Before I began to declutter, my life had slipped into a routine. I would go to work, come home, and clean. Occasionally I would go shopping (or I would order things online) that I thought would make my life even better.
Even in my tiny home a thorough cleaning would take several hours. By the end of the laundry and the dusting and the sweeping I felt as tired as I did at the end of my shifts.
But as I began to eliminate my excess things changed. My home became easier to clean because it didn’t get as messy. I actually found myself getting bored when the housework was done. It was quite novel to feel that way!
Rather than sit in front of the TV I decided to get out of the house for a change. I started taking the dogs to the river. I hike along the riverbank until I find a spot I like. When I find it, I sit upon a fallen limb or crouch down to admire the view. The dogs have fun and I feel refreshed as I watch the water flow. Today I decided to write this post as I sit here watching the water. It’s too beautiful not to share.
Sitting on the riverbank
Eliminating my excess has given me time back from my life that I didn’t know I’d lost. Maybe it will give you back some time as well.
8 responses to “Lose stuff, gain time”
I’m not at that stage yet, but it’s great to shed the overwhelm, and that does give me more functional time, if not leisure per se. That in itself is a big reward.
That’s the way I felt during the early days. I’ve been picking at this for a while and as I went, things started becoming easier.
I didn’t realize how badly my stuff was affecting me until I began to let things go.
Hi Annie,
Agreed!
We also have a very small home and although far from empty or bare, we do choose things wisely and keep to a minimum.
Friends always comment how clean it is….well, not really, but it “feels” clean as there is no clutter. So, we feel less overwhelmed during those busy times of life. So much easier to do a quick swipe in the bathroom with just three things on the sink. Not “guest-ready” but still good enough for guests. *shrug*
To those of you out there who want de-cluttered, but just aren’t there yet, don’t despair….it takes time, but totally worth it.
Feels better to be able to do a quick wipe, call it good enough and enjoy your time with those you love….human or otherwise.
Excellent point, Mindy!
With our modern life, “good enough” is far better than “not at all.”
Annie, I’m curious what did you use to write this blog post at the river? Writing on the go is something that I never managed to get a hold of in a way that works for me.
Hello John!
I used my phone to write this post.
I just got back from a camping trip and while my body is sore, my spirit feels renewed! One reason I love camping is because it shows how little we need to be happy: a soft(ish) warm place to sleep, food and someone to talk to – the lovely surrounding are stress relieving too. Having no cell service was also great for my anxiety level.
Funny you should mention camping, Carrie. Given that I’ve had my roof blown off and the water get uncomfortably high this past year, I’ve contemplated camping as a basic level of comfort while I pivot.