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The past few days I have been cleaning out an upstairs “art studio.” I put art studio in quotes because that is what I call it, but it has become a gathering place for stuff. Usually artsy stuff, but the stuff was turning into clutter.
Recently I read a blog post co-written by Kari and Christina. They outlined five essential questions for cleaning out your classroom. They asked their readers to post before and after pictures to Twitter with the hashtag #ReImagineEd. While my classroom was packed away a few weeks ago, I decided to participate with my studio. It needed doing.
As I cleaned out the cabinets, I listened to podcasts. Podcasts make me feel smarter. I love listening to Penny Kittle talk about her experiences as a writing teacher. I also enjoy Krista Tippet with On Being.
In the clutter, I found a few treasures: old pictures, a bookmark made by my youngest daughter, and birthday cards. I saved some paintings I thought I could re-work. And I made piles: trash, classroom, and give-away.
A serious donut maker, my daughter in pre-K or Kindergarten.
There is something reflective and valuable in cleaning out. You see stuff in a different way. Is it useful? sentimental? creative? Does it bring me JOY?
Reflecting on the things we hold and store is cleansing, renewing, and relaxing. I can look up at the loft and see space for re-imagination.
Where in your life can you de-clutter and re-imagine? Join in the conversation with Kari Yates and Christina Nosek at #ReImagineEd.
Art studio Before
Art studio After
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Reflections on the Teche 
Nice job on the re-work of your space. It looks very inviting!
So true Margaret. I am once again moving at school. Leaving the classroom (again) and moving full time into an office. Piles are stacked everywhere. I am going to take your advice and listen to some good podcasts while I work. It always makes the work go faster.
Moving again? This was the first year in a while that I didn’t have to move. Enjoy your podcasts!
My desk at school is in a constant state of clutter. I get to the point where I stack it all up and go through it. It does give me a sense a cleansing, renewal, and yes even relaxation. If I feel so much better after doing it, why do I let it pile up????
Margaret, as your tweet with the title of this week’s post passed in front of my screen, I looked around my very messy desk. De-cluttering is my constant cry!. I will write a blog but it will be late.
Decluttering is an ongoing process at my house. Your post is sending me to the dining room table (currently covered with poetry files that I’m weeding) with podcasts in hand. Love the before and after pics.