Starting any new project can be overwhelming. But a project that impacts our personal space and belongings can be even more daunting. No matter how many books or blogs you read, you will never really know what to expect from your experience of simplifying your life until you're in the midst of being surrounded by objects that represent your life. There's no question that being a minimalist and choosing which part of your story to keep is hard, but after 2 years of this journey to simplicity, there's things I've learned about the process and myself that I wish someone had shared with me in the beginning when I was just starting out.
1. It's Addictive
Once you get started, it will be hard to stop. You may start out thinking you're only going to clean out your closets then be done, but then find yourself in the kitchen going through cabinets and in the basement pulling out dusty boxes you haven't opened in years. The reason is because there's a freedom you feel from lightening the load of things taking up residence in your personal space. Things you've carried with you with every move and change in your life you can now let go. Once you experience that rush, it's hard to stop knowing you've only brushed the surface.
2. It's Contagious
My husband thought I was crazy when I started donating and selling everything on Craigslist. He was sure there wouldn't be any anything left at the rate I was going. Interestingly, after he saw how clean and open our home became, he saw there was a method to my madness. Now, if I go to him to ask if he wants to keep something or donate it, 9 times out of 10 he will choose to donate it without hesitation.
3. It's Ongoing
Even 2 years later, after all the dozens of boxes of things I've removed from our home, I'm still find things I don't need and want to donate. I even have a pile of things ready to go to the thrift store right now. It's not that I've brought more things into our home, it's that once you get rid of the clutter, you can better see what you have. Once you have less to work with, you can spot items you're never touching or using. Maybe you held onto a cardigan because you thought you'd find something to wear it with. Eventually you realize it's still sitting in your closet unworn and unloved. It's a matter of honing in and dwindling down.
4. It's Lifechanging
It's hard to explain to someone who has never simplified their life how good they will feel after they get rid of their possessions. It just sounds like crazy talk. People love their stuff, otherwise they wouldn't have it. But once you're in it, you want to shout it from the rooftops so everyone can feel this joy you're feeling. You will want to go to your friends house and help them declutter and they will think you're insane for WANTING to clean. The good news is of all the people I've known to do it, never have I heard anyone say they regretted it. There really is no turning back.
5. It's NOT Organizing
If you're an organizer like me, you're not going to like this one. Simplicity is not about Rubbermaid bins and color coded labels. That's not to say you can't organize the things you do keep, but if you're just sorting everything into piles so you can store them neatly instead of removing things completely, then you're not simplifying, you're organizing. There is a difference! Sure, you could say having all your shoes organized is helping simply your morning routine, but not if you own 50 pairs of shoes. It's important to understand the difference before you begin so you realize you should be saving money through this process, not spending it.
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