32 Families

There's no doubt in my mind that more of us are heading to that minimalist place, a simpler lifestyle, a pared down existence.  We're gazing at our dusty collections with less fondness, our endless accumulations have become burdensome, and we're more than weary of moving one overwhelming pile to make room for yet another.  That serenity that emerges when there's less junk and fewer gewgaws and hoo-has cluttering every conceivable surface is becoming more appealing, and the word's getting out there as you share your victorious stories over coffee, on your posts, in conversations together. 

 

Spurred on by each other's victories, we're stepping out of the tight, suffocating cocoon our stuff has slowly woven around us.  We say 'no more' to this albatross around our necks, 'adios' to being smothered to death by our endless paraphernalia.  We're taking care of business, paring down, givin' it away, filling dumpsters.  We're breathing deep sighs of relief, for our white space is growing and our margins are expanding, inside and out.  We're more relaxed 'cause we feel free-er and lighter and way less encumbered.   

 

And what we do end up keeping are objects that have meaning to us - we use those items or we believe that they add a significant value to our lives.  These are the goods that make us smile.  They give us a warm sense of satisfaction, for they are worth the real estate they consume.  And yes, they deserve those highly-prized containers, creative boxes, cute little bins, and fabulous baskets that just beg to be put to good use.  

 

If you care about why we got to this culture of hyper-consumerism, this futile hoarding that affects our health, our families, and our wellbeing, these three little vignettes below will be worth the investment of your time.  32 families and their homes were explored and analyzed by archaeologists.  Really. 

 

And their enlightening observations are worth noting as we continue casting a critical eye on what we possess.  Sorting through what has come to define us.  Showing our excess the door.  And then organizing what is needed in ways that are pleasing and helpful.  

 

The end result?  More joy-fueled time and energy to live life well, to love people whole-heartedly, to spend our days reaching out, serving lavishly, joyfully sharing the faith we hold dear.  You know ... all those things that truly give life meaning. 

 

  

STUFF

 

FOOD

 

SPACE

 

 

 

 

Fascinating, yes?