This has been my mantra for so long, I don’t even remember when I first came up with the idea.
One thing is true though: my attempts to keep my life simple (or simpler) are complicated by the fact that I live with a growing family in a small, urban bungalow. Some of these family members are packrats and/or shoppers and/or attached to things for reasons that elude me and this has been a main source of my deteriorating mental health (and sanity) since the day we stepped into this house. Which, ironically, was before the kids arrived, but after the death of a parent and an unhealthy attachment to things like furniture which was neither practical nor fit into this, my (our) small house.
And then came the hobbies…so many shopping opportunities for (his) hobbies…
Kids of course came with stuff too and much of it has been removed as they outgrew it but some things prevail, namely stuffed animals and Lego. π¬ And then the girl started her hobbies which has kept the crafting industry humming along…π₯΄
I was (still am) drowning in stuff and constantly overwhelmed.
“Before you shop for something new, get rid of something old,” has fallen on deaf ears around here for years which is ironic because I’m the only family member who has an actual hearing problem. π
However, instead of actioning things, I let myself get depressed, overwhelmed and yes, rage-y at times. (If you’ve read here a while you know this about me. Sorry not sorry.)
Anyway, this morning, as I’m wiling away in bed avoiding yet another lockdown/stay at home day, I came across a couple of books on the topic of downsizing and decluttering.
And they gave me an idea.
This idea, which is now conceived, will be birthed, under duress if necessary, this coming new year. Come hell or high water. π
And, to hold myself accountable, I’m going to write about it. π
But first, coffee. βββ
While I ponder things, I may pick myself up and leave this house for a while. I’m thinking, a drive might be nice. By myself, in the newer, not older car, with the music blaring. Heading north, probably, since west and east aren’t appealing today what with the Christmas shopping frenzy going on in neighbouring non-locked down districts.
I need to clear my head. π
I’m still purging occasionally. My husband is like throw everything out, but I have noticed the HE doesn’t throw anything out and does not help me when I’m doing it. LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha. Classic. π€
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perhaps it is more than just stuff that one needs to lose. Attitudes, habits, ways of living. I would like to go off grid.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You make a good point!! Thank you for this, a very apt reminder. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Iβve been feeling exactly the same way. I definitely need to start small
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. One drawer, one shelf…π
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel you on this. Sometimes I get so overwhelmed with all of the stuff in our house I just want to scream! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ya…π₯΄
LikeLiked by 1 person
I start purging like crazy…. it feels so good! After I while, I start keeping one thing here another there. Soon I have a pile of stuff “i’m keeping”. Now I know that is when I have to stop, and take a day or two before I start again with throwing everything out… weird.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll be tuning as much as I can…I try to part with things…I’m good for about five minutes of tossing before I start talking myself into to keeping or just lose interest as I have so many other things to being doing. Looking forward to your “progress reports” π
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for saying that. Maybe we can motivate each other…π
LikeLike
That will be great. I’ll update you on my progress as you post about yours π
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am sending you so much encouraging love for this endeavor!
Perhaps start small and get some good “I did it” moments of accomplishment under your belt to keep you enthused and motivated to tackle bigger projects! β€
LikeLiked by 1 person
I so need to do this. Like,the family’s drawers in the bedrooms (mine are up to date) instead of the entire attic…baby steps. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly! A thousand tiny wins! xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is what I say when I have my hair cut. Less is more and why I chose not to say anything when she finished my balayage. Less is more. I won’t go back to the same hairdresser but I left with good Christmas spirit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will need to google balayage to find out what this means. It’s hard to find a good hair dresser. I found one maybe 6 or 7 years ago and luckily she is still here in my ‘hood and still hairdressing. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, it is the latest. I feel trendy but a bit off.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just saw it on google. I understand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You go, girl! I got inspired and just gathered up 4 small bags of stuff for Goodwill, and grabbed some things I have been meaning to return. Add in 2 bags of garbage, another for recycling. I have been decluttering all morning and it feels FABULOUS!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well you inspire me to start RIGHT NOW! π
LikeLike
Long drives and good music are always a great way for me to clear my head. Hope the same works for you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are a person after my own heart. I detest clutter and make a clean sweep every six months or so. Thankfully my daughter has kind of the same mindset or I would go crazy. A very important philosophy is before bringing in something new, get rid of old thing it is replacing. Also donβt collect plastic containers πππ
I look forward to your upcoming posts. Sending you hugs and lots of love β€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈπ€π€π€π€
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes those plastic containers…ugh! lol
Thank you for reading and commenting. β€
LikeLiked by 1 person
Less is more is a concept my husband can not comprehend. Sigh.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am intimately aware of your situation right across the wifi… π
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, have I mentioned it before?
π
LikeLiked by 1 person
lol
LikeLike
Love your style of writing π
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh? Why thank you for reading, and especially commenting. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
just going to the store
for this and a little more
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nooo! π
Ok fine, that’s alright. Just don’t bring it here. π
LikeLike
naw i m not ontario bound
LikeLiked by 1 person
π
LikeLike
Chrissy wrote every day what she got rid of. She said it was cathartic
LikeLiked by 2 people
I feel this. I stumble at the ‘every day’ thing though, so I thought maybe I could start slow and do a theme, like a monthly theme? One month it’s the bedroom, another the kitchen. This gives me plenty of time in a month to tackle a relatively small space in a house full of stuff…
We’ll see.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I do small sections at a time. Like literally a drawer at a time. And I schedule it…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Lovely beginning to your new step ππ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person