The holidays are coming and so is fussy Aunt Mildred and the house is a mess. But why can’t I get motivated to clean? All the nontoxic cleaning formulas in the world won’t do us any good unless we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and get down to it–and sometimes that just isn’t on the inspirational radar screen.

Like most of you, Annie and Cait (and the author of this book) have lots of excuses why they can’t clean, at least not just this minute. We’ll share some of them with you, and, better yet, we’ll tell you what gets us inspired to clean!

The Excuses That Keep Us from Cleaning (Do any of these sound like you?)

First I have to _______________(fill in the blank).

I need energy to do it and I just don’t have enough right now.

I won’t be able to maintain it so why bother?

I am not in the frame of mind to sort though the piles.

The total job is overwhelming. Just thinking about it makes me tired.

I did it before and it didn’t help.

I have no clue where to begin.

Cleaning takes me into the past because the decorations all have stories.

I would rather read a book or watch TV.

I only have an hour, so forget it.

I’m not dressed for the job.

There is so much to do I am paralyzed.

My allergies are aggravated by the stirring up of dust.

Inspirations to Clean - Try these on for size:

I’ll just tackle it for fifteen minutes and see how far I can get.

I’ll decide on one chore a week and do it.

I can start with a job that gets direct results.

Chipping away at the clutter will make me feel satisfied.

As soon as I’m finished I will treat myself to something special (the “golden carrot” approach!).

I can make a list of chores and cross off what’s done. That way I’ll really see my progress.

I will add my favorite essential oil to my cleaning formulas so it smells nice while I clean.

I could talk to a friend on the phone while I clean. That way I won’t really notice what a chore it is! And we’ll have fun.