Monday, April 27, 2026
And the Dream Continues
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Fast Forward Five+ years
Who knew 5+ years ago that we would be living through a global pandemic? Surely not I.
And in the last 5 years, life seems to have slowly shifted and changed to the point that I am now living the life of a woman with a nearly empty nest, yet often filled with the laughter and joy of grandchildren and adopted-by-marriage sons and daughter. It happened slowly and at the same time, overnight.
I am not sure where to begin on the blogging venture and I know I have had many false starts over the years, but I feel called to write again.
Rather than make excuses for my lack of writing, I will begin where I am. I haven't ever stopped writing, I only stopped posting on my blog(s).
A few weeks ago, I signed up for my first race in over 4 years. I am excited and optimistic that I am able to begin to focus more on running again and this is a good motivator.
It has been even longer since I ran a trail race, so the 2021 Rocky Raccoon Half Marathon will be a soothing balm for my soul as that is where I am happiest when running - the woods.
For today, Thanksgiving 2020, I will reflect on all the blessing that 2020 has offered. I read recently a wonderful perspective that I have tried to integrate into my thinking about this year...
2020 is not the year I will think about all that I have missed, 2020 is the year I will realize all that I have.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
He Hid
It's been a long time since posting very much on the blog. Much has transpired over this time and rather than try to catch up, I will start where I am.
I do not know how much I will be writing about running and racing, so if you come here for that, you might be a bit uninterested in what I am writing. Perhaps not. Either way, you are welcome to stay and even comment if you'd like.
Today's Gospel is quite the powerhouse, isn't it? Jesus is telling the elders that HE is equivalent to God by using the phrase, I AM. At this point in time, that name was only used by Yahweh Himself.
Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you,
before Abraham came to be, I AM.”So they picked up stones to throw at him;but Jesus hid and went out of the temple area.
Most every reflection I read on this particular Gospel passage speaks to the profound power in the "I AM" and as it should be. Today, however, I was struck by the last line...
but Jesus HID and went out of the temple area.
Jesus hid himself from his people. And in placing myself in the Living Word, I see that Jesus hid from me. Why? Why does He hide himself and then LEAVE the temple?! I felt very uncomfortable with this. As I sat with the scripture a bit more, I recall that in the Old Testament, God hid his face from his people when he found they were doing evil; when they lacked faithfulness. In this passage, the Jews were about to stone Him. For the sake of their souls, and because He knew it was not yet His time for His Passion, Jesus hid himself and left the area so that He could carry out his mission. In reading through the entire 8th chapter of John, we first see that he meets the adulterous woman and challenges the Pharisees and some might even say out-witted them by not blaspheming God, but instead, point to the sins of all the accusers. He then offers forgiveness to the woman and then begins to immediately reveal to the Pharisees exactly who He is, "the Light of the World", Of course the Pharisees question his credibility by pointing out that He is testifying on his own behalf. Jesus then answers this by telling them that The Father will testify for Him because The Father sent him! Can you imagine the anger that was being stoked in the hearts of the Pharisees?!
Jesus is allowed to leave and not be arrested and he begins to teach about sin, their sinfulness, and how he has come to save them all. He reminds them that "if they were children of Abraham, they would be doing the work of Abraham", (Jn 8:39) In other words, they were not living as faithful people of God, rather they were steeped in sin.
The passages continue with much more deep revelation about who Jesus is and why He came. He even tells the people that they belong to their father the devil! Ouch!
But back to what struck me today...Jesus Hid. In my life today, does Jesus ever hide from me? I have always felt that when I am furthest from him, it is because I have turned away from him. I still believe that this is true, but perhaps it is even deeper than that. Perhaps, just as when someone I love is doing something I can't bear to watch, literally or figuratively, I hide my face from them. I do not watch. I ignore. Radio Silence. I wonder, Does Jesus hide his precious face from me when I sin? When I am not faithfully living in the Gospel? Scripture tells me that God does. And when I think of the possibility that Jesus might be so hurt by my sin, I am dismayed.
Psalm 30:7 mentions that David too was dismayed when God hid his face. Why does God do this? I am not a scholar, nor a theologian, but I have to wonder, does Jesus hide because it helps me to yearn to see Him again? If I hurt my friend's feelings and they do not want to speak to me or see me, what do I want more than anything in the world? To see them. To speak to them. To reconcile with them.
Jesus wants me to reconcile with Him as well. He IS always there for me to come back to. But he will not come where he is not invited. He will not remove my freedom to choose sin. So I can not expect that He will never hide himself from me. If I am unfaithful and unwilling to see my evil deeds, then it seems as though Christ hidden from me would not be to difficult to understand.
