I’m not a normal person by any means.
I deal with things probably the complete opposite to what someone else dealing with the same problems would.
You see my life has been in chaos more times than it has not been in chaos it seems.
It’s been my coping mechanism growing up, dealing with my ex and that crazy religion and currently it’s back in full swing.
So how do I deal with chaos and what does this have to do with restyling bookshelves?
Stay with me…unless I’ve lost you already.
I try not to get too personal on my blog but sometimes I feel like bursting at the seams and it’s hard being vague. I’ll try.
Okay, chaos. When chaos happens in my life, the way I cope is to become a full-on organizing machine.
By chaos, I mean my life crumbling all around me.
Most people probably grab the wine first. Okay, I do that too but I grab my glass and start organizing.
I’ve been going through the most turbulent time right now in years and yet my house is the most organized it’s been since we moved in.
That long to do list? Totally tackled. Like within a week!
It makes me wonder what I’ve been doing all this time.
I mean, I’m a very organized person on any given day but when crap hits the fan, my energy and adrenaline are in all-systems-are-go mode!
All of a sudden, things are kicked up a notch. It’s like my survival mode.
Close friends have been asking how can I be keeping up with my blog at the moment?
My question to them is how can I not?
Do you want me to sit there all day and THINK about things? God no.
I need to move, work, do, file, paint, organize, plan, keep busy. My thinking is best when I’m not actually thinking on that thing.
So Friday night I restyled my bookshelves.
They were too busy for me. I needed symmetry in my life. I’ve been wanting to change them up for awhile but it seemed like a big job. Well not currently. A big job is just what I need.
I just moved things around. I put some of my beloved crocks on the bottom of each shelf as the foundation, magazine subscriptions at the top, and books and such in the middle. I also evened out the actual shelves. They were all askew on purpose before.
There. That looks better. Maybe I’ll start to feel better now.
Someone might call me crazy. Go ahead, call me crazy. I’m nothing but a hardworking, too-caring of a person that seems to take on DIY projects (people) that are just way too big of a problem to fix. And quite frankly, some projects are just not my problem.
See all living room posts:
Get My Living Room Look
Restyling Bookshelves & How to Cope with Chaos
Paint Your 80s Fireplace
Old Dresser Makeover
Creating A Cozy Home
Industrial Beachy French
DIY Faux Embroidery Lampshade
New French Mirror
Craigslist Couch
Living Room Source Guide
Living Room
Hi Jamie,
It’s wonderful that you are able to take all your negative energy and turn it into something positive. That is a skill that many people could benefit by. When life’s challenges seem a bit overwhelming, I find myself going on a major cleaning and organizing spree. Keeping busy doing other things really does help. BTW, your new shelf styling is gorgeous. Sending you good thoughts and prayers for less chaos and more peace.
Hugs,
Suzanne
Pieced Pastimes
Awww, thanks so much, Suzanne. It’s nice to find someone similar as me 😉
Big hugs, Jamie
I feel so bad for you, and yet I had to laugh when I read the part about most turbulent time in years/ most organized house in years. So me. When I am angry at my husband (because yes, I get angry at my husband…) I become a cleaning machine. Cleaning and organizing bring me calm. The perfectionist in me? Maybe that’s why I like Philippians 3:12. 😉
lol well we always have to laugh, right? I’m glad I’m not alone 😉
Hugs, Jamie
Jamie, despite all the chaos going on around you your shelves and home looks gorgeous. I also do projects to cope with chaos. Thinking of you, friend! x
Thank you so much, Danielle, that means a lot.
Hugs, Jamie
May The Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you .
May The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Thank you so much, Barbara.
Hugs, Jamie
Hey girl- I read your post from last year.(Your past) I just want you to know that I’m praying for you. Are currently in a bible believing church? Jesus is our answer to everything Jamie. I hope you know that now. He has always loved you and will always love you! By the way your bookshelves look really good!!
You’re so sweet, Shawnna. I don’t believe in an organized religion but do believe in God or a higher power. Thank you for your kind, kind words and all your comments. You’re such a lovely reader/friend.
