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Buried Alive (not really - but that's how it feels)

 

Several years ago, a friend introduced me to the Minimalists. Their story and their process is absolutely fascinating and everything they say makes sense.  I started purging.  Then I kind of hit a wall with that – got distracted and lazy.  Then came Marie Kondo – more purging.  Had a pretty decent streak going for a while.  Last summer, Goodwill got SO much stuff from us. The friend helped IMMENSELY with this process!!

 Then life happened.

 Then Covid happened.

 Now I find I have so, so, so much stuff.  Now, to be fair, I have accumulated a lot of craft supplies, BUT I actually USE those – so I am not including them (other than needing better storage solutions for them).  What I am including is the full cabinets and drawers that never get opened – the stuff never gets used.  I’m including under the sinks, in the closets, and (EEEK) the basement.  SO MUCH STUFF.

 I want to sell things, purge things, throw things away. toss. Toss. TOSS. Today I am making a list – a list of every area in my house that needs to be purged of stuff. 

 Please don’t get me wrong, - I am not anywhere near a hoarder level (hoarders make my skin crawl honestly), but some days, I FEEL like my house is similar – even when I know it’s not. When kids have left things all over the table or counters, I FEEL like we are hoarders.  Every closet, every cabinet, every drawer is full, too full.  I’m sure this is a DUH kind of statement, but when things are cleaner and uncluttered, I just feel…calm. How can I start doing Yoga that I very much miss doing or light a beautiful smelling candle in a cluttered room?  Okay, yes, I could do both of those things - I have plenty of space for it. It just wouldn't feel right.

 A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit my brother in California.  His house was amazing.  The decorations were sparse but chic with clean lines everywhere. Everything about his house was calming – even the garage was insanely clean.  I aspire to be even HALF as good as he is at decorating, organizing and keeping next to no crap (big brother needs to HEEELLLLLPPPP ME). A friend I dance with - same thing, similar style - and I love it.

 It may be time to really make the kids and husband hate me (and trust me when I say, they will all be very vocal about it) – BEFORE I LOSE MY MIND. 

 


 

 

 

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