Lately I’ve been more and more interested in learning more about minimalism. I want to clear clutter from my house and my life in general. I’m so sick of moving stuff around in our house from one room to the next, sick of reorganizing closets and drawers full of stuff I use once a year. I have six glass vases that i just arranged in one closet, yet i never buy cut flowers. Why do I need six glass vases???
What really got me thinking about this whole buy-less-thing was that I just bought tickets to a Kentucky Derby Party that will be on May 5th. (Here is the link if you want to attend this years party at East Bay Grill https://www.kingstonfoundationforeducation.org ) I thought to myself, two years ago I went to the same party and I loved the outfit that I wore. It was comfortable, colorful and perfect for the party. The thing is though, I have yet to wear that outfit, that I loved, again, because God forbid you wear the same dress twice. I spent an hour looking at dresses online the other day before I decided, screw it, I’m going to wear the same exact outfit, to the same exact party, and you know what, I felt this lightness come over me after I made that decision. I don’t need to spend extra money on a whole new outfit. I don’t need to waste my time shopping for hours and finding the perfect shoes and hat and accessories when I have it already. I feel free.
I read a quote today that hit the nail on the head.
The thing that is important is going to Derby Party fundraiser, to raise money for a great cause, and to have a fun time with friends while I’m at it. What is NOT important is stressing about what to wear. So my goal is to take away the stressors and enjoy the event, to remember what is important.
I’m going to challenge myself this year. I’m not going to the extreme. I’m not going to stop shopping altogether, but I’m going to be more purposeful. I am a browser by nature. I love to shop around and look for the best deal on things, but more and more I find that I hate this about myself. It’s such a waste of time. I can spend two hours browsing though a store and walk out with nothing. What a time suck. Wouldn’t it be better to go for a walk or meet a friend for lunch? To play a game with with the kids or read a book. Or maybe even pick up a few hours a work. Well, maybe not that! I will not go to Target for one thing and come out with a cartful (this is going to take a lot of effort)! I’m going to buy gifts differently too. I want to teach my kids that stuff doesn’t make you happy but rather experiences and relationships are so much more important. I spend so much time searching for the perfect gifts for people and this year I’m not going to do this. I’m going to give gift cards for experiences. Less stuff and more experience gifts.
So I’m looking for advice. What do you do to simplify your life? To live more meaningful lives, to have less physical and mental clutter.
Thank you for reading
Heather
Instead of spending all that money on hats and shoes and dresses maybe it could donate it to the schools for which the fundraiser is held? That is a real challenge!
LikeLike
Yes! This would be a great idea!
LikeLike
Hey! I actually have an entire blog devoted to this. I too discovered minimalism as the solution to my physical, mental, and emotional stresses. Decluttering saved me! It would take way too long to explain, but check out my site http://www.theminimalismap.com. To answer your request for advice, the ‘spark joy’ method works like a charm for deciding what you need and what you don’t. If you hold it in your hand and it doesn’t spark joy, bye. I have a small wardrobe of clothes I wear and can match with anything as well as check out 90% of my books from the library. I keep only a select few for lending and reference.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just came across your blog on Pinterest. This is such a great post and something I think about all the time too. This summer we’ve really simplified our meals — much less time spent cooking in the kitchen and having picnics outside instead. The kids love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How is your quest going? 🙂
LikeLike
Pretty good actually. I didn’t buy the kids many toys this Christmas and instead got them experience gifts/things to do. Jon & I really stuck to our goal of only getting each other 1 Christmas gift. And I didn’t use any credit cards which is huge for me. I went through my closet right before Christmas and donated a bag of clothes. Yesterday I went through my kitchen cabinets and got rid of everything in the cabinet above my fridge, that I never go in. One of the things that I’ve been doing is making lists before I go shopping and really sticking to the list. That keeps me from buying things I don’t need. I’ve been staying out of Target too! I sent Jon with a list last night because I knew if I went I’d come home with all the 50%off Christmas stuff🤪I’ve also been working on mental clutter. This past year I can honestly say has probably been one of the toughest in my life but I feel like I had the least anxiety. I’m not worrying so much about things I have no control over and I’ve realized I realized I can’t agonize on how to fix everyone’s problems. I can listen & be supportive without absorbing the weight of the issue. I actually really enjoy having good heart to hearts with people. I really feel good about less physical & mental clutter and I know there is so much more I can work on.
LikeLike
Awesome! Good job. 🙂
LikeLike