6 Graces . . . for when we are our own harshest taskmasters

Sometimes we're just too hard on ourselves, ya' know?  If we can't blast into full throttle mode on any given task, we just throw up our hands, wander off, and do nothing at all.  

Maybe sulk in the corner.  

Pout.  

Or have a bit of a pity party.

Half-truths and downright lies about who we are whisper their familiar refrain somewhere deep.  The enemy of our soul's an excellent marksman, his poisoned arrows piercing right where it hurts most.  After awhile we define ourselves by our imperfections and flaws, screw-ups and sins, with a list of coulda / woulda / shoulda's draping themselves around our defeated shoulders like a heavy, immobilizing wet blanket.  

Slowly but surely, we feel 'less than.'  

Or like we're never enough.   

We begin to define ourselves by what we don't accomplish instead of who we are in Jesus Christ.  And after awhile, when life throws us even the simplest of curve balls we throw up our hands in defeat instead of figuring out what a Plan B grace might look like.

What grace responses can we choose?

6 scenarios

&

some options we can choose

&

some helpful, practical links to take us there

1.   The house desperately needs a heavy-duty spring cleaning, just like grandma used to do.  Windows, curtains, linens, shelves, floors, every nook and cranny stripped bare and scrubbed to a spotless shine.  Any less just won't do.  It's all just too much to even comprehend.

Exhausted at the prospect, we drag ourselves half-heartedly through a few tasks before deciding to call it quits for yet another season.

OR a Plan B Grace Response . . .

Not up for an all-out cleaning frenzy, we choose to crank up the music, set the timer, and do a bit of a spruce up for 15 minutes.  Amazed at what we've accomplished, we decide to do it again in a couple of days!  

Here's how to turn your house upside down in 15 minutes. 

2.   Walking at least 2 miles every day is on the unspoken yet rigid agenda.  It's sprinkling out and we'll get soaking wet if we venture that far.

Playing the martyr just a bit, we stay in and figure we'll head out some day when it's not too cloudy or wet or windy or cold or muggy.

OR a Plan B Grace Response . . .

We choose to pull the sweatshirt hood over our heads, shrug off the raindrops, and head out for just a short hike instead.  We return home surprised that it wasn't so bad after all!

Here's why lacing 'em up is a super idea.

3.   Self-appointed experts or some kind of internal blog police strongly urge a great big online masterpiece penned each week.  But we're swamped or life is going in a new direction or the creative well is bone dry.

Frustrated at these expectations, we force ourselves to write anyway ... and our words end up lifeless and dead.

OR a Plan B Grace Response . . . 

We choose to pick up our pens when we're really excited about what we have to say!

Here's 4 cool steps to get those creative juices flowing again.

4.   We've finally started on a great big diet, and we've committed ourselves to lose 10 pounds.  But then someone offers us a few goodies straight from the oven, and we end up gorging ourselves..

Disgusted, we throw in the towel and grab another handful.  The diet wasn't working anyway.

OR a Plan B Grace Response . . .

We choose to encourage ourselves to eliminate that restrictive word 'diet' from our vocabulary.  And then switch gears and begin to eat healthy once again!

Here's some good food that'll take us there.

5.   We believe that we must spend at least an hour each morning having devotions or we're bad Christians.  When we can't live up to that standard, regular devotional times soon become a vague memory.

Guilt-ridden but not necessarily convicted, we're sure God's mad at us.

OR a Plan B Grace Response . . .

We choose to consider a devotional time to be an invitation from God's loving heart, not a strict discipline that hangs over our heads like an ominous sword!

It's all about a joyful connecting with the Lover of your soul.

6.   The dining table has become a convenient place to stack piles of random stuff because it's been eons since we invited guests over for a meal.  We feel disconnected and wonder why no one's giving us a call.

Hurt, we figure no one would want to come over anyway.

OR a Plan B Grace Response . . .

Feeling a bit lonesome, we choose to call a friend and meet at Panera's for afternoon coffee in the comfy red chairs by the window!

Here's 3 steps to morph your home into a haven of hospitality.

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We've been called to love our neighbors as ourselves.

