In a world where it can be so easy to get caught up in that crazy and mostly unrealistic idea of picture perfect homes that look ah-ma-zing all of the time, it doesn’t seem like there’s ever a space for mess, or the joy and the memories that can come from making a good, fun mess. There are just so many wonderful things that can never be done if you shy away from it.
Whilst we don’t necessarily want to live a life of chaos, where we are over-run by things that we step over or where there is no room to breathe, mess can be a wonderful thing when you’re making something or doing an activity that means something to you. There is nothing quite like the joy that can come from covering the table in old newspaper and crafting with glue or paints. Even if you don’t have little ones around to do this with, it can be so much fun to allow yourself to get your craft on and just make something for fun.
Baking and cooking are another activity (and a part of daily life) that just can’t be done with out making at least a little bit of mess. Turn your favourite music on, get your recipe ready and rock out whilst making the dinner, or get the kids involved and make it a day to remember. It’s the times I made things with my family when I was growing up, that I remember the most. It’s learning to use the sewing machine on a rainy day and being allowed to play with glitter on the kids table outside, that sticks with me all those years later.
Perfect is just so overrated when it comes at the expense of laughter and fun. You don’t have to do something that makes you squirm, but maybe a day of colouring outside the lines and baking a cake just for the hell of it, is just what you need. Sit on the floor and build that lego tower or make something that can go on the wall. Don’t worry so much about your age or skill level and just think of the fun you will have giving something new a go.
I’m not a big believer in things being perfect all the time, or in 100% compliance (never being allowed stray from your decisions). I think that if you want to do something for the fun of it, or eat something that’s just a treat, and it makes you happy, then why on earth not?! Life should be fun and not just rules. Because let’s face it, rules can get SO boring! ;)
If you’re really worried about the mess, think of what you can do to minimise it before you start: put some old newspaper down over the table before starting any crafting and then you can just fold it up and through the mess out once you’re done. Pick something to cook that doesn’t use a lot of utensils or bowls, so there is less to wash. Paint in the back yard, in old clothes you don’t care about anymore, and then it doesn’t matter where the paint goes. Put the toys on a mat that can be picked up and tipped back into the toy box (this one may be easier said than done, depending on your kiddos co-operation).
Try it on a day where you’re feeling lighthearted and are ready to take a chance or two. I wouldn’t recommend it on a day where it would just make you feel like you’re tied in knots. Be kind to yourself and remember that mess can help to make memories that are talked about for years to come and whilst things may not turn out perfectly, the fun and the laughter that come with imperfections can be so much better. Sometimes it’s the craft (or baking) failures that become the funniest anecdotes and memories that you make.
How do you feel about making a mess to make fun memories? What’s your favourite messy activity? I’d love to hear!