If you ask my parents who was the tidiest of the two sisters, without a doubt, they would say me. From as far back as I remember, I’ve liked things to have an order, a home, a system. Everything has a home and all things should be appealing and pleasing to look at. This is probably mostly (okay, it IS) due to the fact that I have OCD (truly diagnosed, not just self diagnosed). I am medicated for it and I’ve also had these tendencies for as long as I remember. At one point as a child I wouldn’t touch things in restaurants for fear of getting diseases. I used to brush my teeth for exactly two minutes, any less and it would be like I had stepped on a crack and broke my mother’s back (you know you believed it too). I have always eaten one thing at a time. Always. I never venture around the plate. All towels and washcloths and clothing must have the rounded fold side out. It just looks better. My morning routine is exact. Down to the minute. Coffee pot is turned on at 6:15 a.m. and the first sip happens in my car at 6:55. I know this because I also look at clocks constantly. While some of these things have gotten better over the years, some have escalated. Some I don’t like to discuss because they make me sad. They make me feel weak. And then there are some that just simply cannot be hidden and have escalated through the years....like organization.
It’s exhausting being me. People brag on my tidying skills, how organized I am, how I have such a put together home that doesn’t look lived in. Do you realize how difficult that is? Why would any mother in her dirty 30’s knowingly try to make a home look not lived in when she has a 7 year old and a 2 year old and a Daddy shark too? It’s impossible. BUT I still try to make it happen. Day in and day out. It’s like a hamster wheel that cannot be gotten out of. Today I rearranged and organized every cabinet in our kitchen. I cleaned a pop tart off the couch that someone snuck by me. And PS if you’ve never had to clean a s’mores poptart off of a cloth couch, one that a toddler butt has sat on for thirty minutes, kudos to you my friend....because it sucks. Still feeling a little traumatized (and sticky) over that one. Most days tidying is all I think about. I can spot something out of place quicker than a toddler can find a Mama hiding out in a closet eating candy. It’s just who I am. Tidy Eye for the Messy Guy.
Up until recently I’ve been embarrassed about it. It’s been the source of many meltdowns, many arguments with my husband and kids (why for the love of all that is holy, why must husbands stuff their dirty socks in cushions and is it truly necessary for children to keep every sliver of trash for some “art” they are making. Picasso don’t live here honey, but Marie Kondo’s biggest fan does!) missed opportunities because I need to “tidy” and avoidance of situations because of the fear of feeling the need to tidy up someone else’s mess. My family calls me “crazy” and have deemed me an oxymoron. Who else needs everything tidy, neat, and clean but also brags about how long they can go without washing their hair (I’m on day 11 and I have no shame in my hair game. With all this tidying, Mama ain’t got time for washing and drying). I know. I’m a freak of nature.
And all of that banter brings us here. In It’s Place. A business truly born overnight. Yes, my brain even tidies up and organizes in it’s sleep!
After much prayer the last several months, my husband, accepted a job offer Tuesday. It’s a complete career change for him and one he has wanted for quite some time. I couldn’t be happier for him. I see the relief it’s brought to his heart and mind. The career change and ability for him to also go back to school, presented an issue of finding a way to earn a little extra income. I began praying about this when we found out about the possibility of this career change, but more fervently after he accepted. Oddly enough, God has woke me up super early every morning this week, almost as if to pluck me from bed and make certain I spend more time than normal with him, praying for these things our family stands in need of. This morning was no different in that aspect but different in that he spoke very clearly to me about starting a business. Instead of making my preferences for organization a pitfall or debilitation, why not use it to help others? To serve those who need help in that area. And just like that, the ball rolled forward and is now In It’s Place.
The adversary has been at work too. All of this comes the same week that Nolan started daycare (mic drop when that check was written again for first time in two years), my van had to have two tires, and the washer lost its spin. Almost as if to say, you cannot do this. You won’t make it. But, I choose to believe that the Lord keeps his promises. He knows what’s best for us. I told William this evening that he’s just making sure all this big stuff is taken care of before the job change! Just today, I’ve felt an overwhelming peace. I have 5 sessions booked already with clients and have talked to many more today. I know this is going to be a chance to do something to benefit my family and serve the Lord simultaneously.
This isnt something I’m doing blindly. I’ve helped my family and friends for years to organize and tidy up their spaces. And hopefully they can attest to my skill and passion for this.
My hope is is that I can help you get your spaces together, looking like you have always envisioned, and more than that, I hope I can show you and teach how to tidy up your home for years to come, without having to hire an OCD organizer!
-Courtney Bauguess