The Idea

I was on my way to college. On my way, with my older sister. Yup. The Dynamic Duo was taking on the collegiate setting together. Living in one room, in a place unknown. My, every so wise, Mom was worried.

Why, you might ask? I recall asking a similar question myself. What could be better then double the closet space!?!?! My mother pointed out what proved to be a very obvious fact. My living habits were no where near as neat and tidy as my aforementioned sisters'.

My good mother encouraged me to read a brief article about "Two Minutes Time." An article I have long since misplaced, but whose message, it seemed, rings very true.

The article expressed the idea that many people were upset and disgruntled about problems that could, in reality, be solved in a matter of two minutes time. Specifically, focusing two minutes to clean, put away, or deal with an issue that we often times avoid.

One example I distinctly recall the article mentioning: coming home from work/shopping/vacation. Often times, the author explained, we come home, and drop everything at the door as soon as we walk in. We just want to relax after a long day! However, in doing so, we have created a mess for our, parents, husbands, roommates, siblings, and guests to walk in on. When someone, other then yourself, walks through the door way, they are met with a pile of bags, containers, or clutter! They've come home in hopes of reaching the same sense of peace and relaxation, to be met with another mess to clean. In addition, they see the person responsible for the "mess" sitting calmly by, not addressing the issue at all.

The article went on to point out that many relationships hit rocky soil over simple things like clutter. The point was that most of the time, these things only take only a few minutes to solve. Simply taking the time to hang up your own coat can eliminate some of the added stress in your life.

So, as I went to college, I practiced the habit. Okay. So maybe I went a little overboard. My later roommates would contest that I was the "Clean Nazi." Maybe I went a little overboard. Post graduation however, saw a regression of the habit. Not that I'm a disgusting slob. No. However, I no longer had a tight schedule to keep, so the idea that I could "do it later" began to form.

Is it horrible to relax? No! Actually, I plan to take every Saturday off! The objective and purpose will remain the same for the next three months:


Each day I will set aside two minutes to specifically help decrease my stress level by doing something that will help benefit myself, and those around me.

I'm choosing three months because, well, I've never done this before. Secondly, I know myself. Setting year long goals is really quite pointless with this kid. So if you would like to join the adventure, please feel free to do so. Even if it is just for one week! That's okay! It's a start in the right direction!

Let me know how you are doing!

All the best,

Pattertwig