2018 PACIFICA
Opinion: Why Is So Much of Life Spent Clearing Up?
As I sink into the familiar chaos of everyday existence—clothes strewn across the floor, dishes stacked high in the sink, and papers scattered across my desk—I'm struck by a vexing question: why is so much of life spent clearing up? From the seemingly endless cycle of tidying our living spaces to the emotional labor of resolving conflicts, “clearing up” seems to be an unavoidable, albeit often unappreciated, aspect of life.
The Nature of Clutter
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At its core, the act of clearing up embodies a universal principle: life, by its very nature, is messy. Whether it's the remnants of a dinner party, the complexities of relationships, or the turmoil of unexpected events, messiness is intrinsic to the human experience. As we navigate daily life, it's as if we are in a constant battle against this entropy, striving for order amidst disorder.
Clutter, whether physical or emotional, serves as a tangible reminder of our experiences, choices, and the passage of time. Each item left out of place tells a story—the new shoes we bought because they were on sale, the heartfelt note from a friend, or the empty coffee cups signaling countless late-night brainstorming sessions. While clearing up might feel tedious, it also provides an opportunity for reflection: a chance to acknowledge the moments that have led us here.
The Psychological Perspective
From a psychological standpoint, the need to clear up can also be linked to the human desire for control. In a world filled with uncertainties, organizing our surroundings can create a semblance of order. When the physical environment is tidy, it can foster a sense of peace and clarity in our minds. This is often why we feel a surge of motivation to tackle a cluttered space when life feels particularly overwhelming.
Moreover, the act of clearing up can be therapeutic. Cleaning can serve as a form of mindfulness, allowing us to focus on the present moment and offering a break from the incessant stream of thoughts that often clutter our minds. In essence, when we clear up, we aren’t just organizing our physical spaces; we are also cultivating mental clarity.
Clearing Up Relationships
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Beyond the physical messes, there’s the socially intricate mess of human relationships. Mending rifts, addressing misunderstandings, and navigating the complexities of our interactions can feel like an ongoing task of clearing up emotional debris. Miscommunications are common, and while they can be frustrating, they also present opportunities for growth and deeper connection. Engaging in the “clearing up” of our relationships often leads us to profound realizations and a richer understanding of ourselves and others.
Cultural Expectations
Culturally, many of us are conditioned to prioritize productivity and success, often overlooking the importance of clearing up. In societies where multitasking and efficiency are celebrated, the focus is frequently on advancing rather than pausing to tidy our inner and outer worlds. However, recognizing and embracing the need for clearing up can be a radical act of self-care. It invites us to slow down, reflect, and genuinely connect with our surroundings and the people in our lives.
# Embracing the Process
Ultimately, it might do us well to embrace the act of clearing up as an integral part of our journey rather than a mere nuisance. The next time you find yourself sorting through a disorganized room or navigating a complex emotional landscape, remember that these moments are not just chores to endure but essential touchpoints in the narrative of your life.
In acknowledging the role of clearing up, we can redefine its value—not as a burden to bear, but as a necessary process in cultivating clarity, order, and ultimately, peace. So, the next time you pick up that stray sock or have a heart-to-heart with a loved one, embrace it; you’re not just clearing up—you’re creating space for growth and new beginnings.

Whatever I turn my hand to, I leave behind a chaotic mess. If tidiness is next to godliness, there’s no hope for me
Gardening, I’ve realised, is easy. It’s clearing up afterwards that takes all the effort. This is true of many things, from cooking to relationships. Doing them is one thing; sorting the mess out afterwards is another.
Planting stuff is a doddle. Planting the right things in the right place is less straightforward. But both are easier than the clear-up. I’ve learned this the hard way, by working like an ox all day, only to leave the place looking as if a team of oxen has been driven through it. I had thought that pruning trees, fighting hedges, pulling up brambles and obsessively weeding counted as tidying. In this I was mistaken, because cutting, hacking and digging count as tidying only if you, well, tidy up after yourself. Leaving stricken branches and weeds where they lie creates more mess. Obvious really, but at some level I must have been thinking that all that browning vegetation would sort itself out by means of decay and decomposition. Or birds would take it away and build nests. Not so.
A gardener friend came round, had a look, said he could see how much work I had done, but inquired as to why I’d left it looking such a mess. This was a fair question, to which I had no answer. He pointed at the path through it, covered in weeds, discarded and growing. “If I were you,” he advised, sagely, “I’d get the path nice and clear and everything will go from there.” I did, and he was right. With the pathway clear, the rest of the garden looked a lot better. It feels as if there’s a maxim for life in there.
I blame myself for my chaos – ye gods, you should see the state of the kitchen when I’ve finished my culinary magic. But I also blame gardening and cookery programmes. Advice on tidying up, or even merely the importance of it, isn’t proffered; you rarely see the gardener with a broom or the chef with a cloth.
If tidiness is next to godliness, then I am doomed. I’m determined to change my ways before it’s too late. No longer do I venerate the topiarist; it’s the poor devil clearing up all the clippings I most admire. The Welsh are on to something when they use “tidy” to mean good or nice. Yes, that’s right. Tidy, in fact.
Winter clothes
Winter clothes
Winter clothes
Winter clothes
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