tranquil settings

Being around clutter gets me uncomfortable, and having to go through it can leave me very drained. It's why you could come into my space and find some pens and markers organised in a drawer. Being in order helps me find things quicker and also keeps my environment appealing—to me, at least.

It may seem negligible to some, but the environment can affect one's state of mind. I didn't quite realise much until I read in James Clear's book, Atomic Habits, how environment matters and motivation is overrated. All I knew prior was that I can become more productive when I have the notion of being in a clean and organised environment.

Back in the university, I would have this weighted feeling at the back of my head, knowing that my room's in disarray while I tried to study. I usually wouldn't last long, so I either leave for the library or spend the next hour putting things together, then the next three taking a long nap. So to prepare to study usually includes organising my room earlier on.

There's just this sense of fulfilment and peace when I look at something in order. It could be anything, really, but it's especially so in physical places. And that sometimes requires things to be minimal. So anything more than necessary—on my desk, on the floor, or in the wardrobe—I take out of sight. It's just easier to breathe that way.

If I could help, I would always be in large spaces. This claustrophia thing... And so when I am in small rooms or so, it just helps to keep everything minimal and reduce clutter.

"If you make something a habit, make it easy to access." I don't remember where the saying's from, but it helps with things like chores. For example, I like to put things in corners and on shelves. Having to move this and that every time will make me not even want to do any in the first place. Besides, it's much easier that way to walk around without bumping into things.

This minimalist tendency of simplifying my possessions and keeping them in order sometimes makes me let go of things. And that vexes my mom. And she—oh, Lord—she's a hoarder! One time, I abandoned my mattress on the day of graduation from my boarding school. I knew I'd never use it at home, and I also didn't want to carry that much luggage home. She still talks about it to this day. In my defence, it was infested with bed bugs anyway, so I did what I thought I had to do.

Also, she brags about how the things she's been keeping for centuries come in handy today. I agree that it's good to keep things, but I don't think you should keep EVERYTHING. Where are you going to keep yourself and the air to breathe? I'd rather keep the things that I really need regularly and just rent or buy the things I need in the future when the future arrives.

Anyway, decluttering and keeping my possessions minimal and organised somehow boost my mood and productivity. When my space is clear and in order, my mind feels clearer too. And it also looks nicer that way.