Cleaning

Running a business costs money. That is talk for another blog post. Running your personal life when you have a business costs money, too. As a successful real estate agent I spent money on myself for convenience (because I didn’t have time) or for pleasure (because I felt I deserved it). Manicures, pedicures, and massages were the first things to go. Restaurant meals were harder to give up, but they were trimmed to a minimum. Having someone clean my house was the next thing to let go of. I do not miss the pampering. My friends have seen to it that I don’t have to, lavishing me with spa packages so I can enjoy this time between careers. I changed lunches with friends for walks with friends. We see each other and work on health without the cost of a meal. I do miss having a house keeper. Keeping my house clean on my own has not been easy. I have the time yet I procrastinate. Cleaning house is a chore. With the prospect looming of guests for the afternoon, I pulled out the vacuum. Dreading it but determined not to be embarrassed by the state of things, I started cleaning. The sound of the vacuum was mesmerizing. The slow back and forth of the handle was relaxing. I listened to the white noise of the motor and I quit listening to worried noise in my head. I moved back and forth, back and forth across the room, up the stairs, across the room, up the stairs, across the room. I put the vacuum away and looked at my accomplishment. I was satisfied and I was motivated. Cleaning became a meditative practice. I cleaned the bathrooms, listened to the sound of the water, and found the gleaming surfaces to be satisfying. I washed towels, the motors and the water calmed me. The more I cleaned, the better I felt. And, why not? I love my home and I am giving it a spa treatment. Just like my friends have given to me.