Egad! I went to the first of two moving sales my friends are having before they move across country. They are clearing out 30 years worth of accumulated stuff. She was appalled that they had allowed themselves to accumulate such clutter. It was a wake up call to myself as I look at the clutter we have accumulated in 25 years. We are not far behind.
Why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we just keep bringing more in when we don't have places for the stuff we have? R.C. Sproul says, "Chaos is the result of a lack of self-discipline." Ouch!
As I look around my home, I see places that have not been dusted in a while. Why? Because it's too cluttered. There is too much stuff to work around. There is wisdom in simplicity. Another friend I have, has a home that is very Spartan. I look around her living room and kitchen and see only the bare essentials for living. The counters are bare and clean. The living room is pleasant and homey with only a basket or two with books or magazines. It must be a pleasure to clean and quick to do too!
How I long to have a home that is comfortable, yet not cluttered. I have made a small start this week. I cleaned out a spot by the door that had stuff collected there from as far back as 1999! Then I tackled the key basket on the wall above. It had a photo in there from 1999 as well! From there I tackled my basket of books by my rocker. I decided to limit myself to two books at a time and all others I put out of sight.
Where will I work next? My hutch needs some decluttering. Maybe I'll head there next. It actually feels good to take the bull by the horns and put him where he belongs for once! I just hope I can continue and not burn out. Just taking it a step at a time, one spot at a time...maybe I'll conquer this mess over time.....
1 comment:
Hello Marsha,
I can really relate to this post. I used to be a perfectionist, yet kept so much that I did not need. Now since picking up a few more diagnosis' it is like being in a time warp I have so much to unclutter. I realize some of the toys and things my children have are so young for them...from 3 years ago. I am taking one little drawer or bookcase at a time, just a few minutes each day to minimize. What we don't use in 2 weeks, I figure needs to go! So far, so good.
We really need so little....
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