Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Clear The Clutter

I originally wrote this post with the intention of cleaning up the clutter around my house in order to create a work space.  Look I have two sheds and two empty bedrooms now that I am an empty nester.  In my home I have surrounded myself with nice art, heirloom pieces that my mother and grandmother gave me and wonderful memories of my life.  But there are other things taking up space too.


There’s a movement on the rise called minimalism where the goal is to simplify your life in order to live the life you’ve dreamed of.  I know I’m not a minimalist because I wonder how getting rid of magazines, books, shoes and stuff is going to give me the life I REALLY want.  There's no way I can fit even half of my life in one of those small houses.  

Well, it’s much more than that, right?  For me I think the clutter holds me back from really taking THAT GIANT LEAP FORWARD – being catapulted into action.  I’ve been living the same life for a very long time and I’m quite cozy….or am I?  There have been times when I want to just give all my belongings away and get the heck out of Dodge…but I’m still here. 

I’ve been reading some good articles about cleaning up the clutter or simplifying and all the time I’m laughing, rolling my eyes, shaking my head yes, saying “no way!” and then reading some more.  I am aware that by reading and reading I am not doing anything about my clutter except learning about how others got rid of their sentimental items and survived the ordeal.  Did I someone say catapult? 

I know that downsizing is hard for everyone. Most of us have spent years saving and collecting things that add meaning to our lives.  That being said,isn’t it funny how we hold certain things near and dear to our hearts like my bead stash, my books, my magazines and my shoes?  Hey, the list goes on and on…

I realize that I don’t even have time to read all those books or use most of the stuff in the shed.  Did I mention that I have two sheds, yes TWO!  Call a crane operator to get me off my butt and into action already.  The truth of the matter is that I don’t have time to read because I have a very busy life and a demanding job and making time to clear the clutter seems overwhelming.  Plus there are some things I am absolutely not going to part with at this time in my life.  I’m just not gonna do it. 

I found some good suggestions to my dilemma on the World Wide Web some even included suggestions on how to simplify your life and maybe even make a buck or two in the process.  I’ve found in this review of information that the minimalism/simplification lifestyle has a good community of wonderfully supportive people willing to share their experiences.  This tells me that it’s not easy for anyone, right?  We all need a hug every now and then.  Hey I’m not a minimalist….I’m miles away from that but I just have too much stuff and realize that a call to action is necessary. 

I want to share a few of the articles that I read~
  • Man vs. Debt is a great website whose mantra is Sell Your Crap…Pay Off Your Debt…Do What You Love!
    • This site and many of the articles keep me grounded knowing that all that “stuff” doesn’t bring me total happiness.  It’s the people in my life; friends and family that bring me infinite joy.  (and my dog Riley)  Lots of helpful hints for selling on Craigslist and Face Book. 

“The only man who sticks closer to you in adversity than a friend is a creditor.”

-Unknown


  • Miss Minimalist shares real life experiences on her site.  Some of these stories are SO funny and of course I see myself in a lot of them.  Read this week’s post from Agilborder.  She kicked her clutter where it counts!!
    • Calling in help and being candid with family members is a great suggestion.  Making a few bucks in the process of clearing the clutter isn’t too shabby either.

Rather go to bed with out dinner than to rise in debt.

I've realized that making room for things that are presently in your life is important too.  Having room to meditate is important to maintain health and well being.  Having space to work on my bead work is important because it inspires creativity.  Having a comfortable space for family and friends to unwind and visit is important.  This has helped me to realize the purpose for this exercise ~ PUTTING PEOPLE BEFORE POSSESIONS.  Now THAT motivates and excites me!!!!!!  If I do one little thing I can move closer to the BIGGER things that I want to accomplish.


Friends I ask you, “What is standing in your way from making room for growth and prosperity?  Please post a comment….your words mean a lot to me.  


Karen

3 comments:

  1. I have heard about this minimalist movement and I think there is some exaggeration in the goals. You can simplify your life without having to throw away all your cherished belongings. I think this minimalist trend has some connection with the global recession and the way material things are viewed right now: by their material cost. So if you have less money to spend, you are buying less stuff.
    Good luck with the decluttering.
    Have a great day.
    Ana

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    1. Ana-thanks for your comments. I have read where some folks are simplifying to reduce their environmental footprint and that's understandable. I've read where others rent a "tiny" house to test it out. Dipping your foot in the water instead of diving in....

      I got rid of a stack of magazines today! I am clutter conscious.

      Take care!

      Karen

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