When it comes to living simply, I feel like a fraud lately. I deeply desire to live as simply as possible, to even call myself an aspiring minimalist. Yet when I look around my home and at my life, I feel like a fraud.
I know it's a journey and I'm still at the beginning of it. I know I've already come a long way. I know that this is a personal journey ~ one I feel God calling me to.
But right now I feel like I'm going uphill. Everywhere I turn there is stuff. Stuff that needs to be put away. Stuff that needs to be organized. Stuff that is keeping me from doing what I want to do.
I don't need pats on the back letting me know that I need to keep going. I have discipline. I have the will to get there. Sometimes it just helps to admit my weakness.
So right now I feel like a fraud. If you walked through my front door you would likely think that my home is organized and uncluttered. But if you spent a day with me, you would see how much time I spend keeping it / getting it that way. Time I would rather spend doing things that really matter.
Big sigh.
At my Weight Watchers meeting today the leader asked us to list what we need to pack for the holiday weekend. I said, "self forgiveness," and got applauded. Sounds like you made need some of that, too.
ReplyDeletespot on, Linda. Thank you for that.
DeleteI know the feeling.
ReplyDeleteJust remember:
1. Baby Steps
2. Celebrate small victories
Hi Jill, You need to get this book! (I know, the reading pile grows ...) This is a "quick read." Here's part of review that came out just today from LJ Earnest at simpleproductivity.com:
ReplyDelete"Every now and then I run across a gem of a book that inspires me, entertains me, and motivates me to get up and do something. ENUFF: Eliminate the Needless, Useless, Foolish, and Frivolous by Kate Carpenter is one of those books... I really enjoyed this quick read. I would read a bit, and be inspired to go do something. And any book that actually inspires me to take action is one I would recommend that everyone read."
And I wrote the book! Email me at nuffer@yahoo.com if you'd like me to send you a coupon code for a FREE copy of my eBook on Smashwords. I really think it might help! :-)
All the best - Kate Carpenter
Hi there _ I just discovered your blog and love it!
ReplyDeleteI think most minimalists feel like a fraud sometimes. I have gotten rid of a LOT of stuff, but my friend came over and I could tell she was judging me because one room was a mess. It actually was stuff that I was sorting to give away but I don't think she believed me. :-) Minimalism is definitely an ongoing process, but I look at where I was 2 years ago and I have let go of so much. I think your perspective shifts over time, so you always think you can get rid of more, but that's probably a good thing. I also think that blogging about minimalism holds you to a higher standard where you feel you need to be a role model to aspiring minimalists, and that's not a bad thing either. Keeps me from backsliding into consumerism.
Looking forward to reading more of your blog!
Sheri
Thanks for the encouragement, Sheri. What you've said really hits home about how I've been feeling.
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