I am in a very unique position. In front of me lies the opportunity to scrutinize each and every possession our family has. This week and next I am moving into a house that is half the size of where we are currently living. At 2000 square feet, it's not small by any means, but it does lack all the extra storage space I am used to having.
In all our previous homes, we have had unfinished storage space in which we could store all the stuff we don't regularly use. Why do we do this? I understand the need to store some items, but why do we devote large amounts of space to store items we don't use regularly. Why do we even have these items to begin with?
Take Christmas decorations, for example. I have 2 large totes and 1 other large box filled with items that only see the light of day for one month of the year. Do these items really add to my enjoyment and significance of the holiday? Or do they add stress to the holiday - the stress of getting them out and setting everything up just right. I want Christmas to be about Jesus and the joy of his birth. I'm not going to get rid of my Christmas tree and ornaments, but I might just get rid of everything else in those boxes. I think a Christmas tree and Christmas music will set the mood just right.
Anyway, back to the main point. I've been desiring more of a minimalist lifestyle, and I've just gotten back from witnessing extreme poverty in Peru. I am thankful for the stuff we have and have access to, but I am burdened by the amount of it. I'm tired of taking care of stuff. I have this opportunity to keep only what is useful and meaningful.
So here goes nothing...can I practice what I preach?
I frequently think about things like Christmas ornaments and special company dishes and wonder whether they are things that we really need. I haven't taken the step of getting rid of them, though. I struggle because there are objects that help me to feel a connection to family (e.g., my grandmother's china) and while they aren't necessary, I am attached to what they represent. It makes me feel pretty selfish and materialistic.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand ... we have moved nations. Packed all that we owned into 5 suitcases to pack on the airplane ... It can be difficult and freeing at the same time.
ReplyDeleteDelighted to meet you today. I hope you don't mind if I splash around a bit to get to know you. This looks like a refreshing pool to slip off my shoes and get drenched in goodness.
Splashin'
Sara