Wardrobe * autumn nesting delights

This ain't no fashion blog.  And I'm not about to become some kind of expert on the latest styles or trends. 

 

That's just not gonna happen in this lifetime.

 

It's just that we're packing up the summertime gear, the tank tops, the tees, the shorts, the sandals.  And we're opening the cedar chests, unzipping the garment bags, pulling out the big 'ol plastic totes crammed with an assortment of winterwear accumulated over many seasons past. 

 

 

 

 

And many of us are letting out a sigh.  We're feeling a bit uninspired ... and maybe a tad overwhelmed.  And not all that excited about the random collection that awaits to keep our bodies covered and snug in the months ahead.

 

I'm a big believer in the 80 / 20 rule.  And I think it applies to what's jammed into our closets and stuffed into dresser drawers.  The truth is this ...

 

We only wear 20% of our stuff 80% of the time.

 

So ... what if we were to let go of all the clothing that didn't make us smile.  Each and every garment that was too binding or too tiny.  Scratchy, quite unflattering, or long past its day.

 

My closet is barer than it's ever been and I'm still working on releasing what just isn't cutting it for me anymore.  It's a continual process.  And I'm good with that.  If some article of clothing doesn't fit my body well in this season of life, it's outta there.  And as we head into winter if it's not soft and fleece-y, warm and stretchy, I'm simply done with it. 

 

Because I've discovered that I don't need a huge array of clothes. 

Just the ones that call my name. 

 

If this whole idea sounds like it might work for where you are right about now and you need a jumpstart in heading in that direction, check out Project 333.  It's a minimalist wardrobe challenge where you dress with 33 items or less for 3 months. 

 

And it's not for women only, guys. 

 

This invitation could be the key to bringing a smile of relieved gratitude when you stand in front of your closet in the morning.  Because instead of moaning that you've got nothing to wear, you'll only see the good stuff that you really truly want to reach for.

 

What a freeing way to start the day.  'Cause you've got bigger fish to fry, and so do I.

 

By the way, I'm still keeping the flip flops on.  Even if it is mid-October in the northeast.

 

So ... what's happening in your closet?

 

 *

 

Like this?  Check out

 In Which I Clean Out the Cedar Trunk

 

Each and every comment you're leaving during this autumn nesting delights series puts you in the running for one of the two giveaways of Myquillyn Smith's book, THE NESTING PLACE.  

 

 The details of the giveaway and links to all the posts are here.

 

*

 

doing life with Kristen

The Joy of Unsubscribing

I've just gotta tell you that I'm in a season of letting go.  Minimalism and simplicity have joined hands and they keep on whispering my name.  And there's no turning back.

And that means unsubscribing from things that have given me pleasure in the past.

First it was a magazine or two.  And then it was the weekend newspapers.  'Cause if you're not around half the time, then there's no point in having them show up in your mailbox, right?

And then I headed into Bloglovin today.  And bravely unsubscribed to a bunch of blogs that I'm just not into anymore. 

We don't watch much TV these days.  So I think we're going to be saying good-bye to hundreds of channels before long.  And maybe, dare I say it, the house phone.

Gasp!

It's that season to cut out, to trim back, to lighten up.  Because for every single thing you say 'yes, please' to, you've just gotta say a 'no, thanks' to something else.

I'm feeling lighter already ...



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In Which I Clean Out the Cedar Trunk

I love the change of seasons.  

 

I really get into packing up clothing that the changing temperatures don't allow me to wear anymore.  And unpacking and pawing through the things that have been stored away tight.  Not because my wardrobe is so fabulous or anything like that. 

 

Hardly. 

 

It's just that I like getting rid of stuff that I don't love anymore.  Those things that don't fit me well or feel good on my skin.  The stuff that's too small or too baggy or doesn't make me look skinny.  Needless to say, my wardrobe has shrunk. 

 

Drastically. 

 

I seldom do the retail therapy thing these days and usually don't buy something unless I need it.  Or it's such a great deal that I can't pass it up.  Or it somehow screams 'THIS IS YOU' at me.  My lifestyle is simpler and far more casual than it was a decade ago, and I am more than happy to pass along still wearable things to those who might get a kick out of them.

This round?

11 tops
Some really beautiful things from Banana Republic.  I really wish these still fit.  {Sigh.}  And a bunch of cute tank tops that aren't all that cute on me.

5 jackets 
Very nice pieces from back in the day when I worked in a church office.  That's just not who I am anymore.  Need I say more?