If we can't cut ourselves a break, if we refuse to ratchet down our endless, often unrealistic expectations, how can we expect to show grace to others?

May we be able to look in the mirror and allow the Lord to lavish that deeply needed grace to the precious soul who stares back at us.

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Connecting with Kelly  .  Mary  .  Holley  .  Lyli

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

When Unplugged = Re-Charging

 'In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.'

~   Isaiah 30:15   ~

Kind of odd, isn't it.  We've got to plug in our screens to give them more juice, recharge the batteries before they fade, and keep those omnipresent electronic lifelines in tip-top running condition.

And yet the exact opposite is true for us as human beings.

We've got to unplug from those very same screens to breathe deep in solitude.  To recharge our waning energy, to revive the depths of who we are at the soul level, and invite the creative juices to flow with more oomph.

Especially us introverts.  {Don't miss what Holley Gerth says about loving us well!}

And that's pretty much what I'm going to be doing the next few weeks as we nest at our little Cape Cod haven.  My Mom hasn't been well so I plan on spending as much time with my parents as they can take {oh, no, is she here AGAIN?!}.  I'm hoping for endless walks, searching for those ever elusive hidden sea glass gems along deserted shorelines.  I plan to fill those yet unclaimed journal pages with deeply seated words that are yearning to be spilled out.   Assorted family members will be coming and going and I can't wait to spend some needed downtime with them as we turn the corner into autumn's soft glow. 

I'll be dropping in online very occasionally.  'Cause responding to your comments has become a non-negotiable joy around here!  But then I'll be stepping back again to rest and read, putter and walk, re-imagine and re-create.  And maybe lean straight into an serendipitous adventure or two.  Without all that endlessly enticing online stimulation. 

Unplugged.

I'll miss you.  I bet I'll even have some withdrawal symptoms.

Because sometimes the gift we need the most can be the hardest one to receive.

Hugs ~

~> If you've never subscribed to this online community, would you do so today?  And I'd love to know that you'll be here when I roll back on in ...

Summertime's 5 Best Lingering Joys

I don't want summer to end. 

 

Period.

This has been the best summertime ever. 

 

And here's why : :

 the pleasure

Parking lot bench, sidewalk cafe, backyard picnic table, water's edge?  Doesn't matter.  Even the simplest food tastes extraordinary when the breezes are blowing and the sun warms you somewhere deep within.  And watching an owl swoop in close at dusk while we nibbled dessert with friends?  It just doesn't get better than that. 

the victory

This summer's greatest shock?  Rolling out of bed more mornings than not, donning my sneakers, and heading out the door to walk a couple of miles.  This is a 1st.  Ever.  Wish I could say that I've lost 10 5 pounds ... but the reward has been simply knowing that I'm taking decent care of my body.  It makes me smile.

the serendipity

Launching into a rousing rendition of 'Home on the Range' with grandgirl #5 as she rides her Radio Flyer horse like a crazy woman, dressed in a flowing cape and a battered white-brimmed Easter hat perched on top of a Red Sox cap.  Crooning a '80's Top 40 song in perfect off-key harmony, at a moments notice, with my sister.  Singing an ancient hymn with my Dad as we clear the table ... and an unexpected gentle duet of 'Everyone needs compassion, the kindness of a Savior' with Mom near the close of another day.  These are memories that will stay close to my heart.  Forever. 

the relaxation

I'm on my 10th 11th book this summer.  If you want me, I'll be on the back porch with my feet up, quietly savoring yet another unfolding saga.

the fun

Life can be a never-ending frustration as we try to fit square pegs into round holes and find that, once again, things usually don't work like we want them to.  So am I the first grown woman to sit on the floor hunched over hundreds of minuscule plastic pieces ... only to discover that within 5 minutes she's become hopelessly hooked on a Lego Friends barn-building project?  That satisfying silent pop as the teensy parts fit together {and the sweet shared moments with grandgirl #2} were just sublime.

Go figure ...

What are your lingering summertime joys, my friend?

 

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*   sharing joy with Kristen & Holley & Leigh & Emily & Lisha  *

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 ...



    >     300 seconds with Kate  *  Kristen  *  Holley     <   

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Sleep Yearning ~ 7 Compelling Invitations

'One more hour of sleep equals several more hours of much higher productivity. 

