How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing

Davis discusses the concept of self-affirmations and her ambivalence towards them. She shares her experience from drug rehab, where traditional self-affirmations felt ineffective and insincere. However, Davis found solace in a single affirmation: “I am allowed to be human” (86). This simple statement acknowledges that humans are inherently worthy despite being imperfect and fallible.

Davis emphasizes that accepting one’s humanity and inherent worthiness, even when making mistakes, is crucial. She encourages readers to embrace the possibility that they are deserving of kindness, love, and forgiveness, reinforcing that self-compassion is key to personal growth and functioning.

Davis emphasizes the importance of letting go of perfectionism in favor of functional and manageable routines. She shares her personal strategy of focusing on key areas, like keeping her kitchen clean, while allowing less critical spaces, such as her hallway or bathroom, to remain untidy.

Davis argues that aiming for “good enough” rather than perfection in care tasks can lead to a more balanced and joyful life. She challenges the conventional belief that everything must be done perfectly, advocating for “adaptive imperfection” and functional spaces that meet individual needs. Davis encourages readers to prioritize tasks that truly matter and to feel validated in doing the bare minimum when necessary, reinforcing that “good enough is perfect” (89).