The beautiful thing in all of this is His mercy. If there is the teeniest, tiniest, smidgen of effort on my part to reconcile, He is there. And I am remade in Him.
I do not know how much I will be writing about running and racing, so if you come here for that, you might be a bit uninterested in what I am writing. Perhaps not. Either way, you are welcome to stay and even comment if you'd like.
Today's Gospel is quite the powerhouse, isn't it? Jesus is telling the elders that HE is equivalent to God by using the phrase, I AM. At this point in time, that name was only used by Yahweh Himself.
Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you,
before Abraham came to be, I AM.”So they picked up stones to throw at him;but Jesus hid and went out of the temple area.
Most every reflection I read on this particular Gospel passage speaks to the profound power in the "I AM" and as it should be. Today, however, I was struck by the last line...
but Jesus HID and went out of the temple area.
Jesus hid himself from his people. And in placing myself in the Living Word, I see that Jesus hid from me. Why? Why does He hide himself and then LEAVE the temple?! I felt very uncomfortable with this. As I sat with the scripture a bit more, I recall that in the Old Testament, God hid his face from his people when he found they were doing evil; when they lacked faithfulness. In this passage, the Jews were about to stone Him. For the sake of their souls, and because He knew it was not yet His time for His Passion, Jesus hid himself and left the area so that He could carry out his mission. In reading through the entire 8th chapter of John, we first see that he meets the adulterous woman and challenges the Pharisees and some might even say out-witted them by not blaspheming God, but instead, point to the sins of all the accusers. He then offers forgiveness to the woman and then begins to immediately reveal to the Pharisees exactly who He is, "the Light of the World", Of course the Pharisees question his credibility by pointing out that He is testifying on his own behalf. Jesus then answers this by telling them that The Father will testify for Him because The Father sent him! Can you imagine the anger that was being stoked in the hearts of the Pharisees?!
Jesus is allowed to leave and not be arrested and he begins to teach about sin, their sinfulness, and how he has come to save them all. He reminds them that "if they were children of Abraham, they would be doing the work of Abraham", (Jn 8:39) In other words, they were not living as faithful people of God, rather they were steeped in sin.
The passages continue with much more deep revelation about who Jesus is and why He came. He even tells the people that they belong to their father the devil! Ouch!
But back to what struck me today...Jesus Hid. In my life today, does Jesus ever hide from me? I have always felt that when I am furthest from him, it is because I have turned away from him. I still believe that this is true, but perhaps it is even deeper than that. Perhaps, just as when someone I love is doing something I can't bear to watch, literally or figuratively, I hide my face from them. I do not watch. I ignore. Radio Silence. I wonder, Does Jesus hide his precious face from me when I sin? When I am not faithfully living in the Gospel? Scripture tells me that God does. And when I think of the possibility that Jesus might be so hurt by my sin, I am dismayed.
Psalm 30:7 mentions that David too was dismayed when God hid his face. Why does God do this? I am not a scholar, nor a theologian, but I have to wonder, does Jesus hide because it helps me to yearn to see Him again? If I hurt my friend's feelings and they do not want to speak to me or see me, what do I want more than anything in the world? To see them. To speak to them. To reconcile with them.
Jesus wants me to reconcile with Him as well. He IS always there for me to come back to. But he will not come where he is not invited. He will not remove my freedom to choose sin. So I can not expect that He will never hide himself from me. If I am unfaithful and unwilling to see my evil deeds, then it seems as though Christ hidden from me would not be to difficult to understand.
The beautiful thing in all of this is His mercy. If there is the teeniest, tiniest, smidgen of effort on my part to reconcile, He is there. And I am remade in Him.
Monday, November 10, 2014
#Microblog Mondays: Happy Graduation!
(In an effort to get my blogging back in gear, I have taken the #microblogmonday challenge. You can jump back into blogging too!)
Monday, November 3, 2014
Remembering Kelly
She will always remain young, full of life, and full of joy! She oozed laughter, even in the worst of times. I pray her two boys will always recall this beautiful smile that she never kept to herself.
I miss you, Kelly. Until we meet again!
Monday, October 27, 2014
The Old Days
Beginning to feel my age, I suppose. My children are aging out and moving on, and while I still have 3 at home full-time and 1 away at college, I sometimes long for the old days. Before texting. Before Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.
While I do remember how I felt "trapped" at home with no one around from time to time, I miss the old days when we could shut the world out. Really shut the world out. And the only way to let the world in was if they called on the phone or showed up on the door step.
I do enjoy having the technology now, but this mindset of having to respond instantaneously, (I mean really, does everyone respond like that? And why is that an expectation?) is driving me to start to wonder if I might go rogue and ditch my cell phone (don't really use it as a phone anyway), fb, and all the other "fun" things I feel slave to.
