The Minimalist

Recently while preparing our home for the real estate market I realized that I actually enjoyed the
appearance of the simplicity.  With less "stuff" competing for my time and attention, it became apparent that living as a minimalist might serve to be a positive lifestyle change.  Now, don't get me wrong.  When I say "stuff" I don't mean junk.  I am not a hoarder, I am not a bric-a-brac type of person.  I do enjoy and appreciate fine and unique home accessories, etc.  I do "save" some things because "you never know" when the opportunity may arise to "recycle."  Also, I am the type of person who does not like to have all of my interesting possessions on display at once.  Re-arranging keeps the visual aspect of a room alive; breaks the monotony.

So, with the help of my children, I have begun to go through packed/put-away items.  It's tough.  It's not as simple as saying "keep" or "discard."  Some things carry emotional attachments.  Let me give you an example.  Trophies.  When your children are involved in sports they accumulate many trophies, individual and team related.  One of my daughters decided several years ago that she did not want her trophies so I decided I would store them "just in case" she ever changed her mind.  It's a Mom thing.  She still doesn't want them and it breaks my heart that her children won't get to see them, but I decided to go ahead and let her donate them to the local thrift store.
              One step at a time. 
                      Going through already packed/put-away items is step #1 .

                                                                                     

A minimalist has many facets - simplify, organize, (a place for everything - and everything in its place) reduce the stress in life the best you can.  Don't make  life so complicated, detailed and busy.  Many more.  As a Baby Boomer growing up in America the thought process has been to accumulate; to have more things.  The thought being that this would make life better.  Being a minimalist is really the opposite; it means learning to live with less and less.  This actually makes life better.  Reducing stress in and of itself will provide a much healthy life.  Research is suggesting that being a minimalist assures you will have more mental freedom, contentedness and affords the time to focus on what's really of value in your life.

                        The journey has begun.

                                                                       I'll keep you posted.