Lately, there's a constant buzz about simplifying life, sustainable living, energy efficiency, and lots of other catch phrases.
Depending on who you talk to, there are varying arguments (sometimes fierce!) on whether there really is a thing called "global warming." Other topics question if there is really an economical means to incorporate biodiesel to run our cars, if America is the root of all evil and the impending doom of the world is upon our shoulders...you know...great big issues.
While I am very interested in those things, I feel overwhelmed at times. It's like biting off more than I can chew to tell myself I have to become "green" in one day. Plus, there are some arguments that I simply do not agree with.
So, where does simplicity come in? My difficulty lies within "stuff." I like stuff. I have a lot of it. The "stuff" varies in size, value, importance, Actually, it can really get comical, if not embarrassing. I know I'm not the only person on the planet with "too much stuff." I often wonder what it's like to be one of those "minimalist" type personalities. I kind of wish I were...at times.
I can justify my stuff! Just ask me to get rid of something...and I can name 100 instant reasons as to why I just cannot part with an item. In my collection of stuff, I have things that I have been intending to repair, jeans that are constant reminders that I need to lose weight so that i can wear them again, shoes that I'm sure I'll need for any number of events that I probably won't attend.
I have picture frames that are broken, but I know I'll fix sometime. I have 5 alarm clocks...just in my bedroom. This doesn't count the one in the living room that simply flashes some unrelated time. (Clearly, it hasn't been re-set in a while!) I have boxes of things that were Marah's when she was little. Now seriously? HOW do you part with the picture she drew when we was first able to hold a crayon? Knowing me, I found a way to save her first poop.
I kind of think it's a genetic thing. I can name lots of my family members who hang on to their stuff too. And the real kicker is lately Wayne is on about "the big O"...ORGANIZATION. Harumph, I say. (Psst! Newsflash! He's just as bad about STUFF as I am, if not worse! Wayne has every tool known to mankind, and an extra one just in case the original breaks! Now, THAT'S planning!) I am grateful however, that he is able to take his own experience of having too much stuff to enlighten me that I too have too much stuff!
When we moved into the treehouse, I wanted one section of the shop. Just one. A place to put MY STUFF. But, alas. My place kept getting moved around, until there wasn't a place for me. So, all my stuff stays upstairs for the most part.
Wayne and Buddy built more storage space so Wayne would have more room to organize his stuff. (I'm laughing as I type that!)
So, there is a little more room in the shop. Wayne's office has had a couple of good purges, however. I have to be fair about that. He has thrown away a ton of things that he acquires in his work. Tons of catalogs, price lists, business cards, sample items, etc. got thrown out and then after that, he purged again and emptied out even more.
So, the first step to simplicity is clearing and purging. Moving is a good way to do that. But since I'm not moving any time soon, I guess, I'll have to take baby steps. I'll just grab some lawn and leaf bags and dive in. I'm going to ask for a lot of prayer however. It's not going to be easy, but I can do this. I can't swear I'll EVER be a "minimalist," but I can get rid of things that are serving no purpose whatsoever. And that's a start toward my goal.
I figure you can follow me along on this path to simplicity if you'd like. The comic relief I'll offer will be good, free entertainment! As an aside, I spoke to a friend of mine last week who did the same thing and she said it took a year to do it, but she got it done. Now, she's very happy not to be burdened by stuff.
I just know that unloading materially allows you to unload emotionally as well. And we could all use a little emotional unloading, couldn't we? Oh well...I've made the commitment, so, I'll be sure to keep you posted! This just might be fun!