3 bridal party dresses  
Ah, the vintage 1980 homemade maid-of-honor dress {sorry, Marilyn!} and my mother-of-the-bride dresses, one of which quite oddly made me look a bit like Morticia Adams.  Trust me, if I'm ever in a wedding again, I'll be buying a new dress.

3 t-shirts 
Too small.

2 pairs of boots 
Cute!  But my feet must be changing because these have been leaving me feeling a bit disabled by the end of a long day.  If my shoes don't feel like slippers, they're outta here.

2 scarves 
No thanks.

1 pair of Sketchers sneakers 
These babies are in fabulous shape, but they're a bit too heavy for the walking I'd like to do.  Someday.

1 black hat 
I love this hat, but I got weary of the odd face my husband made whenever I wore it, so it's out the door.

1 pocketbook
Not so much on this one.

What a huge relief to clean out the piles, reorganize my pared down dresser drawers and closet, and pack up what doesn't work for me any more.  I actually feel lighter as more stuff heads out the door to THE BARN in Pleasant Valley, a bargain hunters paradise where the proceeds go to dozens of organizations making a difference near and far. 

It's a win / win / win deal!

 

So ... what's leaving your closets these days? 

 

And where do you donate your stuff?

 

If you're really ready to pare down, check out Project 333.

 

Visiting Laura  .  Kristen  .  Emily

* Let's keep doing life together ...you can subscribe here!

The Simplicity Series : : Session #5 : : Your Toolbox

Our traveling light journey is coming to end.  And what better grand finale than offering you a potpourri of hands-on tools to help these sessions spring to life for you?  The three of us put our heads together to give you a bundle of resources, a bit of a toolbox, so that you're equipped to figure out what your next steps in pursuing a simplified life might look like.

 

 

JONATHAN & ALLISON RECOMMEND

Simplify: 106 Ways to Uncomplicate Your Life 

Paul Borthwick

 

Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach

 Tsh Oxenreider

 

The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify Your Life

Francine Jay

 

Frugillionaire: 500 Fabulous Ways to Life Richly and Save a Fortune

Francine Jay

LINDA RECOMMENDS THESE BOOKS

7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess

Jen Hatmaker

Clutterfree for Kids: Change Your Thinking.  Discover New Habits.  Free Your Home

Joshua Becker

Clutter's Last Stand

Don Aslett

THESE BLOGS

Becoming Minimalist

Be More with Less

THESE POSTS

The Albatross Around our Necks

Are You Living in a Fantasy World?

*     *     *



As we wrap up The Simplicity Series, all I can do is thank Jonathan and Allison for offering such a treasure trove to us.  HUGS to you guys from all of us here!  Your journey has jumpstarted many of ours. What a way to kick off spring!

 

One cool benefit of the blogging world is that we get challenged and motivated by each other's life experiences.  The wisdom writer tells us that 'iron sharpens iron.'  This is the time and place to share the books and blogs and online resources that you've found work for you in your own simplicity journey!  Please share your favorite titles, links, victories, and other goodies in the comment section below.

 

Happy Trails ~

 

 

 

 

 

* sharing the good stuff with Kristen 

The Simplicity Series : : Session #4 : : He's Got More to Say

He's back again!  This guy's never been at a loss for words ... Jonathan presents six more traveling light brainstorms today.  If you missed the first three sessions, they're here, there, and yonder.

1.  Digitize, Digitize, Digitize (Part 1) - It has been wonderful to scan old documents, cards, letters, and miscellaneous files.  By archiving them in multiple places, we can reduce the paperwork we have and refer to them at any point.  We especially enjoyed putting old greeting cards with the memories folder mentioned in our last session.  What a great way to refer back to encouraging words and support from family and friends.
 

2.  Digitize, Digitize, Digitize (Part 2) - Whether you have photographs or slides, these take up space and likely are rarely looked at.  A scanner can backup your photographic memories.  Now our photos are preserved electronically and can easily be used as a personalized screen saver or loaded into a digital photo frame.
 

3.  Digitize, Digitize, Digitize (Part 3) - In October 2013, Amazon launched Kindle MatchBook.  This service allows you to convert some books previously purchased through Amazon to a Kindle eBook format for under $3 a piece.  It's worth considering transferring your bookshelf onto a Kindle or similar device.  Additionally, with the convenience of Netflix, you can quickly request a favorite movie.  This can allow you to cull some rarely watched DVDs from your collection.
 

