101 Ways to Move Forward After A Midlife Divorce

Tip #36. Pick a space and get rid of all the clutter in that area. Clean it from top to bottom if you have time. In the eye of a midlife divorce tornado, life is cluttered to put it mildly. Not just physically, but emotionally as well. Getting control of your physical surroundings gives you a sense of empowerment. Getting harmony in any part of your life is therapeutic. Psychologists say even something as simple as cleaning out your silverware drawer or your closet is uplifting. Depression happens most often when we feel as if we have no control (and a divorce can make you feel that way), so tidying up can give you a boost. As part of my daughter’s birthday present, I agreed to help her out however she needed me for one whole day. She has two little ones and she starts teaching high school English on Wednesday, so she asked me to help clean house. She (unlike me) is very organized and neat, but we spent all day wiping off fingerprints, reorganizing toy drawers or putting misplaced game pieces in the right spot and scrubbing everything from top to bottom in the bathrooms and kitchen. We were both hot and tired by dinnertime, but the house looked great and she felt more ready for the challenges of a new school year simply by having her house in order. Get even one of your rooms clutter free and get some control back. It's just the beginning. I'm starting right now with my desk!

The picture above is a favorite organizer of one of the editors of hgtv. Go online and check out some of the fun sites when you google "Get Organized." You'll get inspired as well. S