 

Our highest priority is to protect our ability to prioritize.'

~    McKeown    ~

 

 

 

 

So ... how many hours do you scrape by on each night? 

 

The specialists tell us we need 8 ... or even 7.  Yet truth be told, many of us try to manage on 6.  Or even 5. 

 

We're not talking about the occasional sleepless night here, but a chronic exhaustion, a distinct lack of energy that saps the essence of who we are, leaving us to sleepwalk through our days in a kind of lethargic survival mode.

 

Perpetually sluggish, we know we're missing the boat when it comes to mental sharpness.  Our ability to focus clearly and complete even the simplest of tasks well seems to be waning.  Decision making has become last minute, slapdash, or based on fear or other nebulous emotions.  We react rather than thoughtfully respond to what comes at us.  And we can't remember the last time there was a zestful creativity or those sky's-the-limit envisionings that give life its vibrant joy and glorious bounce.   

 

This isn't working for us, is it.

 

Check out these 7 little sleep-inducing tidbits that have served me well ... {when I live them out!}

 

1.  Take a hike

30 minutes of walking earlier in the day may boost levels of serotonin, that feel-good hormone that relaxes us.  And the rise in body temperature brought on by walking may signal the brain to lower our temperature hours later, promoting sleep.  Plus, we're able to smile inside, knowing we're taking care of our bodies with regular exercise.

 

2.  No evening caffeine, sugar, or heavy snacks

This should be a no-brainer, but a 9 pm hot fudge sundae with all the trimmings is just not conducive to a good night's sleep.  Going to bed with a full stomach is a recipe for insomnia.  Sorry.

 

3.  A long hot bath

This is my ultimate go-to stress reliever.  Very heavy on the bubbles, please.

 

4.  Cut way back on online activity 

An evening of endless browsing or heavy duty writing absolutely does not work for me.  All I can say is that I wish my favorite blog link-ups were scheduled during the daylight hours, not at 10 or 11pm at night. 

 

5.  No heavy duty discussions

Outside of some gentle pillow talk, I don't know if I can remember any super-productive late night discussions.  This is not the time for major decisions, conflict resolution, or true confessions.  Save it for the daylight hours when you're awake and alert.   

 

6.  Adios to playing Holy Spirit

If you're moving through life feeling like you need to obsessively rescue, fix, or save others, your mind will have a very hard time settling down and you will never be at peace.  Period.  Here's why.

 

7.  Book-light journaling

If it's been a wild few days and my mind is whirling like a crazed dervish, I flip on my little book-light and pull out my journal.  Scratching out my thoughts, feelings, and concerns {no names, please}, processing them well, and then releasing them to the Lover of my soul is hugely helpful and a wonderful benediction to the day.  Deep breathing prayer only adds to the sweet release.  He whispers, 'peace, be still.'  Psalm 127 tells us that He grants sleep to the ones He loves ... if we let Him do His sacred work in our weary, over-burdened souls.

 

*

 

If you find that this collection of ideas isn't making much of a difference, please talk to your doctor.  You might be dealing with a side effect from a medication.  Or experiencing depression.  Sleep apnea might be in the picture.  Or any one of a number of medical challenges that can be diagnosed and treated.  Successfully.

 

Night-night.  Sleep tight.

 

 

/   mommy and me on the beach ~ 1956   /

 

/   sharing these little invitations with Kristen & Holley   /

 

 

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4 Steps to Get Those Creative Juices Flowing Again

"When working on The Last Supper, Leonardo da Vinci regularly took off from painting

for several hours at a time and seemed to be daydreaming aimlessly.  

Urged by his patron, the prior of Santa Maria delle Grazie, to work more continuously,

da Vinci is reported to have replied, immodestly but accurately, 

'The greatest geniuses sometimes accomplish more when they work less.'"

 =  Schwartz  =
 

If it was good enough for Leonardo, it just might be good for us.  Rest.  Daydreaming.  Re-creation.  Playtime.  Especially if the creative flow is slowly but surely waning.  And we realize that boredom, restlessness, or something strangely off-kilter is descending, bringing with it unfulfilling, yawn-inspiring work.  Same old same old activities.  Fading relationships.  Or ministry involvement that seems to be going nowhere.

