What are your broken windows?

In the spirit of April, I thought I would inspire some “spring cleaning”. Have you heard of the “broken windows theory”? This theory of policing holds that when a community tolerates minor examples of disorder and petty crime, such as broken windows, graffiti, or drinking in public, people are more likely to commit more serious crimes. As a law-enforcement theory, it’s controversial, but whether or not it’s true on a city-wide level, I think it’s true on a personal level.

My “broken windows” are the particular signs of disorder that make me feel out of control and overwhelmed.
Unsorted mail
Messy stacks of papers
Shoes in odd places
Cluttered counters
Dirty dishes scattered around the house
These are the big ones…. other “broken windows” are:
Eating food straight from the container
Indulging in trigger foods- GORP!
Not preparing the “menu” for the upcoming week
Not preparing my “movement” for the upcoming week
Piles of laundry
An unmade bed

Does fixing a broken window really matter? After all, in the context of a happy life, a pile of unsorted mail isn’t a big deal. In themselves, perhaps, these broken windows don’t matter much. But enforcing small signs of order makes us feel more in control–and happier.

What are your broken windows? Once you have identified them, it’s easier to be mindful of them.
Maybe a little love for the broken window will mitigate the burning house?
My best your best
Leah~ xoxo