Unlikely stress reliever. . .

Ever feel overwhelmed. . . .

Like you’re on a roller coaster gone crazy. . .

Well. . . That’s where I’ve been lately. . . so much going on. . . so many things to do. . .

So I reached for an unlikely stress reliever.

Many of you will think I’m crazy when I tell you what it was. . . .

I organized my pantry. In a Marie Kondo – seeking joy process, cleaning this pantry gave me joy.

Well. . . . to be honest when it looked like this. . . . anything could help!

I’m typically a pretty organized person, but lately things have just gotten a little out of control.

So I needed a small project to get me back on task.

I put some of my favorite essential oils in a diffuser. One of my favorite de-stresser oils to diffuse is “Breathe.” If I don’t have a diffuser handy, I keep a roller of “Past Tense” in my purse, put in the palm of one of my hands, rub together and breathe deeply.

I then grabbed a cup of coffee and went to work pulling everything out of that messy corner in my world.

I attacked that messy corner of my home, like it was a messy corner of my busy life. . .

First step. . . . remove everything from the pantry and start with a clean slate. It’s so hard to organize when some of the “messy” is still in front of you.

I also realized that I had a lot of floor space and I didn’t want to keep things on the floor. This became an opportunity to add another shelf. Yep. . . .I squirreled. . . .

This was a quick and easy addition to my organization pantry project though. I had just thrown away an old shoe rack with metal legs, so I quickly retrieved those legs and pulled out a spare piece of shelving board that I had saved from another project.

After measuring twice (always a good habit) and cutting to the correct size, all I had left to do was screw in those legs I almost threw away and I had a new shelf.

Also, always remember before use a professional when using power tools and always utilize equipment safely and with all appropriate safety gear! Never cut corners on safety!

I love my new shelf! Quick and easy!

I had already purchased some containers, so in preparation for this project, my wonderful daughter had used her Cricut machine and made labels for my containers

I put like items together. . . I threw away lots of outdated or stale items that we had not used timely. I cleaned the shelves.

It started to coming together. . . .

I added a baking area on one side of the pantry.

And you know what. . . . .

I felt so much better. I relieved some stress. . . My world didn’t seem as messy and chaotic.

Sometimes it’s the little things. . . the little “pearls” that can change your perspective.

I love being organized!

And I am happy with my pantry now. I know what I have stocked in my pantry and I can see what I might need on my next grocery trip. It wasn’t quite Marie Kondo organized but I’m happy with my progress.

I also found some things I forgot I had, so I made a quick little snack that is loved by everyone in our household . . . Pretzel Turtles.

They are so yummy and so quick. The Mr. and our little ones just love these. But I recommend making these in very small amounts because they are very habit-forming!

I felt like when I couldn’t get so many other things accomplished, I was able to start small. I managed to change one area of chaos – at least the chaos I could control. . .

When you are feeling overwhelmed. . . start small. Every little task can help you achieve those goals.

So now. . . I will look at those beautiful hydrangeas (that need to be planted.) I can’t wait to share this garden project.