This would mean I would re-claim a landline and communicate via email or **GASP** hand-written letters! That would not be horrible. Maybe I would even finish one of the books in my stack. Or consistently write on the blog. I could be the new "hipster" thing. Hm.
(In an effort to get my blogging back in gear, I have taken the #microblogmonday challenge. You can jump back into blogging too!)
While I do remember how I felt "trapped" at home with no one around from time to time, I miss the old days when we could shut the world out. Really shut the world out. And the only way to let the world in was if they called on the phone or showed up on the door step.
I do enjoy having the technology now, but this mindset of having to respond instantaneously, (I mean really, does everyone respond like that? And why is that an expectation?) is driving me to start to wonder if I might go rogue and ditch my cell phone (don't really use it as a phone anyway), fb, and all the other "fun" things I feel slave to.
This would mean I would re-claim a landline and communicate via email or **GASP** hand-written letters! That would not be horrible. Maybe I would even finish one of the books in my stack. Or consistently write on the blog. I could be the new "hipster" thing. Hm.
(In an effort to get my blogging back in gear, I have taken the #microblogmonday challenge. You can jump back into blogging too!)
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Ten For Texas
Still, I had a great run in the never- to-be-out-done warm and humid mid-October Saturday morning, aka Ten for Texas day. No PRs, but a respectable time of 1:31:xx.
Initially, this was to be my barometer race to see if I was in shape to give a go at a BQ in February. Even though I wasn't where I wanted to be, I ended up better than I expected I would so I have committed to a training plan for The Woodlands Marathon.
(In an effort to get my blogging back in gear, I have taken the #microblogmonday challenge. You can jump back into blogging too!)
Sunday, October 5, 2014
For Scott
Thank you for being a wonderful friend. I can not imagine how much your family misses you. I miss you. All of DM misses you. And most of us have never met you.
I pray I can touch half as many lives with half as much kindness as you did, friend. I pray that you and Dale are riding the hills of Heaven together while looking down on us. Don't mind our tears. They will fade in time leaving behind a smile that is there because we were blessed to know you.
I pray for the soul that hit you, going 100 miles per hour. I know that he can't live in peace now. May he find a way to go on in a constructive way, because I am certain you wouldn't want it any other way.
May your family recall all of the memories you have made together and that they share the many stories of your love and life with your grandchildren. I pray that your beautiful wife knows just how much you want to be with her. I also pray that she feels all of the love from the people around the globe that you have inspired and encouraged.
This week has been so difficult. I am thankful I was able to talk to you today while on my prayer walk. I was able to let go of some of the anger, some of the pain, some of the hurt. There will always be a Scott sized hole in my heart. Tonight, however, I bid you peace. Peace in the eternal space that only love resides.
Rest dear one.
Friday, September 26, 2014
Aeturnus Discipulus
I have been quiet the last few months as I have been on again and off again with my running, my quest with simplifying, and my faith journey.
Sometimes we just get stuck. Usually, not everything gets stuck at the same time, but for some strange reason, in a perfect storm of events, my world got stuck. Or at least it seemed to.
I was able to get away on retreat a few weeks ago and the important take-away from my time in silence was, "Just Breathe" and "Love". So simple, yet, for me, so telling. If I feel like I am choking, stifled, angst-filled, I obviously am not "breathing". What must I do to live? Just breathe. What must I do to be happy? Just breathe. What must I do to spend eternity with Christ? Just breathe. And love. If I am breathing, I can love. If I am choking, all I can do is worry about myself.
I asked God to help me to remain a learner, a student, a discipulus. Forever. I am seeing now that the "stuck" period wasn't really a period of non-movement, rather it was a time to experience the muck of life that I allow to choke me. And in that experience, I am humbled yet again. I am nothing without Him. And I would not want to BE without Him. So I begged to remain a disciple.
How does this pertain to running? My running has always been reflective of my spiritual life and it is only fitting that as I emerge from another layer of myself being peeled away, that my running also go through a time of change, a time of learning, a time of growth. So I am a beginner once more. In my faith, in my running, in my perception of how I see others.
I am so thankful that He has blessed me with the chance to start fresh. In my new wineskins. I pray that I can "just breathe" and "love".
The next smatterings of posts will be about how it feels to begin again. Again.
Monday, July 7, 2014
The Thoughts of a Running Mystic
I set out for an 8 miler in my mind today. Decided to try and track some of my thoughts each mile for some amusement. At least it got a blog post out of me!
Mile 0-1: I FEEL GREAT!!! It's not too hot...it's actually quite pleasant, at least in the shade. Stay in the shade. I think I will run 10 miles, maybe even 12! I will pass Jim up in no time!!
Mile 1-2: My toe is starting to hurt. Keep the focus on the breath. Listening to Rich Mullins. His music is so fantastic.
