Control Freak?? Me???

I have never thought of myself as a control freak, but I'm beginning to think that I am. I have probably said that I'm a control freak, but I didn't ever really, truly believe it until very recently. I know that I like things neat and organized, even though I am not a neat or terribly organized person. But I am getting better. I really prefer things neat and organized, and I find myself straightening and putting things away more frequently than ever before. It just makes doing things so much easier. But I did not realize how that really makes me a control freak. By having everything neat and organized, I'm in control of my environment. By being in control of my environment, I can control other things in my life. It really is a matter of no surprises. And I like that.

If I could show you how I was before, you would understand why this is so shocking to me. I NEVER planned ahead. I lived my life spontaneously. If someone came up with an idea, I was ready to go. I was game for anything at just about anytime. I never planned and I never considered the future. That is why this whole thing is a shock to me. A control freak? Me? But it is true, I am.

The real problem is, this is all new to me so I'm not very good at it. I'm trying to arrange things in such as way so that being neat, organized, and in control is easier than not. But it is hard. I have arranged my desk and computer room and managed to keep it neat and tidy all week. I love it. I started working on the kitchen yesterday and am doing good so far. The spare room was bugging me, but last night an answer presented itself, so I should have that under control next week. I'm excited. I want my house to be neat and organized, well, as neat and organized as possible with 3 big dogs. But I want a routine for keeping it this way. There is this thing called Flylady, who helps keep you organized. I've looked at it before, but never followed through because it felt too overwhelming. Now, it doesn't. I think I might try it again. Her thing is 15 minutes a day. I feel ready now to give it a go.

I've been called a lot of things in my life, but I never thought control freak would be one of them.