4.  Clothing, a simplicity treasure trove - We could do a whole session on this topic alone, but suffice it to say this is an excellent place to apply simplicity principles.  How many t-shirts do you actually need?  It can be eye-opening to actually count how many items you have in your wardrobe.  If you're finding it difficult to part with items, you might find it useful to put them in a bag and put the date on a piece of paper with the clothes.  If months go by, the items aren't seasonal, and you haven't even thought of those outfits, they probably don't need to continue to take up your precious space.
 

5.  This is a joint effort - We're exceedingly grateful that we both got bit by the "simplicity bug" together and have been able to partner together through this process.  Being able to know that we support one another without judgment when it comes to deciding whether to remove or keep an item has been wonderful and has enriched our marriage.
 

6.  Find the right balance for you - The terms "minimalism" or "simplicity" mean different things to different people.  One author sleeps on a futon on the floor as her way of pursuing a minimalist lifestyle.  We won't be doing that any time soon.  The ways we express simplicity in our lives looks different from theirs, and it will look different from yours.  That's OK and that's a good thing.

 

*     *     *

2 Questions from Linda

The technology stuff or the clothing.  Which are you ready to wade into?

What's the first thing you want to do?

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The Simplicity Series : : Session #3 : : She Says

I've learned that when Allison speaks, it's always something worth savoring.  Always.  Lean in, lean in to hear her gently share these twelve nuggets of wisdom ...

1.   To be successful, you need to go through things multiple times.

2.   At a later time it is sometimes easier to get rid of things than it was previously.  You might have a new perspective on an item that two months ago you labeled an essential treasure.


3.   It’s satisfying to see the pile of stuff you’re getting rid of grow!  This is especially true when you know items are being donated to those who will be able to use them.


4.   It’s satisfying to see previously packed drawers/shelves/closets more sparse and manageable.


5.   Keeping an item because you’d feel guilty getting rid of it is not a good reason.  If it’s not getting use or is causing you guilt, getting rid of it removes the constant reminder.


6.   Less looks better.


7.   Less is a lot easier to clean.


8.   Only keep things you really like.  If you don't feel that strongly about it, get rid of it!


9.   If you have multiples, ask if you really need multiples.


10.  Simplifying should make your life more simple, not more complicated.  For example, getting rid of a bookcase might mean a lot more cramming elsewhere which makes retrieving things and putting things away far more complicated.  Before getting rid of something ask, “will this make my life less complicated or more complicated?”.


11.  Don't make simplicity an idol!


12.  You can still keep things!  You don't have to get rid of everything you own.

*     *     *

2 Questions from Linda

Which one of these nuggets did you hear yourself saying YES to?

What's one thing you will do today to jumpstart those words into action?

 

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The Simplicity Series : : Session #2 : : He Says

Welcome to session #2!  If you didn't catch the Traveling Light intro, now's the time!  Today, we're going to get the first 6 insights from the man's perspective.  Here we go ...

1.  Start with this principle - Francine Jay's The Joy of Less shares that "decluttering is infinitely easier when you think of it as deciding what to keep, rather than deciding what to throw away."  What a freeing ground rule for all these discussions.


2.  Figure out your household's "pen life" - When evaluating your office supplies, ask yourself how long you would be able to write with your current supply of pens (assume each will last for a conservative 6-months).  When we calculated this it was over 15 years!  This didn't even include mechanical pencils, highlighters, Sharpies, crayons, and white board markers!  There's no way we needed nearly 40 pens for the two of us.  We organized by color and style and strategically located those we'd need around the apartment (e.g. by the fridge, office, bedside table drawer). The rest we said 'sayonara' to, and then repeated the process with another office supply.

3.  Sell the old when buying the new - We saved 58% off a new GPS by shopping smart and then selling the old version on eBay.  It made us feel like we got an amazing deal when we factored selling the old item into the new item's cost.

4.  Apply Pareto's Law - This is commonly called the 80/20 Rule, which states that 20% of your stuff gets 80% of the use.  Think of your go-to clothes, DVDs, games, shoes, and electronic devices.  With this principle in mind, focus on eliminating much of the 80% that gets little use.  Case in point ... we had a 13-piece knife set which worked well, but needed replacing.  We realized there are really just 3 knives that we used the most, so we pared down (pun intended as the paring knife made the cut!).