Mile 2-3: Wow! It's HOT! I'm sweating a ton! I need to walk a bit...30 seconds. OK...wipe the sweat off...It's hot. really hot...did I mention how hot it is? Jim who? Jessica who? What challenge? Maybe I will turn this into a run for time instead of distance. I can run 30 minutes and turn around. That would be ok. I mean, I'd be over 6 miles in an hour. That's ok by me. Dang it's hot. I love this song....
Mile 3-4: I'm at 25 minutes. Surely I can make it 8 miles today. I will decide at the corner. If I want to cut it short, I will take the short way home. Rich Mullins can really grab the essence of God, can't he? Maybe another short walk break. OK...one minute of walking-GO. If I cut the run short, I will get home to start the laundry that much faster. Decision made, I am NOT cutting the run short. I will run 8 miles and then do the laundry after lunch.
Mile 4-5: Can't turn back now! Heading home the long way. Look at that pool...Forget the laundry, we are going to the POOL when I get home! I mean, it is HOT! I love the lyrics to this song. Lord, I know that you love me, but sometimes, I feel so far away. It doesn't take more than an instant for me to become aware of your presence that I recall your love and mercy. You forgive me once and forever. All of my sin and shame are forgiven. Yes, even those. Thank you, Lord.
Mile 5-6: How would I describe my spirituality? I am drawn to the Franciscan life. A life of quiet simplicity, a life of gospel love, a life lived that is not of my own design. I am also drawn to the Ignatian interior life. Finding God in each moment of every day; in each person I meet along the way. I am so blessed. I want a BLT. Wave hello to that lady and smile. I might be the only person she meets today with a smile.
Mile 6-7: (Bathroom stop) I hope that there aren't any horseflies in there today. I despise flies. I hate horseflies. OK, Lord, show me where you are in the horsefly. What is their purpose? I don't think that they have one. Running past the dog park...no dogs out there today. TOO HOT! Poor Rosie, she wanted to run. It's too warm. I am too tired to take her out. Maybe tonight when it cools down. Oh, wait, I can't go tonight...I am picking up the Missionaries!!! Foo is coming home from Haiti!! Praise God!! I can't wait for that BLT!!! I am so glad Jim and Jessica encouraged me in this challenge...I love those guys! We are a team. A team in Christ! Holding hands and running towards that finish line! Jim can get that cake!
Mile 7-8: I am feeling good right now! Everything feels right...even the sweat. Thank you Lord for a glorious run, for time with you, for all that you bring me to, I love you! I wonder if I can get Lem to start on the bacon while I shower...
Mile 8-home: Switched to Third Day and sang King of Glory!
Home: Rosie is waiting...headed back out the door for a Rosie mile. She loves this. I love that we can do this together. Wouldn't this whole experience be a ridiculous blog entry?
Mile 0-1: I FEEL GREAT!!! It's not too hot...it's actually quite pleasant, at least in the shade. Stay in the shade. I think I will run 10 miles, maybe even 12! I will pass Jim up in no time!!
Mile 1-2: My toe is starting to hurt. Keep the focus on the breath. Listening to Rich Mullins. His music is so fantastic.
Mile 2-3: Wow! It's HOT! I'm sweating a ton! I need to walk a bit...30 seconds. OK...wipe the sweat off...It's hot. really hot...did I mention how hot it is? Jim who? Jessica who? What challenge? Maybe I will turn this into a run for time instead of distance. I can run 30 minutes and turn around. That would be ok. I mean, I'd be over 6 miles in an hour. That's ok by me. Dang it's hot. I love this song....
Mile 3-4: I'm at 25 minutes. Surely I can make it 8 miles today. I will decide at the corner. If I want to cut it short, I will take the short way home. Rich Mullins can really grab the essence of God, can't he? Maybe another short walk break. OK...one minute of walking-GO. If I cut the run short, I will get home to start the laundry that much faster. Decision made, I am NOT cutting the run short. I will run 8 miles and then do the laundry after lunch.
Mile 4-5: Can't turn back now! Heading home the long way. Look at that pool...Forget the laundry, we are going to the POOL when I get home! I mean, it is HOT! I love the lyrics to this song. Lord, I know that you love me, but sometimes, I feel so far away. It doesn't take more than an instant for me to become aware of your presence that I recall your love and mercy. You forgive me once and forever. All of my sin and shame are forgiven. Yes, even those. Thank you, Lord.
Mile 5-6: How would I describe my spirituality? I am drawn to the Franciscan life. A life of quiet simplicity, a life of gospel love, a life lived that is not of my own design. I am also drawn to the Ignatian interior life. Finding God in each moment of every day; in each person I meet along the way. I am so blessed. I want a BLT. Wave hello to that lady and smile. I might be the only person she meets today with a smile.
