra cleaning or organizing due to having stuff. I want freedom now. I am also just making large purchases now so no more buying stuff.

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

What's been overwhelming is having to tear things apart in the basement and garage after the mouse fiasco and the broken basement bathroom pipe where a wall had to be torn out. Before those issues happened things were going well with decluttering and downsizing. I'll get things back on track.

[@tidbitsofmylife2367]

Ellen, I wouldn’t worry one minute about organizing now only if and when you feel like. It’s so heart wrenching to be in that position with Chloe. My dogs give me the love no matter what unconditionally. I would continue enjoying my time with your precious girl. A house is bricks sticks and stuff is just stuff. A snuggly pup ill and the heart you have with your girl is the most important. I decided this year I’m picking up barbecue and the fixings. Totally different but I am not feeling up to being in the kitchen. Thank God for Amazon for gifts. Love ya sweet Ellen. Sending blessings your way. Marnie Tn

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@tidbitsofmylife2367 yes I agree 👍 I'm pretty much just buying almost everything for our feast but I will make the lasagna because it's easy and I can make that ahead. Our time is worth money too.

[@Karen-v5c]

A nice chat this evening Ellen. You look and sound tired/down maybe. I also understand that you’re thinking of Chloe, and I’m sorry about that. You absolutely love your dogs, but the complete understanding that it’s none of my business, why doesn’t your grandson help you more with the things around your house, after all he does live with you. Take care of yourself Ellen. This year our family decided to do secret Santa, and already I feel a heavy burden has been lifted from my mind and budget. We have plenty of love and food to go around and that’s all that matters. Honestly if I were close to you, I would help you if you would let me. Take care of yourself Ellen, nobody else will. You’re such an intelligent lady, wise!

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@Karen-v5c Yes I'm tired, pacing myself.

[@beverlymason9290]

I was thinking too maybe her grandson could help when he isn't working.

[@susanrollings9906]

I wouldn't like people going through my stuff, also i am not rich so i keep what i have and use stuff again.

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@susanrollings9906 that's understandable

[@Hector-pz3wy]

Yeah, I just do a little work around the house too now each day. Working patiently the way I do now still gets things done and properly.

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@Hector-pz3wy a little bit at a time avoids big jobs later on

[@Nanatracie]

I think that would be a good idea to get someone in to help you if you can afford it. I do slow living now as I'm on disability and I have learned to take things alot easier these days. Less in my house too means less to organise and manage. I bet like many watching we all wish we could give you a helping hand. I agree with others you do look tired and I'm guessing its a lot of worry at the moment. Glad you got to do something to make yourself feel better today. Little jobs make a big impact sometimes. Hope you get some rest and hugs for you and Chloe at this hard time ❤❤❤

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@Nanatracie it's getting there. Eating the elephant one bite at a time.

[@coppertone711]

I have put together a pretty long list of the storm repairs. December does not seem the best month for these chores. I am working on a home schedule for weekly, monthly and yearly chores that will be in a short book of necessary essentials. I did hire help and let the man make the decisions of what would be safe for me. He gave me detailed drawings and descriptions that included photo of before and after. Very professional work and documentation. The company came a few days earlier than scheduled as limbs were falling everywhere so this was a huge relief. This makes me think organizing expense may include home help as we lose mobility or memory. One may need an occasional home cleaning service. A friend hired such service, and I picked up a new vacuum for her service at the start. Several months of service I noticed no real cleaning change so I got the vacuum out to do her floors. Imagine my surprise when the vacuum still had the tape on the canister lid that I failed to remove unboxing. This is why before and after pics should be considered and a company that provides these things recommended.

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@coppertone711 those are great plans for maintaining order in your home. An occasional helping hand is a good thing. After the holidays I'm going to look into what's available and the cost.

