Don't Touch My Stuff!
A Case for Clutter
So imma sound like a terrible Buddhist, and at this point in Merkin history maybe even a terrible person, but I kind of like clutter. In fact, I feel like the only reason I used to dislike it was because I was taught to by other people (my parents) who dislike clutter.
I shall make my case, though not so much to persuade as to elucidate.
Okay for one thing, it’s more visually interesting. Take note of interesting and not aesthetically pleasing. I’m not making a case that it’s better looking, only that it stimulates my imagination more than a perfectly tidy, sterile-looking modern kind of deal. I’ve lived that way, too, and while it is nice to not have to worry about tripping over shit, and it’s easier to clean, it’s boring looking. To me. You can gas over it, if that’s your trip, mah babes. It’s whatever.
Another thing is I can find what I’m looking for easily. When shit is put away, well, it’s away, which means I have to go to wherever that is, retrieve it, bring it to where I’m working, and then use it. In my messy-ass way, I’ve got everything I need right here. And guess where it goes when I’m done? Nowhere! Stays right there. Cos I’ll need again soon, anyway.
Now, let me briefly interlude y’all with a side note: I’m not saying I never tidy up or that I keep every room in my house like this. I’m talking mostly about my study. My bedroom is pretty tidy, as is the living room and kitchen. Bathrooms are pretty organized, as is the dining room, but those rooms do require a bit more upkeep than the others. The den is so multi-purposed at this point, it just looks … odd. But it’s totally functional, so whatever.
Anyway, the reason I’m trucking this out in the first place is that I get in this groove of self-shaming about how messy my study is, and then a bit reactive to how tidiness obsessed our culture is. Like, chill. It’s one room in the house. It’s my room, and I can keep it how I like it. Doesn’t make me bad. And it doesn’t have to work for anyone else but me.
So that’s it. Less of a proper case, I suppose, than just a declaration of messiness. In, you know. One room.
How’s about you? Are you like the rest of the world and obsessed with tidiness? Or are you with your old pal Teresa? Lemme hear about it.
Xoxo,
T