Big hugs to you,
Jamie
LOVE knowing I have something in common with YOU. It makes me feel good, in a strange way. I, too, like to take my mind off life by doing things around the house. It keeps my mind, my hands and my heart busy. And when I am done, I honestly do feel better and it feels even better to look and see what I just accomplished at the same time. Our own special little therapy.
I know!! It’s so nice to ‘meet’ others like me. I always thought it was just me! It does feel good to accomplish something when life is crappy. Even if it is just cleaning the kitchen or bookshelves 😉
Big hugs, Patty
When life spins out of control, I grab what I can and ‘control’ it. Most often that is a closet or a drawer or a bookcase.
Hope you have a trusted local friend to help you understand where you are and why and then help you move forward.
Yes! So glad to ‘meet’ like-minded people, Barbara. I have a wonderful support system here, thank you for thinking of me.
Big hugs, Jamie
Wow your home looks awesome. I too clean and organize and purge when I am upset. I think it calms the chaos inside to have the outside organized. I drove my poor babies nuts when they were still at home, cleanest house in the neighborhood and with six kids. How did I do it? The rest of my life was nuts so my house had to be calm. I finally got rid of the crazy making husband (now ex) and life is better, and I can deal (for the most part) with a bit of disarray. Keep up the great blog, I love it and I also love meeting a kindred spirit.
Aww you’re so sweet. Thanks for your kind words, Vikki. It’s so nice to ‘meet’ similar people. It’s amazing how we cope with chaos and very productive, right? I also love meeting a kindred spirit 😉
Big hugs to you, Jamie
Wow – I just went back and read your other “personal” posts. It sounds so familiar!! I was also adopted and had a most unusual childhood. My parents were over the top bible believers. I was terrified all of the time if my Mom was late picking me up or if I lost her in a store – I thought for sure the “2nd coming” had happened and I was left behind because I wasn’t good enough. Not a fun way to grow up! As a result, I married young to the wrong person and pretty much did everything the hard way for the first part of my grown up life!!
I am sorry that you went through a similar situation – I know how much of a struggle it was for me. I am still a magnet for bad luck! It’s kind of unbelievable, but I am much better with handling the challenges that life throws at me now!
Hugs to you!!!
Sharon
Good people seem to run into bad lucky maybe because we’re too nice and looking for love in all the wrong places. Thank you for sharing.
Big hugs to you,
Jamie
I totally get it. When I’m upset I find that cleaning/purging/organizing is the best thing for me. It keeps the negative thoughts at bay and it truly does help. I’m sorry for whatever you are going through right now–stay strong 🙂 **hugs**
Thanks for your kind words, Angela!
Hugs, Jamie
I am sorry that you are going through tough times. I deal with chaos differently too. I just keep doing project after project and eat chocolate cake after chocolate cake. Thinking of you and sending positive thoughts, Jamie.
Awww, thanks so much, Victoria. Chocolate cake sounds like a wonderful way to cope 😉
Hugs, Jamie
Praying friend!! You & your home are so beautiful. Hugs! xx
Thanks so much, Liz
Hugs, Jamie
I miss you. I love you. It will all be ok eventually.
Love you, too, Jenna xo
Thinking of you, Jamie! Channel that energy and frustration into whatever helps you! Your home is a beautiful reflection of your love, attention and style! My coping mechanism is carbs and chocolate… I should probably work on that…
Aww, thanks Emily. You’re so sweet. I love chocolate too 😉
Hugs, Jamie
I’m the same way. I tend to deal with my stress by cleaning and organizing. So if my house is in order, you know something is going on or wrong in my life. Currently I have organized almost every closet in my house, pantry, and cabinet. I’ve painted my bathroom cabinets and framed the mirror. I’ve been in my house for 11 years. So yeah, you can say stress is happening.
So all I can say is that dealing with it the way we do is much better than holding it in or doing something reckless. Lean on people and family you trust and you will get threw it. In the meantime, your house will look awesome!
You’re so right, Kim. Thank you for your kind words and support.
Big hugs to you too,
Jamie
You and I have more in common than just our names 🙂 I also developed a need for cleaning and neatness as a way to cope with tragedy and turmoil early in life. There is something about creating order that brings a little peace in times of stress and grief. I’ve been seeing that you’re going through something, and while I don’t know what that is, please know that I’m thinking about you and sending good thoughts your way.
