Simplify - to make something less complicated.
Determination and an unbiased assistant made my closet cleanse painless. The empty space is liberating. I am on a roll. Over the years I asked ‘is it beautiful, is it useful, can I live without it’ as a basis for decision making. The reality is at each stage in our lives there is a time and place. We outgrow fashions, we cling to the past, we validate memories through accumulated possessions. How much do we need?
All I need is the air that I breathe.
There is no doubt that A simple life gives birth to more clarity, inner peace and meaningful relationships. Margo Vader. Then contentment has to come. Dalai Lama
I will continue my quest one day, one shelf at a time and invite you to do the same. So that we too may Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires. Lao Tzu
Simplify, simplify, simplify
Out of clutter find simplicity. Einstein
I grew up during a time where thrift was the norm. The patches and embroidery on our jeans were testaments to our creativity. String was neatly wound and reused, jars of leftover screws and nails were kept because you just never knew when you might need one. We ironed gift wrap, and claimed the deposits on soda bottles.
Living in a small space requires craftiness and ingenuity. Fortunately my nature is one of organisation and tidiness. My newspaper clippings are neatly sorted according to category and my 'collections' are culled regularly. However I find it impossible to do the same to my clothes.
As the decades roll on the harsh realisation that I will never be the same size I was at 30, nor the changes in lifestyle or fashion are enough to force my hand. The clothes were not worn out. I need help.
The greatest step towards a life of simplicity is to learn to let go. Steve Maraboli
Tomorrow I entrust the process to an advocate of Marie Kondo. I look forward with mixed emotions to the process knowing in my heart of hearts that letting go is a natural process of growth, creativity and opportunity. Wish me luck.
A well-used minimum suffices for everything. Jules Verne
Singing in the Rain
Never, ever underestimate the importance of having fun. Randy Pausch
Simple things make life worth living. Confucius The recent rain forced many indoors. However us pluviophiles found joy splashing about.
The secret of happiness, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less. Socrates.
There is perverse pleasure gallivanting in the rain when others cower under their umbrellas. Now science confirms the benefits of doing so.
Rain cleanses the air of pollutants and allergens
The smell of rain calms and soothes
Lightning releases ozone leaving you refreshed
Exercising in the rain lowers body temperature so you can exercise faster and longer
You are free to be alone with your thoughts.
Rain reminds us to let go of control and just deal with it.
This week kick off your shoes, throw caution to the wind, and lift your face to the sky. You will be glad you did.