Fifteen years ago I moved to Germany, and all of my "stuff" fit onto one pallet, that is to say, 3'x3'x3'. Life was simple and I only carried with my the necessities; my photos, books and a few special things. Somehow, I lost my way and have collected what seems to be 15 pallets of "stuff". Do I need 15? No! Do I need just one, well, probably not, but I am guessing that the number is a lot closer to the lower end of the spectrum. (I'm thinking the 80/20 rule is probably dead on here) This stuff actually stresses me out, both consciously and unconsciously. We live on 2.5 acres with a home and a guest house, not a conducive atmosphere for keeping things simple and minimized. But times, they are a chanin'. In an effort to simplify our lives, we are moving back to the city (Coral Gables) so we can drive less and enjoy more. This will mean a significantly smaller slice of geography and I welcome the motivation to downsize.
Back to the basics. If I wear it keep it, if not, find it a new body. If I use it keep it, if not, find it a new user. If it brings me joy or peace, keep it, if not, find someone it does. Pare down, clear out, clean up. When we move, I want to know what is in those boxes are the gems of life, nothing less. That each one means something and will be used, cherished or enjoyed.
Our homes are an outward refelction of our internal selves, and too much clutter has led to a clutterd self. I need to free that up and refreh, regain the balance and lightness of having less, but special.
This is going to take some work and it is daunting. I have the boxes, I have the bags, but getting off my feet and starting has eluded me. So I decided to write this blog as a testament to my intent to clean out this home and life, one box at a time until I am down to the right stuff, the good stuff, and then it won't be stuff, it will be our lives.
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I've always been a subscriber to the "freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose" philosophy. Possessions really do tie you down. Good luck paring it down!
Julie, they really do! More to maintain, store, clean, shuffle, work around, sort through... Really, how much do really really need and use from what we have, far less than we know, I'd venture!
Do it!!
My partner introduced me to taking more of a Zen approach to your life, and it is through him that I've learned the freedom you inherit when you do so.
Julia (above) is so right and her statement is right on the money.
You'll find that your mind is clearer and you're less stressed out when you simplify your life and get rid of things that really do not matter.
Janie - You've taken the important first step. It's great to come to the realization that life isn't about how much "stuff" we accumulate, but only about the people that surround us.
Ralph, I CANNOT WAIT!
Thanks for sharing. Would like to take your advice. Difficult assignment.
John, you couldn't be more right! And they are I what I value most!
Roy, you aren't kidding, but exhilarating at the same time.
Janie, this is a huge undertaking!!!! I have tried this many time.....and still end up with so much "stuff". I wish you luck!!!!
My mother used to say "Anything you can replace with money has no value". I try to remember that when we clear out stuff - but somehow no matter how much we clear out - stuff that remains seems to multiply and grow every couple of years. It is never ending!
Janie, what you've said really has struck a chord with me. I tend to be a bit of a pack rat...you know...one day I just might need that. I remember when life was simple and everything I owned would fit in or on my car. Now it seems to be three 26' moving trucks and several car trips to move me. I even have a storage locker for the over flow. I really love being on more than an acre so, that will not change...as for getting rid of all the junk...I'm going to work on that. Thanks.
Good luck with that, Janie. If you haven't worn something for a year, out it goes. However, be careful. I tend to throw out or give away way to much. And you can believe the minute it's gone I need it.
This is an inspirational post . . . you are so right . . . keep us posted. My image of a dream life has something to do with a possesion- free room (iother than the given comfy bed) of whitewashed stucoo, with the only "thing" in the room being a huge view of the azure blue Agean sea beyond.
My mom's advice was: Never fall in love with anything that can't love you back" (as with much of her sage advice, I'm still working on it)...