Oh you’re so sweet, Jamie. It’s wonderful to have such wonderful support around me.
Big hugs,
Jamie
The bookcases look wonderful 🙂 I purge things when I feel life getting out of control. It’s a coping strategy for me to control something I can control. After the past few years, I’m on the verge of becoming a minimalist since I’ve given most away to charity! I also went back and read all your posts. You are one brave and strong woman and should be so proud of yourself!
Aww, thanks Debbie. I agree about the clutter. I’m beginning to feel the same way about minimalism. Thank you for your kind words.
Hugs, Jamie
I love that you turn to something non-destructive during difficult times. And your home looks gorgeous by the way. Love you girl!
Thanks darling 😉
Hugs, Jamie
Great post Jamie! I love that you have an outlet and a healthy way to channel positivity with so much negativity around you. And of course your shelves look great! You inspire myself and others through posts like these. I really like getting to know your personal side on here. We are all human and are all susceptible to “life”. It’s what we do with our “bookshelves” that defines us, not the chaos around us.
Thank you for your kind words & support, April!
Big hugs, Jamie
I have never left a comment on any of the blogs I follow (there are several!), but felt compelled to do so. Please know I am praying for you. When you are at your lowest please remember the joy you bring to me, a person you don’t even know! I am always so inspired by people who realIze they can do better for themselves!
Thank you so much for your comment, Jennifer. I’m so glad you felt compelled to do so because your words meant so much to me. Thank you!
Big hugs, Jamie
Oh girl, I think it is actually a normal and healthy way to be- and it makes sense. You are organizing and controlling and fixing the things around you that you CAN control- It helps to do that when some things are just out of your hands {and out of your control}. I totally get that… I am thinking of you and praying for you.
Thank you so much, friend! It’s so productive and yes, it’s something I can control. It feels like I’m accomplishing something 😉
Big hugs, Jamie
I can totally relate to this. I always get more done when times seem to be rough! Lots of prayers for you! : ) and your bookshelves are GORG! : )
Thank you so much, Ashley. You’re so sweet!!
Hugs, Jamie
I’ve been thinking of you Jaime! When I’m stressed I cook and do laundry, clean and organize…..I think it’s us trying to create order out of disorder around us that makes us do that!! Big hugs!! Heather
Yes, it’s so true. Thanks so much for your thoughts of me, Heather.
Big hugs, Jamie
Hi Jamie,
First of all, your smiling face in your blog shows someone filled with light, and your blog is a very special place to come to, so I for one am glad that you continue to find strength of character to choose a positive alternative of blogging over curling up on the couch and just giving in. Secondly, I would bet money that each of those items on the shelves were chosen with care, and that each has a story behind them. And probably a better story than the one with all the chaos you are dealing with. So good for you for showing us those shelves and sharing this. Everyone has a story, sad places and happy. It’s good for other women to hear of struggles sometimes, it makes some of us feel less alone. It takes courage to lay claim to the struggles, I appreciate reading about it. xx Nancy
Awww, Nancy. I’ve read your comment over and over again. You’re so kind. Thank you so much for your support. I’m so glad I shared.
Big hugs, Jamie
Pretty sure I have just swooned over every photo… I love your vintage crocks! And you know what… Have that glass of wine… or two! I like to watch/listen to Fraiser while I do stuff.
ps. Two Jehovah’s Witnesses came to my door the other night; I was kinda a jerk, spoke Polish to them and pretended I didn’t understand English (whist holding my wine). They proceeded to hand me French pamphlets and ask: “Parlez-vous français?” oops!
Aww, thanks so much, Alex. haha that’s too funny about the JWs. Yep, give them a hard time!
Hugs, Jamie
Just found your blog through another blogs link. I was wondering if your bookshelves are custom or did you create them by putting bookshelves on top of cabinets and then framing them in with molding. I’m trying to get some ideas for my own home. I’ve priced custom cabinets for around my fireplace and they are so expensive. Thank you for your response and help. I have enjoyed seeing the pictures from your home. You are a very talented decorator!
Hi Laura, so glad you’re here! The bookshelves were custom. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful.
Hugs, Jamie