Before and Now

I'm glad I got that little post done so I can keep the stone rolling and write more.  I've been thinking about the benefits I've been experience because of minimizing.  First thing, when I received the call from my sister that my dad was in bad shape I left, immediately.  I did not worry about things that needed to be done before I left or during the 4 hour drive to the hospital.  I was focused on my sister, my dad, my mom, and my brother.  I was fully present to be a support and surf the emotional waves of his last days.

Before minimizing I would dream of having a maid, a chef, a gardner.  Now I have time and enjoy cleaning my house, preparing fantastic meals, and building my know how to have a garden.

Before minimizing I was paralyzed by decision fatigue when choosing what to wear any given day.  Now I joyfully select from my capsule wardrobe and feel fantastic.

Before minimizing I would shame myself for the excess I had, yet continue to add to it because I believed the consumerism messages that stuff would make me happy.  Now I happy with what I have and am able to selectively choose to purchase only those things that I will use often and love.

Before minimizing I wasn't very hopeful about what the future held.  Now I am free to dream and take action, now, to make progress to achieve those dreams.

Now I have more joy, more hope, more dreams, and more love.  Now is great.

Rolling Stones

I started a post numerous times over the last week.  My dad passed last week and my son moved into his own place.  As I'm processing these subtractions, I am preparing for surgery that will have me out of commission for 8 weeks.  I will not be able to do my chores, cook meals, or drive.  It turns out I'm just as guilty as the next person of finding my worth in what I do - homemaking.

I have a list of things I would like to have done before next week.  I look at them and there is a heavy weight keeping me from moving.  I'm pretty sure I could label the weight grief.  If I can manage to get something small done, the ball starts to creep and I start getting some things done.  Here's to rolling stones.

For the Fun of It

I'm learning and embracing the fact that minimalism looks different for everyone.  For example, most people would agree creating a meal plan for a week or more in advance helps keep the cost of groceries to a minimum.  Advanced meal planning was practical for me when life was busy.  It was not, however, exciting.  In this slower pace of life that I am enjoying, I like to find a new recipe every day.  I then go grocery shopping for just that recipe.  It's keeping my cost down because I'm excited to cook.  We stay out of the restaurants because I'm excited to cook and try new things.  I don't waste food because the recipe didn't strike my fancy that day.  I've been a stay at home mom for 20 years.  I'm just now spreading my wings and cooking for the fun of it.

What minimalism looks like will differ depending on the family.  It's not a competition.  Everyone is looking for that which brings them joy.  I have learned joy is not found in my stuff.  I want space for hosting my family and friends.  I do not intend to fill the space with stuff.  I do intend to fill it with love, acceptance, and anything else that supports our mission/goals.

My minimalist journey is going from feeling ashamed as I declutter/deown/decrayify, to feeling free and having fun as I enjoy life.  I'm not only cooking for the fun of it, I'm cleaning for the joy of it.  I'm taking care of myself for the love of it.  It's amazing what this new year is bringing into my life.  I am able to receive all the good because of all that I've let go.  Winning!

I'm Ready

Courtney Carver is one of my favorite minimalist.  She is the founder of #project333 which is the inspiration for my capsule wardrobe.  She recently made a post entitled 10 Ways to Create a Routine with Joyful Discipline.  With the new year coming up quick, it's an excellently timed read.  The content is wonderful and, as I'm learning about creating posts for the general population, the site is a prime example of how to do things correctly.  Great job Courtney!!

I love routine and setting goals.  Courtney's concept of pivoting to change one's routines if they are not beneficial is critical.  She also uses the terms inflation and deflation for adjustments made to daily routines based on one's energy.  These concepts are similar to the spoon theory I use to address my energy crises.  I've learned the hard way that I need to establish a realistic base line.  I currently have a comfortable routine in place, would like to take steps to expand.

It just so happens, last month I invited several women to participate in a collaboration event. We will meet on a monthly basis with a different person hosting the event each time. The goal is to help the host with a task she assigns.  The group serves, has fun, bonds, and grows.  I'm excited to foster my relationships in this way.  I am both collaborating and rotating my routine, as Courtney suggests in her post. Winning!

Recently I accepted a position, three days a week, as a driver.  Believe it or not, this is job is a form of self care.  I chose this job because it has flexibility, fits my physical limitations, has a team atmosphere, and should never boring.  I will still have a day to "unroutine", in Courtney's terms.