Mile 6-7: (Bathroom stop) I hope that there aren't any horseflies in there today. I despise flies. I hate horseflies. OK, Lord, show me where you are in the horsefly. What is their purpose? I don't think that they have one. Running past the dog park...no dogs out there today. TOO HOT! Poor Rosie, she wanted to run. It's too warm. I am too tired to take her out. Maybe tonight when it cools down. Oh, wait, I can't go tonight...I am picking up the Missionaries!!! Foo is coming home from Haiti!! Praise God!! I can't wait for that BLT!!! I am so glad Jim and Jessica encouraged me in this challenge...I love those guys! We are a team. A team in Christ! Holding hands and running towards that finish line! Jim can get that cake!
Mile 7-8: I am feeling good right now! Everything feels right...even the sweat. Thank you Lord for a glorious run, for time with you, for all that you bring me to, I love you! I wonder if I can get Lem to start on the bacon while I shower...
Mile 8-home: Switched to Third Day and sang King of Glory!
Home: Rosie is waiting...headed back out the door for a Rosie mile. She loves this. I love that we can do this together. Wouldn't this whole experience be a ridiculous blog entry?
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Project 20:14 Hurry Up and Wait 11
Our son was in the throws of swim team season and while this was tons of fun, it did take away from our available "de-owning" time.
I did start and finish the boys' room as I eluded to in my previous post. Here are a few shots of the progress.
 |
| Mid Clean Out |
 |
| Typically what the room looked like |
 |
| "The bed IS made, Mom!" |
After the initial clean out, we felt it looked pretty good, but we were ready to make some changes.
We chose a color scheme and spent a good week painting. The hardest part was covering the trim which had previously been a blue color. NEVER PAINT TRIM ANYTHING OTHER THAN WHITE!
The boys are much happier in their room and in the month that it has been cleaned out, I can honestly say, they have been able to maintain it's order because there is so much less in it! An added bonus is that they actually play with the few toys, (hot wheels and legos) that remain and read the few books that were their favorites.
Its not magazine perfect, but it works perfectly for them!
I am now in the throws of my master bedroom and closet. It is a struggle. I find I am not motivated because it is so daunting a task. I think part of the de-motivation is seeing the areas that I have decluttered just a few short weeks ago, mainly my kitchen, quickly fill with odds and ends from well-intentioned folks returning plastic ware that was never mine to the souveniers from VBS and other summer programs that society feels MUST accompany everyone home. Speaks to the fact that the "experience" itself isn't enough...we just have to have "stuff" to validate the memory. How a water bottle confirms spending a week in deep prayer and contemplation, I'll never know....
So, as I blog this post, I can admit, I am procrastinating working in my bedroom. I did get a good start on my closet. I have just lost steam. I am getting things done, just not as rapidly as I had hoped. And today, I bought more clothing. I am determined to remove several pieces from the existing clothing pile (which I did cull through quite mercilessly two weeks ago) to make room for the new pieces.
It's not all fun and games de-owning things, but I have no doubt that the less I have, the more freedom I will experience and the easier it will become to let go of even more.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Project 20:14 Continued Progress 10
After the passing of Hannah, our other dog, also fairly elderly, began to show signs of illness. Her gait was off and then she could not hold herself up with out up. Five week after Hannah left us, KC followed suit. We will miss them both, but we know that they are both free from pain and they have left us with many wonderful memories which we will cherish for our lifetime.
It's amazing to me the outpouring of love and caring that so many friends and family have shown us through it all. What's even more amazing, how many offers of new puppies came within hours of losing KC. I appreciate the sentiment, but truly, I could never replace my sweet dogs AND we still have Rosie who is full of life and is trying to adapt to being the top dog in the house.
We are on a de-owning/de-cluttering journey and I had a thought cross my mind after KC passed away. I have noticed less dog hair. Less noise/barking. Less requirements to let a pup in and a pup out. Less food bowls, less beds on the floor in the walking area, etc. I would not trade one day with my dogs and would have given most anything to have more time with them, but to my surprise, I am kind of enjoying the "less" aspect of having only one dog...for now.
The big project over the last few weeks has been the boys' room. I decluttered and they helped me to de-own many, many items, books, toys, clothes, etc. They were much more willing to let things go than I was. We hauled off several bags of donations, sold some furniture, and threw out A LOT! What is really crazy about that is we did a huge clean out last September!
The boys have about 10 books that they love in their new-to-them bookshelf. They have Legos and a few small toys that fit in a plastic box under their beds.