[@lisarosemcpherson944]

I think you are very wise to make things simpler. Being middle aged myself and having adult children, I am slowing going through a spot every day. The items that I already tossed or gave away in a week is amazing. I do 1 bag a day (when I have time) and stop. At first it does look over whelming, but progress is still progress. I wish I thought of making my life this simple when I was younger, and the kids were small. I believe when we are young the pressure to be everything to everyone is one of the reasons, we end up with so much stuff. Like you said in another video about Christmas dishes and no longer using them. I come from the generation where you had good china, crystal and silver and linens and all this other stuff. For what???? You own that and it ends up owning you. By no means am I a minimalist. I love your decor and have similar. I also like to change some items seasonally. It is the stuff that is stored (that we will never use and never really loved, but for some reason still keep) and that is out of sight that causes us to be overwhelmed. Don't despair, you are doing great. Your home looks like love lives there and with that said, you are a success. Love your content and thank you for sharing your days with us. ❤ Be well.

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@lisarosemcpherson944 you are absolutely right about the stored stuff why we accumulate it. Sometimes it takes a couple of go rounds before we actually let It Go 👍

[@lisarosemcpherson944]

@EllensAbundantLifeonLess Very true. Even though I am working on this now, I pick things up and say to myself, ok maybe I should keep it and put it back, knowing I will revisit this item a year later. How our heart is attached to things. 😅

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@lisarosemcpherson944 especially in today's world where it's so expensive to replace anything if we have to.

[@ceciliaperales8466]

Today, I got my 2 young grandsons to help me decorate for Christmas. It wasn't professionally done, but boy did it look beautiful to me. 🎄🎀

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@ceciliaperales8466 best decorating ever 😁

[@Tresa-k9v]

Beautiful sunset that God has made❤

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@Tresa-k9v it was!

[@702desertmom]

Hey Ellen if you really feel like help would give you peace and you can afford it - do it 💜 I hear ya on the Christmas decor my issue is the tree. It’s about 6 feet tall this year 2 strands of lights are out 🙄 I’m leaning toward getting a smaller one maybe a tabletop one? I feel mixed emotions too I’ve been married 40 years 2 grown kids and my entire life is on that tree and it’s hard to think of not decorating like I have been but I’m also getting tired of it 🤷‍♀️

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

I let the big tree go years ago. It took up too much space and too much time to decorate. This little tree that I have is perfect. Put it up on a stool and it looks much more substantial. Plus I can keep it decorated.

[@Karen-v5c]

Wow! What a sky! Just beautiful!

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@Karen-v5c I get to see some beautiful sunsets from my front porch

[@PamMorris-w1y]

I still send out Christmas cards to just a few out-of-state friends and to a few family members, also out-of-state. I don't do the amount that I used to do, that is for sure. I get greeting cards from companies to which I give a donation, so I have many different types of cards, including beautiful Christmas cards, so I use these to send out each year. It was in the middle 50's today here. Sunny and nice. It was a bit windy, but it wasn't a chily wind. Enjoy the evening, Ellen. Blessings. Hugs to Miss Chloé. ❤ Beautiful sunset!! Wow!!😮

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@PamMorris-w1y I have a ton of free cards too. I should donate them but I do use birthday cards for the family. I put those in with the gift 🎁😊

[@DianeDenson-n7x]

Hello Ellen, Beautiful sunset!! Thank you for sharing. At Lowe's, Home Depot or Ace Hardware and probably on Amazon there are insulated coverings for outside water spicket. We have 2 , we use them every winter . The past few years, I have not sent many Christmas Cards either . We call or Marco Polo out of town friends and family . Today we ate Mexican with our daughter and grand daughters, a fun evening . I have lost a lot of weight year. I have been cleaning out the closet, clothes that no longer fit. They are in bags awaiting pick up date . Take care my friend, may God Bless and keep you and your friends and loved ones.

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@DianeDenson-n7x it always feels good when things get put into order and excess is gone 😊👍

[@patriciabuuck5277]

I used to send out 50 cards every Christmas to my and my husbands family. No more except for a few mostly to relatives back in Mass and to few older people in my church. It was stress until they were mailed out. I'm sad more this year than last year, it's the 2 nd Christmas since my husband passed but I have my kids and grandkids that come over. We celebrate just as we did when he was here. I think about getting a dog but not a puppy, I couldn't handle that for a companion. Oh well, I have physical limitations too but I still carry on but more slowly as long as we can right???? Have a good night dear Ellen

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@patriciabuuck5277 it's hard when a loved one is missing from a celebration. Puppies are a lot of work. Maybe a small rescue dog would be good company for you. Yes we must carry on in spite of our physical limitations ❤️

[@sharonstratton1987]

I started my business as a professional organizer when I retired from the airlines at 70. I charge $50 an hour most jobs I do are three to six hours. Some of my clients really have a hard time decluttering and it takes several visits to get a project done

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@sharonstratton1987 that's great to know Sharon. I have a plan on where I want to put things but I could use the physical assistance moving the stuff and taking things to donation. I'm hoping to make a lot of progress after the holidays. 👍

[@DianaRausch-bi2tc]

I don't believe you are ready to really declutter until you stop buying things every time you go shopping ( like candles and mugs) it would be a waste of your money to hire someone.

