Cutting my news consumption has been wonderful. I've got more time than ever, and I'm finally getting stuff done around that house that has been waiting for years.
I'm also avoiding the daily outrage of people expressing outrage over today's outrage.
It's outrageous, don't you know.
But this year I'm not feeling that, but instead the quiet satisfaction of solving long-running issues with closet space, furniture arrangements and so on. When we moved into our current house, we had a lot more space, so we got very sloppy with it. Things aren't particularly crowded, but we have stuff we don't need and space that we could be using better.
So that's what I'm doing. Jordan Peterson talks about "cleaning your room," and this week, that's what I'm doing. Going through long-forgotten clothes or other items is a useful and necessary experience. I'm letting go of a lot of things – both physically and emotionally.
Doing this during Lent is particularly appropriate since it is yielding useful items that I can donate to others who need them more.
If things have you stressed, I suggest you turn off the screens and do the same. It's awkward at first, but once you start making progress, you'll feel a lot better. It's not just the having something to do or knowing you are taking care of a project, there is a practical benefit as well: you can find things!
That's what I'm enjoying most of all – the extra space, and convenience. Jumbled drawers are now sorted and clutter that I've tripped over for years is either gone or put away.
If you think about it, not stubbing your toe is a lot more consequential that the latest Twitter outrage. Focus on the little things you can fix rather than the big things that are beyond your control.
Chateau Lloyd 
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