We were able to find nice hooks for their race medals and ribbons and aside from those, an initial for each boy that they painted and a crucifix there is nothing on the walls. It looks fabulous. And speaking of the walls...my daughter volunteered to help paint the room. My older son had painted it 4 years ago and the colors were dark grey, rust, and dark teal. The trim was painted teal. I decided upon a lighter grey and to repaint the trim white. I plan to paint the closet door with chalkboard paint for the boys to decorate.
They love their "new" room! They are proud of it. They want to show it off. They want to spend time in it. They say they sleep better! All of this inspired my daughter to thoroughly clean her room and cleared out that wonderful dark place...under...the...bed. She is quite proud of herself.
I have taken June as the month I will work on my closet, wardrobe and bathroom. If I can finish that up, then I will start in the bedroom. So far, I have shrunk my wardrobe of my every day clothes down to 45 items. This does not include undergarments, pjs, or workout clothes. Also left out of the count are about 6 more formal dresses. I placed my "winter" dress scarves and blouses/pants (about 15 items) in a box that will be stored under my bed until the temperatures return to Texas winter standards.
Along the way this past month, I have tried to be kind to myself with my expectations, my goals, my to do lists. I am finding that things are "feeling" more open, less cluttered, and more organized just by the nature of having less. One big de-own for us...our coffee maker. We drink coffee. In fact, we drink lots of coffee. My son received a percolator as a gift and I fell in love with it. It is reminiscent of my childhood when I would prepare coffee on the stove-top percolator for my great Aunt FoFo. This new electric model is fast, clean, and keeps the coffee the perfect temp! In the bin with the coffee maker. No more vinegar rinses! And when my son goes back to college, I will have my own percolator.
I don't know that I want to call this process a journey to "minimalism" or "simplicity" because I don't think I am after what the truest sense of those lifestyles represent. I do desire to reach a level of intention in how I am living with the flexibility that is needed for a homeschooling family with 3-4 kiddos still at home.
Whatever label this thing we are moving towards is called, it brings with it a sense of ease, a real presence of peace, and an affirmation that relationships with those around me are the focus of my life, not the thing I try to fit into my day after taking care of my possessions.
***will add pictures once I can get the files to upload. Technology hates me.
It's amazing to me the outpouring of love and caring that so many friends and family have shown us through it all. What's even more amazing, how many offers of new puppies came within hours of losing KC. I appreciate the sentiment, but truly, I could never replace my sweet dogs AND we still have Rosie who is full of life and is trying to adapt to being the top dog in the house.
We are on a de-owning/de-cluttering journey and I had a thought cross my mind after KC passed away. I have noticed less dog hair. Less noise/barking. Less requirements to let a pup in and a pup out. Less food bowls, less beds on the floor in the walking area, etc. I would not trade one day with my dogs and would have given most anything to have more time with them, but to my surprise, I am kind of enjoying the "less" aspect of having only one dog...for now.
The big project over the last few weeks has been the boys' room. I decluttered and they helped me to de-own many, many items, books, toys, clothes, etc. They were much more willing to let things go than I was. We hauled off several bags of donations, sold some furniture, and threw out A LOT! What is really crazy about that is we did a huge clean out last September!
The boys have about 10 books that they love in their new-to-them bookshelf. They have Legos and a few small toys that fit in a plastic box under their beds.
We were able to find nice hooks for their race medals and ribbons and aside from those, an initial for each boy that they painted and a crucifix there is nothing on the walls. It looks fabulous. And speaking of the walls...my daughter volunteered to help paint the room. My older son had painted it 4 years ago and the colors were dark grey, rust, and dark teal. The trim was painted teal. I decided upon a lighter grey and to repaint the trim white. I plan to paint the closet door with chalkboard paint for the boys to decorate.
They love their "new" room! They are proud of it. They want to show it off. They want to spend time in it. They say they sleep better! All of this inspired my daughter to thoroughly clean her room and cleared out that wonderful dark place...under...the...bed. She is quite proud of herself.
I have taken June as the month I will work on my closet, wardrobe and bathroom. If I can finish that up, then I will start in the bedroom. So far, I have shrunk my wardrobe of my every day clothes down to 45 items. This does not include undergarments, pjs, or workout clothes. Also left out of the count are about 6 more formal dresses. I placed my "winter" dress scarves and blouses/pants (about 15 items) in a box that will be stored under my bed until the temperatures return to Texas winter standards.
Along the way this past month, I have tried to be kind to myself with my expectations, my goals, my to do lists. I am finding that things are "feeling" more open, less cluttered, and more organized just by the nature of having less. One big de-own for us...our coffee maker. We drink coffee. In fact, we drink lots of coffee. My son received a percolator as a gift and I fell in love with it. It is reminiscent of my childhood when I would prepare coffee on the stove-top percolator for my great Aunt FoFo. This new electric model is fast, clean, and keeps the coffee the perfect temp! In the bin with the coffee maker. No more vinegar rinses! And when my son goes back to college, I will have my own percolator.
