Messy Monday -> Makeover Monday: Clean, Therefore I Am (Tired)

I Clean, Therefore I Am (Tired)

There’s a special kind of exhaustion that comes with being the designated cleaner in a house full of eight people—six of them kids who apparently believe messes are a form of self-expression. It’s not just physical tiredness (though that’s there, too). It’s the mental, emotional, “why do I even bother?” kind of tired that sneaks up on you at 3 PM when someone spills an entire glass of milk on the floor right after you mopped.

Cleaning in our house is like running a marathon every single day. I vacuum, I fold laundry, I wipe counters, I organize cabinets… and then—just when I think I’m done—someone dumps a pile of school papers, socks, and art projects on the dining table. And I think, “Yes, I did this yesterday. Why is it back?”

It’s a cycle I can’t seem to escape. My kids are helpful (sometimes), my husband is amazing, but when it comes to a truly spotless house? It falls on me. And you know what? I’ve learned to accept it. I can’t control everything, but I can control how I approach it. Sometimes that means letting a pile sit for a day, or several days. Sometimes it means focusing on just one area that will actually make me feel some sense of peace.

The truth is, being the clean freak in a messy house is exhausting—but it’s also oddly satisfying. There’s joy in clearing a countertop, folding a basket of laundry, or finally finding the end of the tape roll you’ve been looking for all week. It may not be perfect, and it may not last five minutes, but it’s mine—and sometimes, that’s enough.

✨ Quick Clean Tip:

Set mini cleaning goals for yourself. Instead of tackling the entire house, pick one spot—a counter, a corner, or a single shelf—and make it shine. Even 10-15 minutes of focused cleaning can give you a sense of accomplishment and calm without leaving you completely wiped out. And hey, those little wins sometimes add up faster than the mess multiplies.