5.  Clean surfaces are amazing - We never realized how wonderful it is to have clean surfaces.  We are down to 2 items on our kitchen counters (toaster and a crock with cooking utensils).  The more we removed, the more we realized we appreciated clutter-free surfaces.  We bought new knives with sheathes so that they can be stored in a drawer.  Now there's no more knife block on our counter!

6.  Photograph your memories - We learned that memories are not found in a souvenir, knickknack, or tchotchke.  Memories are found by recalling the experience itself.  Rather than keeping a lot of trinkets, we found that taking a photo of an item and storing it in a "Memories" folder online or on your computer is an excellent way to remind yourself about an experience and tell others about it.
 

*     *     *

2 Questions from Linda

Which one of these 'traveling lighter' brainstorms grabs you?

What's one step you can take today to head in that direction?

 

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The Simplicity Series : : Traveling Light

Meet Jonathan and Allison.  They're sharp, smart, young professionals.  He's a savvy leadership guru, knows how to work a room with the greatest of ease, and is just plain fun.  She, the bride of my nephew, is simply radiant with a quiet, gentle loveliness ... and she's brilliant as well. 

When they married, Jonathan moved 700 miles with just two carloads of possessions.  The only furniture he saved?  One lone folding chair and a TV tray.  Since then, this couple has embarked on a purposeful journey of examining what they own and the role it plays in their lives. 

I'm impressed ... and not just because he's my sister's first born. They're traveling light.   And I love that in a few dozen years they won't end up like so many of us who are held hostage by way too many accumulations, overwhelmed by endless piles of miscellaneous stuff that means absolutely nothing.

It won't be long til they'll be relocating 700 miles east {with their beloved dog, Caleigh} once Allison finishes her doctorate in statistics.  But no matter where they journey, they assure me that they're going to keep on discussing, strategizing, and LIVING simplicity.

This five session series is going to be chock full of hands-on practical goodies and resources that have worked for them.  I know that you're going to be able to grab hold of some cool ideas that you can use in your own journey toward simplicity. 

And do feel free to share this series on Facebook, Twitter, Google+.  The links are below.  

Ready to roll?  Subscribe right here so you don't miss a single session!

 

 

Session #2  : :  He Says

Session #3  : :  She Says

Session #4  : :  He's Got More to Say

Session #5  : :  Your Toolbox

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traveling with Beth  .  Kristen  .  Beth  .  Elizabeth  .  Holly .  Wanda

*

J & A photos in this series by Katy Travis

The Follow-Up Post

She challenged her readers to give up their household accessories for 30 days, The Nester did.  I got the impression that not all her fans stood up and applauded.  But jumpstart me she did, to a quick farewell to 105 of my kitchen soffit friends, all those ancient trinkets and treasures collected over decades.  And with way over 1000 direct hits in no time flat, that post documenting my earth-shaking {smile} decision somehow seemed to interest or resonate with more than a few readers.

AFTER

BEFORE



Bottom line?  Even though a few family members and friends were a bit shocked/disappointed, I am loving my pared-down kitchen.  The bad news is that the basketload is still holding court in the dining room, waiting expectantly for some kind of action. 

The good news is that every last nail has been pulled in prep for spackling and painting.  The resident handyman hasn't decided when that'll be.  And since there's a big ol' square hole carved over our eating area because of a mysterious water leak, I figure it'll get done sooner or later.

But in the process of surveying the scene with a critical eye, I became motivated to uncover our beautiful hardwood floors.  Two decades ago, we bought a heavy braided oval rug, which has served us very well.  But the sun streaming through the windows has faded it over time, and I'm not in need of protecting toddling little ones from bumps and bruises any more.  So ... I rolled it up and the resident handyman hauled it to the attic.  And I LOVE those cool smooth hardwood floors underfoot in the summertime.

AFTER

 BEFORE

And now ... what to do with that basket?  Ideas, anyone?

Farewell, Little Vintage Kitchen Friends . . .

These were hard won, the 105 little vintage collectibles, hung with hundreds of tiny nails with great care and a bit of creativity a couple of decades ago.  Along the way, they were eagerly gleaned at garage sales and flea markets near and far.  Usually for pennies on the dollar, the thrill of the hunt beckoned often, with the hope of discovering some wonderfully whimsical, well-worn kitchen tool around the next corner.

Fun treasures crafted of wood and tin and aluminum that had done hard service in the last century made my day, gave me huge delight, and reigned supreme on the crown of my kitchen soffits.

In recent days ... maybe not so much.  Liked them?  Yes.  Weary of them all claiming valuable white space?  Yes.  Dusty and greasy?  For sure.