I don't know that I want to call this process a journey to "minimalism" or "simplicity" because I don't think I am after what the truest sense of those lifestyles represent. I do desire to reach a level of intention in how I am living with the flexibility that is needed for a homeschooling family with 3-4 kiddos still at home.
Whatever label this thing we are moving towards is called, it brings with it a sense of ease, a real presence of peace, and an affirmation that relationships with those around me are the focus of my life, not the thing I try to fit into my day after taking care of my possessions.
***will add pictures once I can get the files to upload. Technology hates me.
Monday, May 5, 2014
Hannah
Sweet Hannah came into our lives as quietly as she left. 13 years ago, we fostered a dog that was destined for the other end of the needle unless we could get her to eat and "cheer up" enough for the humane society. A few days in our home, she was eating out of my hand, literally. Her first meal was a few pieces of "Life" cereal. Then we discovered that she had heartworms. The organization agreed to treat her for the condition since she was brought in by a group of construction workers who pulled together enough money (500.00!) to donate to the shelter if they would agree to take her in. I will always believe in the goodness of people.
Hannah was once named Mama Dog and had had at least one litter of puppies in a construction zone. She became Hannah in August of 2001, a week before my 5th child was born. She was the best of the best. Never complained. Never misbehaved. Always obedient and loyal.
If Hannah barked, you better figure out why. She watched over the home quietly and gently and maintained a sort of balance for us all.
April 27, 2014, Hannah became very ill, very quickly and was gone before we knew what was happening. It was my prayer that when her time with us was done, that God would take her quickly and that I would know without a doubt that it was her time. My prayer was answered.
Hannah walked many years with us. She was the childhood dog to all 6 of the children. She loved most everyone. And if she didn't like you, there was a good reason for it.
I will miss my shadow. I will miss watching her beautiful, lean body run ahead of me through the woods. I will miss hearing her footsteps on the floor as she made the security rounds every now and then in the house. I will miss petting her to soothe my own soul.
The luckiest people in the world get to share their lives with a good dog. I have been one of the luckiest of all.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Project 20:14: Ponderings 09
This week a quote that stuck with me and seemed to resonate throughout the entire week was, "Are you organizing or are you decluttering/de-owning?"
I love to organize. I love neat binders all in a row, books that appear as nicely arranged as our public library, cupboards to take one's breath away by their exceedingly amazing crisp, organized, and picture perfect presentation. And I have spent many years working to achieve this look only to be undone quickly by living life in a home with real people looking for real things that while might appear to be in an organized home, honestly are in a home with too. much. stuff.
I have come to a point in my life where I no longer desire organizing too. much. stuff. I would rather live with less so that I can use my time doing other things that I enjoy and will bring more meaning to my life and to the life of my family. My mantra for 2014 in all areas of my life is..."life-giving not life-draining". From my sock drawer, to my vehicles, to my finances, to my relationships. If the "thing" does not offer life-giving qualities then they must be discarded or at the very least minimalized.
Organizing is a great stress reliever for me, but it is also an untruth. I feel as though, when I organize, I am gaining some positive control over an unmanageable area. Most often, however, I find that very soon after my efforts are finished, the disorganization returns and I am more frustrated, disappointed and overwhelmed yet again. I am done with this way of living. I am choosing to own less so I can live more, and live more abundantly.
The last year, I have been working little bits at a time to find the balance between having too much and where I would like my home to be. Less is more. And the less we have, the more I think we have too much. Funny how that works.
Homeschooling will be wrapping up fairly soon here and I aim to begin some major de-owning of things. Especially homeschooling books, pictures, binders, furniture, and anything else that might not be nailed down...and maybe even some things that are.
I don't yearn for a house with nothing. I love to feel the warmth of a home that loves books, but I want the books to be books we are using or books that we love and will go back to time and time again. I began to clear out some items from one set of shelves yesterday. Truthfully, I have three items left on the shelf and when I look at the emptiness, it startles me! It will take some soul-searching to part with some of these things, but I know that this is an ever evolving process that will allow me to re-visit things as often as I would like. Maybe I won't get rid of every single book that doesn't fit my profile, but sometimes I think sentimentality has a reason to be considered. I have a book from my mother's childhood. I will never use it as a school book and my children probably won't ever read it, but my mom is gone and I don't have much from her life around the house. These are things I may choose to compromise on, and I may even change my mind about it someday and release it.
The idea of a more simplified life must be defined by each family, each person, as to what that means to them. Today it means something different to me and to my family than what it meant 5 years ago and I'm certain as the years continue to click by, it will change again.