And we're feeling a bit dried up, kind of crispy around the edges. 

Maybe we're striving too hard to make life happen.  To reach success ... or even make it through the day.  Goal-driven, our to-do lists have become unwieldy and we're unable to simply be in the moment.  Someone always wants a piece of us.  Calendars are jam-packed.  And every hour is laced with incessant texting, Facebook and/or email checking, and other mindless craziness. 

Is it any wonder we're so tightly wound? 

Less, not more, is sounding more and more appealing, isn't it.  Social media's incessant noise, the endless demanding clutter of possessions, and a sedentary lifestyle that's slowly evolved over time are keeping us from blooming healthy and strong.  Daydreaming, playing, and creating?  Those pastimes have become a distant faded memory.

 

4 STEPS TO GET THOSE CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING

1.  Unplug 
Without thought, we've invited screens to invade our every waking moment.  They now accompany us everywhere we go.  In all sizes, they demand our involvement, define who we are, and call the shots of our lives.  Obsessed we are.  Literally. 

The good news?  We get to choose what to do with our addiction to social media and technology.  If we dare. 

2.  Unpack
Simplicity and minimalism walk hand in hand, softly, urgently calling our names.  We're too encumbered with our stuff ... and we know it.  Buying it, cleaning it, sorting it, moving it, decorating it, adjusting it, throwing it in the corner, storing it, paying for it. 

The good news?  We get to choose what we want to do with the avalanche of possessions that steal our energy, our joy, our wallets, our focus.

3.  Head outdoors
Fresh breezes, new vistas, the smells and sights and sounds of creation beckon.  Our heads begin to clear and hearts open wide as our feet hit the grass, sand, or pavement.  These moments are the best venues for conversations with the Lord or with those who walk alongside.  The spaciousness of creation opens up our abilities to sort through situations that are complex, weird, or confusing.  Brilliant little snippets of ideas come and settle in for us to savor and act on. We breathe deep.  And smile.  

The good news?  This doesn't cost us a dime.

4.  Doodle   
Long ago, most of us were natural creators.  Fingerpainting, drawing, coloring, designing, sculpting, digging in the sand.  It's time to ferret out the old arts and crafts stuff ... or invest in some new goodies.  And simply start to doodle around a bit.  We shouldn't judge our fledgling masterpieces too harshly.  But instead, laugh out loud as we revel in this simplest of childhood joys.  And see where it takes us.

The good news?  Most of us have been yearning to play again.  We just didn't know it.

 

What are you doing to get YOUR creative energy flowing?

 

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=  daydreaming with Kristen  &  Holley  =

Just a Quick Visit . . .

 

Trusting that you're enjoying the simple passage of this week, perhaps a needed change of pace, the glorious relief of some long neglected tasks completed, or finding that a long yearned for dream is finally coming into view.

 

Praying that you're experiencing the Holy Spirit whispering joy as you wend your way through the ordinariness of the hours, noticing that His sacred companionship is causing your steps to be lighter and your pathway clearer.

 

Missing you, dear friends, but breathing deep and savoring a distinct lack of schedule and all that comes with stepping away from routine.  And even though I haven't responded to your comments as I normally would, please know that I have cherished each and every word you've penned and have been filled with gratitude for your prayer support.

 

I'm mulling over the details of a new vision, a partnership of sorts with all you blogging mavens out there.

 

And I'm sending my best to my counseling clients as they enjoy a bit of a break from their courageous labors in that tranquil windowed room ...

 

 

In Which This is Not the Time to Write

This is probably not the day to pull together a post. 

For this is the time, the place to sort through the weekend's myriad swirling emotions, the endless activity.  And process the highs, the lows that swing from grief to joy, apprehension to peace, uncertainty to gratitude. 

These are the precious hours to soak in the quiet stillness, the lilting music of birdsong, gentle wind chimes swaying, the distant spinning whir of laundry appliances joining the chorus song of life.

I begin this week by tidying up.  Clean sheets and towels emerge and playthings are tucked back on vacant shelves while I wait on a most important phone call.  I begin to prepare my heart for the counseling conversations scheduled mid-week with dear clients.