 

 

So when The Nester  threw out the challenge to de-accessorize your home for a month, I knew it was meant for me.  The heavily laden soffits needed to be emptied of their former eye candy.  After a bit of thought, I said 'yes' to the long-awaited invitation.

 

So they're coming down.  Today.  And I know that they're not ascending back up on those nail strewn walls again when the month is over. 

Where they'll go?  Not too sure.  Absorbed into an old basket or a chippy bowl or the white and red enamelware bread tin?  Stored away in a big ol' Rubbermaid container on a basement shelf or maybe sold online?  I haven't a clue.  But that's ok.  All I know is that they're coming down off the walls.  And I'm good with that.

And more than a bit relieved.

Because in this season, I am loving white space.  In every way, shape, and form.  Maybe even more than all the sweet little collectibles that have taken up residence in our home for 37 or so years ...

3 hours later, a P.S. ==>

 

1 month later,  The Follow-Up Post    

~     ~     ~

 

 

 

 

 

 





The Professional Office ~ 7 Nuts & Bolts

 

No two ways about it, I am blessed with the most wonderful office space! 

Thanks to the generosity of Bob and Dot Eckler in whose home Creekside Ministries resides, I enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a bubbling fountain, always-busy bird feeders, and a rolling green hill that leads down to the Wappingers Creek.  {Hence, our name!}  A wall of shelves houses books, collectibles that make me smile, and framed photos.  Comfy gliders and a few other pieces of furniture fill this space and a gorgeous handcrafted quilt resides on the wall.  I've worked hard over the years to design a pastoral counseling office that's warmly personal, quiet, and relaxing.

For my clients.  For me. 

Yet for the life of me, I can't remember reading anything about de-cluttering and organizing professional office spaces.  And yet, this room's components are important because it's not all about me.  It's about how people feel and what they experience when stepping foot through that door.  Is it a serene and welcoming space, free of clutter and piles and junk?  After all, many who enter are already carrying enough stuff in hearts and minds.  They don't need be visually overwhelmed or assaulted, they need to feel safe and be soothed as they settle in for an appointment.

Not long ago I penned a few paragraphs {in all of about 300 seconds!} on reorganizing the counseling office.  Here's a 7 nuts and bolts follow up:

1.   BOOKS
I love books.  And for a long time I saved every book I ever bought, ever received, ever stumbled upon.  The feel of them in my hands, the smell of them, the hours savored with them.   Everything about them spoke comfort, knowledge, nurturance, enjoyment to me.

But you know ... enough can be enough.  Over time the shelves got jam packed and when I actually stopped long enough to really see what was all there, I knew they didn't need to be all there anymore.  So ... good-bye to volumes I've never opened that hold no interest to me now.  Farewell to books and professional journals that I did read that I wouldn't bother looking at again, and to volumes back from 20, 30 years ago that I bought for school or have long run their course.  Bagged, shared, donated, sold.  They are going, going, gone.

2.   NOTEBOOKS

These big ol' metal-ringed binders are books' cumbersome cousins.  And I had accumulated stacks of these space gobblers from every class I ever took, every conference I ever attended, every seminar I ever sat through.  Did keeping all these three-ringed babies somehow make me feel smarter or more accomplished?  Or did I feel guilty giving them the heave-ho since they represented so much money and time invested in education? 

Doesn't matter.  I pulled out the info that was worth saving {surprisingly little}, and threw the rest in a huge garbage bag which I hauled out the door with great glee. 

3.   CLIPPINGS & BROCHURES 
For a long time, I clipped every magazine/journal/newspaper article and grabbed every brochure I ever came across that was remotely related to counseling, coaching, ministry, or leadership.  I had quite the file drawer filled with what was probably very worthwhile material at one point.  Problem was that I seldom if ever went back and glanced at them a second time.

Fast forward to 2013.  Everything I need is online.  Period.  These files are all heading out the door, one manila five tab at a time.  I'll never miss them.  And I'm gaining another file drawer in the process.

4.   EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY
We're using DVDs now and all kinds of techno stuff online.  The VCR tapes are history and are out of there.  When it comes to soul-soothing background music, Pandora has saved the day.  The CD player is long gone and the stacks of old CDs are headed out the door to be donated or sold.

5.   A VANILLA CANDLE
Unless it's just plain too hot, a candle faithfully burns on the coffee table in front of our chairs. The scent speaks nurturance and comfort.  The flame is symbolic of the Holy Spirit's presence and activity during these pastoral counseling sessions. 

