In a previous post (July 2019), I described minimalism and my beginning progress on that road. To repeat a quote from Joshua Becker of the becomingminimalist.com blog, “minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it.” Initially, I wondered what it would look like and how it would feel to declutter the things I did not use. Slow and steady progress has marked my experience. I am hoping to find clarity toward future goals as a result of the decluttering process. (Click on Read More to continue.)
I began with a yard sale in the spring. The proceeds were disappointing but I did sell some things. Many of the remaining items went straight to charity that day. The items I deemed more valuable were listed online. (Since then many of these have been donated as well.) In my mind, the most significant outcome was that I had taken the first step in identifying things that I no longer wanted or needed. I had broken the bonds of inertia! What is the first step that you would take on the road toward minimalism?
Thereafter, I became entrenched in this mindset of getting unused things out of the house. Here are some items that went out to donation recently: books, clothes, shoes, towels and sheets. Paper files went to shredding and other stuff went into trash. Occasionally, I’ll grab something from the “online” pile and add it to the donation pile. This is an ever evolving process. One day I may not be ready to deal with something and then the next day I’m completely comfortable to release that same thing. Slow methodical progress is right for me. I realize that I do not miss the things that I give up – so I feel like I am making right decisions. Also, I absolutely love the extra space in cupboards and on shelves. I feel freer not to have these “ties” hanging around. There are still many things to declutter: clothes, tools, paper files, office supplies, household supplies, kitchen things, linens, pet supplies and more. How would you keep up the momentum?
My decluttering results so far:
My observations:
The momentum continues! Whenever I have a little spare time I look around at what is left and ask myself one or more of the following questions:
Do I honestly think I will never use it again?
Would I rather not have that in my space any longer?
Will I feel better without it?
Does it have a negative feel?
Does this represent the past more than the present?
Does it remind me of actions not done or decisions not made or dreams not realized?
Does it remind me of something I would rather forget?
When was the last time I used it?
Would one of the kids like to have it?
And yes, does it bring me joy?
As I have said, I am a minimalist initiate focusing only on the physical aspect as yet. My approach is to minimize the things in my space that are no longer current. I am still working on clarifying goals (and I know that they will evolve over time). Presently, I want to feel that what I have and what I do are applicable to my interests right now. I want to feel like I am living in the present! Do you have specific goals in place or just a general vision to work toward? Are you ready to take the first step in living intentionally? Would you wholeheartedly embrace minimalism or just dabble?
Thereafter, I became entrenched in this mindset of getting unused things out of the house. Here are some items that went out to donation recently: books, clothes, shoes, towels and sheets. Paper files went to shredding and other stuff went into trash. Occasionally, I’ll grab something from the “online” pile and add it to the donation pile. This is an ever evolving process. One day I may not be ready to deal with something and then the next day I’m completely comfortable to release that same thing. Slow methodical progress is right for me. I realize that I do not miss the things that I give up – so I feel like I am making right decisions. Also, I absolutely love the extra space in cupboards and on shelves. I feel freer not to have these “ties” hanging around. There are still many things to declutter: clothes, tools, paper files, office supplies, household supplies, kitchen things, linens, pet supplies and more. How would you keep up the momentum?
My decluttering results so far:
- About 40% of books are gone.
- clothes and shoes maybe 10%
- kitchen items 20%
- stored things (in basement and garage) 15%
- food 5%
- paper files 10%
- old paint 40%
My observations:
- it is difficult to make decisions
- tough to let go
- feels threatening to my identity
- very time-consuming
- requires perseverance
The momentum continues! Whenever I have a little spare time I look around at what is left and ask myself one or more of the following questions:
Do I honestly think I will never use it again?
Would I rather not have that in my space any longer?
Will I feel better without it?
Does it have a negative feel?
Does this represent the past more than the present?
Does it remind me of actions not done or decisions not made or dreams not realized?
Does it remind me of something I would rather forget?
When was the last time I used it?
Would one of the kids like to have it?
And yes, does it bring me joy?
As I have said, I am a minimalist initiate focusing only on the physical aspect as yet. My approach is to minimize the things in my space that are no longer current. I am still working on clarifying goals (and I know that they will evolve over time). Presently, I want to feel that what I have and what I do are applicable to my interests right now. I want to feel like I am living in the present! Do you have specific goals in place or just a general vision to work toward? Are you ready to take the first step in living intentionally? Would you wholeheartedly embrace minimalism or just dabble?
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