Chapter 1: Awakening to Change

This morning, I woke up feeling a shift within myself, as if a new chapter was beginning. It was around 5:30 AM when I felt the weight of yesterday's projects ending, leaving me with a sense of aimlessness. Over the summer, I had tackled numerous improvements around the house, but now, I found myself at a standstill, unsure of my next steps.

As I navigated through the clutter in my basement and garage, the sense of accomplishment was mixed with a familiar disappointment of not having a clear plan for what was next.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

In June, I undertook several projects, including staining the shared fence with my neighbor and refinishing the outdoor garage window. I disassembled the wooden pergola over our patio and sealed cracks around the foundation of our home. I also crafted a workbench from repurposed lumber and installed ceiling-mounted shelves in the garage to organize leftover materials. The refinishing of our wood patio table was another satisfying task, and I finally organized my tools into their designated spots on the new workbench.

Looking ahead, I have plans to stain the other side of the fence, work on the cement path between our houses, and take on some indoor tasks, such as tidying up wiring and decluttering the basement.

This morning brought a refreshing sense of renewal. The sadness I felt last night about the completion of my projects was unexpectedly transformed by my coffee maker. Let me explain.

Chapter 2: The Metaphor of Descaling

In December, I bought a Keurig coffee maker that requires descaling every few months, and last night was the time to do it. Knowing that we wanted coffee in the morning, I prepared by ordering descaler liquid earlier in the day. While I don’t typically attribute significance to signs or coincidences, this moment felt like a chance to shift my perspective.

Descaling my coffee maker became a powerful metaphor for the mental clutter that had accumulated over recent months. Though I had accomplished a lot, certain aspects of my life had drifted out of focus, prompting a need for a mental reset. This morning, I experienced a surge of motivation, as if my brain had rebooted. Exciting new projects came to mind, and I realized these ideas had been there all along, hidden by my divided attention. It’s like searching for salad dressing in the fridge only to find it in your hands after multiple attempts.

To capture my newfound inspiration, I jotted down these projects in a task management app, ToDoist, which I had started using due to an accidental year-long subscription. Previously, I had successfully relied on Apple Reminders.

How to Clear Your Mind | Meditation - YouTube

This video offers insight on how meditation can help clear mental clutter and enhance focus, an essential practice for maintaining clarity and purpose in our lives.

Chapter 3: Embracing Purpose

Regardless of neurodivergence, having a sense of purpose is crucial for leading a fulfilling life. Many individuals struggle to focus on their next steps or to complete what they start. Once, I was among them, but I’m pleased to see changes unfolding in my life.

This week, I have a fresh list of projects that I am eager to dive into. I recognize that this burst of energy may not last forever, nor will everything go perfectly. For now, this newfound clarity is more than enough.

5 Steps to Clean Up Your Mind with Dr. Caroline Leaf & Jim Kwik - YouTube

This video discusses practical steps to declutter your mind, providing tools to enhance focus and productivity, which can complement your journey of self-improvement.

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