Make A Mess Of Things

Sometimes it’s necessary. Sometimes it can even be vital. I like routine like the rest of them, but sometimes you just have to make a mess of things! Sometimes you just have to see how you fare. A sort of self imposed stress test to measure how much you can handle.

I will be the first to admit that I can be a bit of a perfectionist before someone comes over (if you live with me insert eye roll here). Ok, maybe I can get obsessive about how I want the house to look, smell, and generally feel when someone walks into my home.

So, just for fun I had an impromptu get together. This is not new to me as I have done this many times. However, this time I had no food in the house, the house was upside down, I had to go grocery shopping, and I was still in my pajamas when I decided to have a dozen people over. I gave myself a three hour window. Maybe some of you professional party planners could pull this off. I—on the other hand—was sort of laughing at the absurdity.

I kept telling myself to just leave the house as is and worry about food and grocery shopping. Well in the end it all got done. I looked presentable and so did my home. I was in the middle of filling two grocery carts with food when my sister called me—with 30 minutes left before my setting up time was up. She casually asked what I was doing and I told her I was grocery shopping for a get together. She asked when it was and I told her I had less than half an hour before they arrived at my home. She panicked! “Oh my, that’s unlike you. You are cutting it close. Get your ass home!” Yes, I was cutting it close, and yes it was unlike me—but I purposely shook things up!

My pre-social anxiety has been flaring up again so I rocked my own world to help me get out of my own head. So how did I fare? The results were shocking, even by my standards.

I did not have time to feel anxious or become obsessive over having every strand of the fringe of the carpet just right. I did not have time to think, period! I just had to get it all ready. Maybe for some this is a silly test, however it showed me that whether I obsess or not the results are the same. It all went well and we had a great time!

I made a mess of my own routine and I was just fine. I did not have to reach for my anti-anxiety medication that I sometimes take before parties (surprising for some I know). I was proud of my secret test because I passed—also because I was the only one who would know whether I failed or not (perfect scenario!).

So, sometimes you just have to do it. Sometimes you just have to make a conscientious mess of things to push past your comfort zone. Sure, it’s scary but the results are oh so rewarding, and not nearly as messy as you might think.