Hi All,

I have been a bit up and down lately almost feeling like I was living some one else's life. Hard to explain but we have never moved house since the kids were born and I hoard lots of things etc. I think I am getting used to the fact that they are all grown up and no longer need to keep everything. I think it's termed empty nest syndrome I have to let go of the past and move on, easier said than done though. Don't get me wrong I have given ever so much to needy causes and to friends with kids younger than mine. But my house is so cluttered with stuff I was keeping, But not any more I am bagging loads for charity and it's going today. I didn't work when my kids were young, I think that's what makes it harder to let go.

I have been re organising all my drawers, cupboards etc. They are all sorted now and in a good order. It's like a mind set and I am trying very hard to change things. I feel I have already made a big difference, once downstairs is done we shall tackle our attic. I am still getting used to my daughter being abroad, but as I remind myself I get lots of holidays in Norway and have been all over the place. Next year we plan to do a trip me, my husband and youngest and her friend too. We plan to go up the far North and do a trip to the Lofoten Islands and and a cruise toward the Arctic Circle. Apparently the Northern Lights at that time of year are amazing.

There is nothing like psycho analysing yourself to get motivated. I already plan to go back to college next year and train to become a Nursery Nurse so I will have bigger options in the job front.

I just stopped for a coffee and decided to share with my friends my thoughts.

Thanks for reading

Lorna xx

hi Lorna,

good luck with the clearing out ... we made that decision a few years back now to go minimal and have to say i love it.

it makes cleaning the house easier and i can't seem to function with clutter around me.

it is a big step knowing what to throw out or give to charity but i thought to myself that i've never been up in the loft and never likely too so what's gone i won't know about .. lol,

although of course we discussed certain things like my Daughters Christening dress which i have in a box with tissue and photo's etc. but old ornaments have all gone and lamps etc. that you think you will see again but won't as your taste's change.

nice that you are planning ahead with holidays and a new career.

our next little break away is in April then summer hols in August.

you've sent the snow our way today we are completely snowed in here !!

don't over-do things as you are doing so well,

take care

Suzanne x

Hi Lorna,

Its great having a clear out, my mum and dad are both retired and have taken to doing boot sales to earn a little extra for luxeries (when the weather is ok) so I just pass it on to them.

If you are going to retrain as a nursery nurse you will have so many options open to you, schools, special schools, nurseries, playgroups and youth clubs, I'm sure the list is endless, great idea.

Take care

Anne x

Thanks Lorna,

You gave me an incentive to get going, had a great clear out and now have six bin liners full to give to my mum and dad for their next boot sale.

Anne x

Hi Lorna

I had a clear out a while ago and felt much better for it. Unfortunately, things are starting to pile up again!! Our loft is particuarly bad so this is on our hit list. I must admit, I'm quite a hoarder and hate to let things go, but I reallly need to be realistic!!

Hope you had a good Christmas

Maria