Clean

I love when my lounge room and kitchen are Clean. I love when the carpet is clear and Clean. I love when the dining table is Clean (and clear). 

The process of Housekeeping brings Joy yet it is the achievement of Clean that brings the greatest Joy.

Clean defined as "free from dirt, marks or stains." "The meaning of Clean usually refers to removing something unwanted."

When my home is Clean I feel instant Joy. When my home is not Clean and not clear I feel unhappy. I even start feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

I am Joy-Filled when my home is Clean as it means than people can call in or the children can have play dates and I feel comfortable with children and parents at our home. Clean does not mean perfect to me. It’s probably at between a 70-80% level of Clean. 

My friend was telling me the other day that her house was Sparking - this is the  ultimate Clean that often seems unattainable for me. When my friend says Sparkling, my friend means that the whole house is so Clean and clear and everything is in its place and every surface and window is almost shining, that the house belongs in an advertisement. 

I am happy with my level of Clean and yet I’m always striving for more and for better. Although I do not want to strive for perfection as this leads to unrealistic expectations and too much pressure. 

And for me having a sense of pressure takes away Joy. And so I want to Clean and keep my home Clean to bring Joy and allow the Joy of visitors without the pressure of having to have my home perfect.

By having a 70-80% Clean home it means that we can welcome in the unexpected and welcome visitors.  Today because we have a Clean home it meant that when we ran into our daughter’s friend it is fun and exciting and possible to invite her back for dinner.  And it was Joyful to see my girl happy in spending time with her friend. 

Having a goal of 70-80% Clean is perfect for us and definitely achievable - taking away the stress - and leaving plenty of room to allow, and bring in, Joy for our family.