Living Simply: How I've changed

     About a year ago, I re-watched The Minimalists' documentary on Netflix called "Minimalism" for the second time, and I knew that's the direction I wanted to head. The first thing I did was take some time to think about it. What was I looking for that I didn't find yet in my life? Why did the documentary make me want to change? How could I be happier by getting rid of things I had bought over the years - after all - didn't I buy them because I DID want them? Could I life a more simple life in a pretty large family, in a pretty large house? (I couldn't downsize since we won't be empty nesters for a few more years, plus we were relocating my mother and brother here to give them both a new start.

     I started looking around for other things online related to minimalism, then living a simple life. I came across Joshua Becker, a man with a family who lived in my state and was making it work, but his reasons were a little different. The minimalists are great, I've met them, but it seemed easier since they were single guys (with girlfriends, not entire families). Joshua was able to explain the WHY of it in a way that related to me...to simplify life, to spend more time with those you love. It wasn't about simply eliminating the unwanted and unnecessary from your life, it was also about adding important relationships. Upon further reading, I found this way of life was doable whether you're a single guy backpacking across the world with nothing but what fits in your pack, or a family guy with a houseful of kids. I decided to give it a try.

   
 I started in my room, closet, and drawers. Then I moved into the kitchen, dining room, and pantry. Next I went through the other rooms removing everything that no longer brought me joy, added value, nor served a functional purpose anymore. I removed FOUR MINIVANS FULL! And that wouldn't be the last of it. I probably continue to drop off things about once a month (including things my family no longer needs). I got rid of books I'd kept for years but read numerous times. I gave away movies, clothes, kitchen utensils, dishes, mixing bowls, and a ton of knick knacks and decorations. Now, the house has so much less to deal with. If the average home has 300,000 items according to statistics, I personally have reduced my own to about 10% of what I had, and about 50% of what's in the house (I don't force those I live with to do without because of my own preferences).

     So what is life like now? If you've read my blog over the last 6 months or more, you'll see I really do live a more simple life. I still go down for the count with illnesses or have stressful situations to get through, I'm not trying to show you some make-believe phony life. I just handle things differently now. I take time to enjoy peace and quiet, time with family, doing things with friends, and getting enough sleep without feeling guilty. I make time for the important things, which right now is maintaining my 4.0 GPA while running a home, being a mom, making sure my own mother is taken care of, and having a husband who's gone close to 300 days a year. I just handle it better. Why? Because I have "room to breathe", and time to think. I handle things better because I don't stress over things that haven't happened yet. They say 95% of things we worry about NEVER even happen, and the other 5% is almost always things we have no control over anyway.

     Watch the documentary. Read about Joshua Becker online. Think through how much stuff you've accumulated that you don't need, it takes up space, it requires time to take care of it, and why you still hold onto it. Maybe it's time for you to simplify your own life, to intentionally calm your life down, and just enjoy being in the moment, and enjoying more peace of mind, and more rewarding relationships. Have a great week.