6.   PLANTS
Beautiful green plants and lovely flowers speak of vibrant life and healthy growth.  If something in the pot has lost it's vigor and bloom, in the trash it goes.

7.  THE SHREDDER
What can I say?  A good paper shredder is one of an office's best friends.

This all works for me.  And based on what my clients tell me, it's a space that's working for them. 

 

 

 

Are You Living in a Fantasy World?

Do you have a "fantasy self"?  The incredible culinary whiz.  The super-fit, all-star athlete.  The award winning musical virtuoso.  The fabulously creative entrepreneur. 

Acquired a whole lot of stuff along the way to becoming someone you never quite became?

Kitchen cabinets jammed with stacks of unopened gourmet cookbooks and expensive cooking widgets {that were maybe used once or twice}.

A garage packed with all manner of big-ticket sports equipment {from at least a generation ago}.

The cache of musical instruments stuffed in the back of a musty closet or two {from way back in elementary school}.

Overflowing boxes laden with dusty, unused craft supplies {from the '80s}.

Clothes bought on a whim stored in a rarely-opened garment bag {with the tags still attached}.

Painful piles of memorabilia from a love, a friendship, a relationship {that's long since departed}.

Writer and blogger Francine Jay muses, "Do you have a fantasy self? And if so, how much of your clutter belongs to it?

All too often, we hold on to stuff because it represents who we think we should be, rather than who we are. Sometimes our fantasy selves are meant to impress others; sometimes they’re relics of our past; sometimes they’re fantasies about our future.

Whatever the case, it’s important to remember: acquiring stuff for your fantasy self doesn’t make it a reality. Most of the time, it only leads to a lot of “nice” clutter you never actually use."

Check out her list of 10 fantasy personalities.

Any of those descriptions ring a bell for you?

What strikes you when you see yourself in black and white?

Ready to embrace who you REALLY are in this season by saying good-bye to that dream/hope/fantasy that never quite made it?

I've said good-bye to the pasta machine I used once.  Hundreds of carefully cut-out, never used magazine recipes stashed in wrinkled old folders.  The dozens of once-loved cross-stitch books.  The piano that saw hour after hour of faithful practice. Stacks and stacks of paper and cards and notes from eons ago.  Photos of people I couldn't even identify.  My husband's trumpet from high school.  Some collectibles and lots of tchotchkes that have long since lost their charm.

Most recently it was a whole, dusty file drawer of every note and test I ever took, every handout I ever laid my eyes on, everything I ever wrote through college and graduate school.  {Yes, I saved a few papers ...}

There's lots more to go.  'Cause I'm not now who I was then.

You, too?

  Linda 

P.S. #1  Need more motivation?  You'll appreciate "Home is not my stuff." 

P.S. #2  Check out "101 Places Where Your Clutter Can Do Good."

- picture by Jim in Times Square -

The Albatross Around Our Necks

I've talked with a number of people who have too much stuff.  Possessions ooze out of every pore of available space in their homes.  Frustration comes because there's not a place for everything, and they end up enjoying and appreciating nothing because it's just too overwhelming.

Exhausted by the visual sight of all they've accumulated along the way, they turn away and pretend it's not all there and it's not really bothering them.

But, truth be told, too much of anything ends up being like an albatross around our necks, a very difficult burden you can't unload.

Freedom comes when we begin the difficult task of acknowledging that much of what we clutch on to evokes memories and emotions that we haven't quite sorted through yet.  A tremendous release comes when we're courageous enough to begin to consider all that collides in our heads and hearts.  And being willing to let it go. 

Freedom is saying "no" to the creeping presence of more and more stuff.  And in ruthlessly saying goodbye to many of the things that we've allowed to define us.  In renting a dumpster.  In doing a tag sale.  In donating good stuff to those who really need it.  In refusing to go buy more things that we don't want or need.

So whether it's the bedroom drawers, jammed with clothes that will never be worn, or streamlining your medicine cabinet, utensil drawers, tool box, desk drawers, and cleaning cabinet, it just might be the time to go through our accumulations, one drawer, one cabinet, one closet, one pile, one surface at a time.

Are you ready to commit to 15 minutes a day?

Maybe it's time to begin throwing "off everything that hinders us." Because I'm thinking that it's distracting us from more important things.  Like focusing on all that Christ has designed for us to be and to do.
Linda

- albatross by Tristan27 -