Where many people use the old adage," Cleanliness is next to Godliness," I also add "It keeps the cobwebs from your mind." My mother was one to teach us that "the state of your mind, yes does, mimic your surroundings." It indeed is true. I have seen some very filthy houses over the years, and in knowing the people, I must say nothing could be truer said.

These people that have kept dirty house have been family as well as friends. I am not judgement al yet have also known their stat eof mind. Some have suffered manic depression, others have been bi polar. I am not out to insult anyone. Yet many have been far too ill with their personal problems, to see the actual state of their homes. Thus, they are medically oblivious to it. Unfortunately when one is feeling as such, so many things are abandoned. Such as the housework and even their own personal hygiene.

We then see a mountain of washing; dishes stacked a mile high, unmade beds and general litter around a house. Yet we also see the person often sitting looking vacant. Staring at something we do not see. Thus neglect certainly breeds ill health in many ways. With cluttered surroundings, we also go to having cluttered thoughts quite often.
Thus, if we pay attention to our homes, chances are we will pay attention to our frame of mind as well. Leaving the housework only makes us more depressed as it piles up. Once the washing becomes a mountain instead of a molehill, we again are burdened with more depression. It seems as if everything is all uphill. We begin to experience self loathing. Anger at our laziness yet it gets out of hand. We feel worthless incapable of the simplest of chores, thus we need to whip ourselves into action.
We become embarrassed if we have unplanned visitors. We sit and squirm while they are visiting. Yet because we feel so despondent after they leave we do nothing but wallow in self hatred. It doesn't make for getting anything done.
Having a clean house assures us that not everything is falling apart at the seams. It shows us that we ARE capable people. That we can, indeed do a good job at anything if we apply ourselves. It surely lets us know that not all is falling to wrack and ruin. Even if our lives are somewhat depressing. Having a dirty house is an eyesore. It brings about anger when we consistently have it stare us in the face. Yet to have a clean house brings its own soothing serenity.
I found that when I suffered depression I was the opposite. I frequently went on cleaning binges until friends thought, and said that I suffered from a compulsive cleaning disorder. Yet to me it felt as if I was ridding myself of all the trash within my life. It was like a spring clean to the mind. The comments from friends were always, "She keeps a spotless home. Her children must be proud!" It certainly gave me confidence to know I was indeed at least a good homemaker. At that particular stage in my life I needed something positive. I felt that I was at least in control of some aspect of my life.

Learn more about this author, Shenni Bubb.
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