EMBRACING MINIMALISM

When I first heard the word minimalism, I imagined a very stark and uninviting way of living.  And even though, at the time, I didn't believe I would ever adopt that lifestyle, I was curious and wanted to learn more.  I began reading and educated myself in the ideas behind it and acknowledged that my life would benefit from a minimalist approach to acquiring things and keeping some of the things I already had.

As I embraced the minimalist's view of "stuff", I began closely looking at the "stuff" in my house and boxes of "stuff" in unopened in my basement, I began to feel uneasy and stifled.  I could feel the heavy presence of the "stuff" that takes residence in closets, cabinets, boxes and tubs and I began to feel claustrophobic and guilty!  There was so much I was not using and others could!  That was very powerful to me.  It made me feel selfish and I never viewed myself as such. 

I know that just about every area of my home can use a purge. 

I did manage to clear out a lot of things when we moved across country, but I brought things with us that I thought "I may use that in VA even though I rarely used it in CA."  And I haven't used a lot of it.  My lifestyle is not that different here than it was there.  So I plan to sell a lot of the items that are still packed carefully away in the basement and begin to clear items that are in my home and that do not bring me JOY.

I have many things that DO bring me joy in my home and they are not going anywhere.   I have a large jar displaying beach rocks that my parents collected on a trip to Europe decades ago.  It reminds adventure and love and makes me happy to see it.  I also have beach rocks, shells and sea glass in a shallow glass bowl that I collected over my lifetime. Beaches in San Diego and San Felipe, Mexico. A photo my dad took of the harbor also hangs nearby.  A pair of metal owl candle holders perch on my fireplace mantle and remind me of a far away best friend. My grandmother's wooden clock stands next to them.  Another fond childhood memory of the ticking and chimes in my grandparent's home and all the goodness and love of time spent with them. 

My office bookshelf is full of many items, that all bring me contentment, and displayed in one central place and it is inspiring to me as I write.  Quilts handmade by my great grandmothers are out where I can see then and remind me of my heritage and hard work to make the life I have.

My kitchen went through a big purge when we moved, as did my wardrobe.  I am still working very hard to continue to eliminate more from my closet and keep things that work well together and are more monochromatic with a few colorful accessories to keep it fresh.  Of course, now that we live in a four season climate, my wardrobe has changed, but the theme is the same.  I can already see the benefits and I feel more put together.  Plus, it takes me less time to figure out my clothes in the morning or for special occasions, now that I have adopted this change in my closet. 

I am ready to clear out the rest of the clutter that has no meaning, and unburden myself of the weight of "stuff".  My minimalist journey has been very liberating so far, and I am looking forward to see what else I will make changes to going forward.