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@DianaRausch-bi2tc that's not the stuff I need to declutter. It's old things I don't use anymore. I actually declutter quite often. It's a process.

[@debbiesittard7653]

Exactly. But people with Dementia do these things.

[@joywise2595]

If you do hire an organizer, once it’s done it’s done!

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@joywise2595 yes everything will be back in order. That would be great

[@wendykornfein3337]

Short but sweet!

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

Thank you! 😊

[@happycamper1372]

They make these little insulated bonnet covers for outdoor faucets. They work really well. We keep one on all winter and we can go out and get water for the plants, because we have a water softener. We use the water in the refrigerator door for drinking and the cat’s water. It’s a process.😂

[@FaithyandOtis..Massachusetts]

Living in Massachusetts I do the same thing I bought mine on Amazon and it wraps around with Velcro. I put it on after I shut my water off, downstairs in the basement. I’ve had the same one for five years now.❤

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@happycamper1372 that sounds like a handy device 👍

[@elainenowack3036]

❤

[@laurastrout7588]

Sounds like a good plan to hire an organizer. ❤

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@laurastrout7588 things would shape up faster 👍

[@happycamper1372]

I saw that same sunset yesterday. It was beautiful!

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@happycamper1372 yes it was 👍

[@allisonspeer649]

It's hard to not spend this time of year, seems like there is just "one more small item" to get. I keep my small Christmas Tree decorated and store it in my basement closet. This year I didn't even get it out.

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@allisonspeer649 I know several people who aren't putting up a tree this year. I think people are just worn out

[@allisonspeer649]

@@EllensAbundantLifeonLess Its been a year hasn't it?

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@allisonspeer649 it sure has

[@ajcrum3689]

Ellen i put insulated covers over our spicets for winter . i’m drinking a mulled spice hot wine right now in a christmas mug . im actually working on our family christmas cards this week it has gotten expensive . i took all our laundry over to our sons home so while my laundry was going i was cleaning my sons home to help him out 😂 a win win . i actually like to clean . well hubby has to leave tomorrow on a trip so ill be back to being home alone . we had a good run a full week of him being on call and getting paid to be home .

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@ajcrum3689 I'm sure your son appreciated a clean home 😊 the wine sounds delicious 👍

[@ajcrum3689]

@ oh he does he is a Dr on staff at our local hospital he works 14 hour days a lot sometimes 24 hours straight so he is working a lot i help when i can .

[@beverlymason9290]

Ellen would your water leak issue and damage not be covered by your homeowners policy? I'm happy you are taking it slow during December. Take care of yourself too❤️

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@beverlymason9290 I called the insurance and they said no.

[@joanneguzowski630]

Did you ever get your hose unattached?

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@joanneguzowski630 yes I did that today 👍

[@FaithyandOtis..Massachusetts]

I think that’s a wonderful idea to hire somebody. You know what your capable of just like I do❤ January 1st I start replenishing my savings. I’ve spent too much money on different projects this year, and on Christmas😮 so that’s going to end. I’m not buying anything unless I need it or gifts for birthdays; etc. We will save together🤑💵💵💰💰

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

Yes I'm hoping for a less financially taxing year next year. Ugh 😩

[@kerryjames6312]

I am 56 am at point I don't care I was like you sacrificed for everyone

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@kerryjames6312 sometimes you just get worn out and you need to take a break.

[@kerryjames6312]

Lovely are you doing okay❤❤

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@kerryjames6312 yes I'm doing okay. Thank you for asking 😊❤️

[@kerryjames6312]

Hi lovely❤❤ time to make a cup of tea

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

@@kerryjames6312 I had blueberry cupcake tea buy red rose