This past weekend I finished the book The Big Tiny by Dee Williams (I've always been fascinated by the tiny house movement) but I think what interested me most was the chapter where she listed the 351 one items that she owns.
While I feel like my own home is too tiny most days (at around 1,100 sq feet - I think) I'm almost dreaming of a future in a tiny house when my kids are grown (though I know hubby would never go for it). Maybe a tiny cabin in the woods somewhere? I live vicariously though my aunt and uncle who sold their home and travel the United States in an RV. It sounds so thrilling. I must have some gypsy blood in me.
Anyhow, while I can't give away all our possessions and live in a room smaller than an area rug, I do want to declutter my life. The Big Tiny not only encouraged me, but the book that we are working on for Bible Study (Simplify by Bill Hybels, this is my second time reading it) is also showing me the way to peace is to simplify my life.
I need to start small, with little uncluttered spaces in my life. A drawer, a shelf, a table will help me begin. My S.O.S challenge (Sick of Stuff) is to get rid of five things a day. Whether it's into a bag for the consignment shop, into a box for donation, or into the trash. This doesn't mean five pieces of paper or five items of trash...but actual things that I really don't need. That's 35 items a week. I'll occasionally update with a photo of things leaving my house. I'm hoping that by this time next year my life will be more...simple?
It sounds like a great book. I'm trying to simplify, too. I had planned to get all my closets cleaned out this summer, but it didn't happen. Fall is my time, though! I'm trying to live by William Morris's rule of only keeping it if it's beautiful or useful, with more focus on useful.
ReplyDeleteI shall try this philosophy as I go through my things!!! :)
DeleteThe older I get, the more I realize stuff does not make you happy. I really notice this from volunteering at the nursing home. You have people from all walks of life coming to spend the remainder of their lives in the same looking rooms with the same limited space. Some are miserable and make very one around them miserable. Others are fountains of joy and bring joy to others. It truly is not about what you have, but your attitude.
ReplyDeleteI am on board with you with getting rid of stuff. How much can we actually use? I think we waste way to much of our precious time on the unnecessary and not enough time on what is important.
This is so true! I've seen a little saying that says "Collect memories, not things". This is what I'm going for! :)
DeleteIf possible, try and give us an update once a week. I'm very curious as to how many weeks you can get rid of 35 items. In one year that would be 1820 things and I kinda doubt that you even have that much. Also is this just your stuff or are you going to make the kids and hubby get rid of their things too?
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