Living Simply: What I've learned

   
    Today I want to share with you a few things I've learned from intentionally living simply and embracing minimalism as a mindset, not necessarily as a way to count how many items I have. Maybe if you see what I've learned, and you want those things for your own life, then you too will take a few baby steps in the right direction.


1. I can't think of a single thing I got rid of that I miss. I don't miss the books, the scrapbooking paraphernalia, the clothes I wasn't wearing anyway, (same with shoes), the extra duplicates of kitchen and pantry items, knick knacks that never reflected my taste, extra Christmas decor,...none of it.

2. I see stores differently and shop within their walls differently. I love how Joshua Fields MIlburne (The Minimalists) said it, loosely paraphrased, he said that when people go into the store, they feel like they want to take everything in it home with them. When you visit a museum, you appreciate it but you don't want to take it all home. That's how I feel in stores now. I may like a few things but I really don't want to take them home. Probably because I know I won't be happier just because they're sitting on a table or shelf somewhere.

3. The art of appreciation: I feel better knowing that what I do have in my living space reflects who I am because it either is necessary or it brings me joy. When it ceases to do so, I can easily let it go.

4. I don't understand the connection myself but I absolutely feel free-er with less stuff. My mind seems more clear, my whole body feels more relaxed, and empty spaces bring me peace. I don't feel like I have to fill that empty corner, or shelf, or space next to a sofa.

5. By taking the journey to consider what's important (so I can let go of all the rest), I have learned to fill my calendar with only what's most important to me, too. I waste time a lot less often and I fill my time with what is more enjoyable or what's necessary to achieve my goals.

6. In place of things, I now seek out experiences both as gifts to give others, as well as what I ask for when others want to buy me some "thing". I'd rather enjoy dinner or a movie with loved ones, or take a getaway trip, than to open a box with some doodad I didn't need and they really didn't need to spend money on to let me know they care.

7. There's a confidence to not being bound to others' expectations of what I should wear, own, drive, where I should live, vacation, etc. I am free to be and do as I please. No pressure, judgement, or condemnation from others...I simply don't care. I will not go into debt to keep up with some imaginary scorecard of society. Never.

8. I look forward to the day we downsize. I am in no rush to kick out my young adult kids, nor my brother who I am helping out while he improves his life. I enjoy every person in my home, but when the timing is right for all of us they will become independent. I then will look forward to simplifying my home and life even more. We'll be able to minimize to a decent two-bedroom condo, and I can stop having to hang onto seating and dining for 8-12 people, among other things.

9. Health has become higher on the priority list. I have less stress than I used to and I rest more than I used to give myself permission to take. If I need a nap and have the time in my schedule that day, I'll take it. If I need to sleep a little more, I will go to bed earlier. I eat better than I did years ago. I try to get out more even if it's just to walk.

10. Living a more simple life is a process. It doesn't happen overnight. Even if you throw out all you own, the mind and habits take time to change. Baby steps in the right direction over time are all it takes.

I hope you too find your best life through simplifying and letting go.