I recall once again Saturday's tender memorial service honoring a life lived well ... and my heart replays many conversations during that sacred gathering.  I recall friendships from decades past that have come to visit us once again, memories awakened. 

My eyes brim. 

And then my mind ricochets over to a crazy mosquito-infested photoshoot with the six little ones, a gentle sabbath walk, a hopscotch board chalked onto the driveway.  Ice cream savored in the hot sunshine's rays, a bag of frozen grated cheese icing an injured foot, and excited young crafters displaying woodshop creations hammered together with Pa.  Images of my daughters cuddling their own children close, an actively swinging hammock, a rainbow of hoola hoops strewn from here to there on newly mowed grass, and the joy of the family table all careen together, making me smile wide.

Shouts of laughter.  And too many hugs to count.

And maybe when all is said and done, this is why I write on the most ordinary of days.  Whether journaling or blogging, God seems to whisper deep as I put pen to paper.  It's there that He invites me to fully recollect and recall, to sort and process well, and to hope and dream the biggest of pictures. 

And from that place I emerge with learnings and peace that overflows and the deepest of gratitudes, even when concerns are deep and tears threaten to fall. 

His Spirit prompts me to remember the glorious sight of a double rainbow filling a very gray sky several dusks ago.  The anticipation of the days ahead beckons me forward.  No matter what those hours may hold ...



*   sharing life with Kristen & Holley & Kelli & {in}courage    *

A Final Farewell

Dear Snow ~

I've just gotta say that I am beyond grateful that you have finally melted from the scene.  It's been a frigid, endless winter and I really thought you'd never make your final departure.  My little 3 year old granddaughter actually wept last week as she spied a fresh early morning layer of your fluffy white presence on her lawn.

Enough is enough. 

The crocuses and daffodils are bursting out in all their radiant glory and buds are pushing their way into view high up in the trees.  What a joy to fling the windows wide open, pack away those heavy sweaters, and put my feet up out on the back porch.

And wonder of wonders?  I know that flip flops, t-shirts, and brightly colored tootsies can't be far behind.

To everything there is a season.  And at least around these parts, yours is gone.

A joyful adios.

 * image creator unknown

 

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An Overflowing Life



 

'You've got all the makings of a professional writer.' 

Those words fell upon me like a precious anointing, a benediction received with gratefulness overflowing, one of those 'well done, good and faithful servant' moments, the kind you unknowingly crave from some place deep within.

I choke up and tell him how much his words mean to me and how much I love him for letting me know what he believes is true.  For my love language is words of affirmation.  And this is a deposit of pure gold gently invested into my soul.

But a professional writer?  I'm not there yet.  At all.

For I see myself as a grateful woman just beginning to come of age.  Which is quite different than an aging woman.  Yes?

I see myself as a devoted follower of the Triune God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

I have been married for 38 years yesterday.  All I can say is it only gets better and better.  I'm crazy over my man.

I have two daughters and their six kids and their men, my parents and my sister ... and altogether they light up my busy world, making it sparkle bright.  And keep me young in the process.

I am a friend.  The faithful, loyal, go-to-the-mat-for-you type.  I'll love, enjoy, encourage, and defend you til the end.  Especially if you've got chocolate.

I am a counselor.  Sitting in those chairs together with another woman struggling to find her way?  I'm all about that.  It's my sweet spot.  And they know it.

I am a beach girl, born and bred.  I live for the long weekends when we can steal away for endless walks by the ocean, discovering wooded pathways yet unexplored, sunsets that slowly melt into glory.  My pockets fill with the ever illusive sea glass, tossed and frosted by salty crashing waves over time.

And finely woven into the mix above?  I am a blogger.  I love this space.  I love this opportunity.  I love this little community that's being built one post, one conversation, one new friend at a time.

But a professional writer?  It sounds like way too much work.  I'm not feeling it.

I'm too busy living my life to the fullest.  My cup runneth over.

 

 

*  spending 5+ minutes with Lisa-Jo and her word of the day, WRITER  *

 

*   visiting with Laura  .  Beth   *

 

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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.

 

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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.

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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.
 

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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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