The Case for Organised Chaos

My family home throughout the years has always been a very functional example of organised chaos. We are not hoarders but we do collect "nice things", striving towards maximalism more than minimalism. All those things are nicely spread out. We might not know precisely where something is, but we know of its existence among our belongings.

Things changed slightly once I moved out and went to university in Lille. I moved into a freshly renovated apartment with a white and grey aesthetic. Very minimalistic. I was not trying to be minimal, but I did want to be organised. During my two years there, I would like to believe that I achieved that. It was clinical order. Everything has a designated place.

Then I moved again. This time into the barracks of Tapa. There was a slight transition from living alone to living with 12 people in a smaller room than I had for myself. Here my "cleanliness-freak" really shone out compared to some. The standards of the army are what I would classify as absurd order. Most things do make sense – making the bed, cleaning daily, strict eating times.

That being said, the strictness is exhausting. Yes, there is a case to be made about discipline, but this discipline does not translate into the civil world. It is an extrinsic motivation. The motivation to do things is to avoid being reprimanded. I digress – the level of order demanded from us is, in my eyes, unnecessary to be a functional human being who gets things done.

Daily, I have a roommate who shows me how organised chaos just works. I would go as far as to argue, that it is better for your mental health. This man lives without a worry in the world (or as close as one can be to it). That is why, upon my return to Lille, I will mindfully try to work towards organised chaos. The point is to make things make sense organically, without forcing too much. All this whilst keeping a clean home. The clinical approach works as well, but is more stressful in my eyes.

What are your thoughts – minimalism or maximalism? What about order or organised chaos?

This Week's Suggestions:

🎶 “Tell Me What It’s Like?“ by Nia Archives:

This is a beauty I found recently! Nia Archives has gained a lot of attention in recent times. For good reason, she makes good music and is good behind the decks! This song is good for many reasons, the lead melody is lovely, the vocals are great and then the drums just bring it all together perfectly. Check it out!

Till next time:)