While many people are focused on making subtractions in their schedules, I am confident making these additions.  I have made great progress in my minimalist journey and believe I am choosing wisely.  I am focused on self care and growing friendships.  The money I earn will be used toward goals set jointly by my husband and myself.  I'm ready!

I Choose

As I declutter and create "negative" or empty space, there are some that want me to fill it.  I want to Feng Shui everything.  I want empty space.  I have a dream of downsizing to a three bedroom home with 2 bathrooms.  Part of me believes if we downsized it we be a mental game that would thwart the need others have to fill our empty space.  I imagine the house being under 1500 sq. feet as I expect to have over night guests and would like to host gatherings.  And I want the basement for two reasons: 1) I live in the Midwest and want it as a tornado shelter 2) Part of my simple living goals include learning to can and dry food so I can buy only those foods offered from local farmers at the farmers' market.

Having only that which brings me joy in my home, my relationships, and my schedule is liberating.  Chores bring me joy.  I am taking care of my loved ones when I clean the bathroom, scoop poop, do laundry, buy food, and pay bills.  It's all good.  I don't have to spend time with negative people or fill my schedule with things I detest.  I choose.

I need to do a better job conveying the fact that I am on a minimalist mission and the benefits I have experienced so far because of it.  There seems to be some pushback from people who choose differently.  I'm really happy with my choices and my accomplishments.

For the record:
My house is much cleaner.  It is much easier and quicker to pick up.
Laundry is done regularly and is not the stressor it use to be before my capsule wardrobe.
I enjoy being in my kitchen and using my beloved tools to cook my family tasty meals.
I have time to love on my animals without feeling guilty about what needs to be done around the house.
I can host guests spur of the moment with my guest room prepped and the bathroom clean.
I waste far less food following a meal plan because I'm far less tired from not spinning my wheels.
I have time to foster authentic friendships.
I have time for self care, even if I'm not sure yet what to do.  I'm taking time to figure it out.
My family thinks I'm a rockstar superwoman and they're right!

Family Focus

During my presentation last week, I shared my personal motivation question when decluttering: Do I want my kids to deal with this if I die tomorrow?  It's been an important question during this first year of subtraction.  I believe this question will change in 2016.  My next few posts will be exploring what that question may be.  If you know your question, I would love to hear it.

This weekend I braved the mall with my mom, it was her wish.  I have already completed my Christmas shopping. The gifts I purchased this year were few in number, well thought out, and very meaningful.  I am pleased I had the time to find the right gifts, at the right price.  It's amazing what minimalism can do to help keep the family in focus.

There were a couple necessity items, bras & socks, on my list that were very manageable.  I was able to purchase them at one store.  I enjoyed the time I had with my mom at the mall because we were not urgently searching for just the right gift.  We drifted in and out of stores, chatting away.  I wasn't worried about making my next commitment or any chores that needed to be done.

As I reflect on our mall experience and my gift choices this year, I believe a compelling question for me in the coming year as I work to limit the items coming into my home, fill my calendar, and choose to fill my time, will need to keep a my family as my main focus.

Question #1 - Will this choice keep my family as my focus?

Winter Capsule Wardrobe Week #2

I faithfully dressed from my capsule wardrobe this week except the day I was out of commission.  I haven't worn my pearls in a while and I almost forgot how much I enjoy them.  It's been so warm that the first outfit is actually a cammy and a light weight, short sleeved cardigan.  I was still hot.

I decided to honor the sun and all its warmth with my sun shirt.  Thankfully I was able to remove the outer layer when the afternoon hit 65 degrees.  I enjoy my headbands too.

Simple outfit; no need for layers with the wonderful weather.

A little bit dressier outfit for my husband's Christmas party.  The scarf is from a hometown friend.  The shirt is from a boutique that opened up near me that has nice clothes for reasonable prices.  And did you notice the jeans?  That's right!  I wore jeans.  I also put on a layer of make-up. 

Winter Capsule Wardrobe Week #1

I dressed to go out three times this week.  I'm definitely looking forward to my haircut next week.  It seemed my hair didn't want to behave.

I love my skin care products from Roden and Fields.

I have fought acne all my life and I finally have decluttered my face.  It's so nice to have smooth, clear skin!

My other good news is I dropped 11 pounds this week!  Yup, I'm happy to be gaining momentum toward my daily routine.  It helps keep the pounds off.