Monday I will begin to clear out one shelf per day. I will go through 20 shelves in the family room. I may do more than one in a day, but I will do no less than one per day. Weekday that is. Weekends are for enjoying and working outside!
I love to organize. I love neat binders all in a row, books that appear as nicely arranged as our public library, cupboards to take one's breath away by their exceedingly amazing crisp, organized, and picture perfect presentation. And I have spent many years working to achieve this look only to be undone quickly by living life in a home with real people looking for real things that while might appear to be in an organized home, honestly are in a home with too. much. stuff.
I have come to a point in my life where I no longer desire organizing too. much. stuff. I would rather live with less so that I can use my time doing other things that I enjoy and will bring more meaning to my life and to the life of my family. My mantra for 2014 in all areas of my life is..."life-giving not life-draining". From my sock drawer, to my vehicles, to my finances, to my relationships. If the "thing" does not offer life-giving qualities then they must be discarded or at the very least minimalized.
Organizing is a great stress reliever for me, but it is also an untruth. I feel as though, when I organize, I am gaining some positive control over an unmanageable area. Most often, however, I find that very soon after my efforts are finished, the disorganization returns and I am more frustrated, disappointed and overwhelmed yet again. I am done with this way of living. I am choosing to own less so I can live more, and live more abundantly.
The last year, I have been working little bits at a time to find the balance between having too much and where I would like my home to be. Less is more. And the less we have, the more I think we have too much. Funny how that works.
Homeschooling will be wrapping up fairly soon here and I aim to begin some major de-owning of things. Especially homeschooling books, pictures, binders, furniture, and anything else that might not be nailed down...and maybe even some things that are.
I don't yearn for a house with nothing. I love to feel the warmth of a home that loves books, but I want the books to be books we are using or books that we love and will go back to time and time again. I began to clear out some items from one set of shelves yesterday. Truthfully, I have three items left on the shelf and when I look at the emptiness, it startles me! It will take some soul-searching to part with some of these things, but I know that this is an ever evolving process that will allow me to re-visit things as often as I would like. Maybe I won't get rid of every single book that doesn't fit my profile, but sometimes I think sentimentality has a reason to be considered. I have a book from my mother's childhood. I will never use it as a school book and my children probably won't ever read it, but my mom is gone and I don't have much from her life around the house. These are things I may choose to compromise on, and I may even change my mind about it someday and release it.
The idea of a more simplified life must be defined by each family, each person, as to what that means to them. Today it means something different to me and to my family than what it meant 5 years ago and I'm certain as the years continue to click by, it will change again.
Monday I will begin to clear out one shelf per day. I will go through 20 shelves in the family room. I may do more than one in a day, but I will do no less than one per day. Weekday that is. Weekends are for enjoying and working outside!
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Project 20:14 Slow Steady Progress 08
I had set some real goals (aka dates to have stuff done by) for my decluttering/de-owning project 2014. In typical K style... life happens and the above mentioned "goals" become lost amidst the sick people, the birthday celebrations, the Church retreats, etc. I like goals because they keep me focused, but goals can also totally derail my efforts.
I have been wanting to declutter one particular cupboard in the kitchen that I had previously done, but I wasn't as ruthless as I needed to be in clearing out what I didn't need.
The point of this post is to encourage you. Do not let the daily hustle and bustle and incoming clutter bombs derail your efforts. Do something everyday, no matter how small. Do not let the lack of perceived progress get you down. Remember that this is a mindset, not a look or style. Enjoy the little moments of counter clarity...cause tomorrow is grocery day.
"I can't get it done, so just forget the whole thing!" This line of thinking has crept into my life before, but not this time. I am trying to adopt a different tune to sing. It goes something like this....baby steps, baby steps, baby steps. Some days I will get a lot done, others it will be very small, but relentless forward progress is often that way...slow...steady...forward motions.
This weekend I realized what eats much of my time and honestly, it's just how it is. I am a mom. A mom that homeschool's the children. I have other outside commitments to church, friends, and family. As I should. So rather than becoming completely frustrated by not meeting my goals, I will embrace the few steps off the path to larger goal of a life surrounded by simplicity.
My kitchen is the hub of all activity in our family. I have a counter that is about 6 feet long and 2.5 feet wide to work on. School? Taught from the counter. Groceries come in? They land on the counter. Meal prep? Counter. Bill paying...Counter. You get the idea. So much of my day is spent here and my time is often filled with clearing the counter so I can think.
Wait? You don't need a clean counter to think? You must be one of those normal people... I need a clutter-free and clean counter to think AND work.
Saturday, I found myself in a bit of a huff because I had cleaned every day last week and still found a counter that looked like this
 |
| 6 foot long brain |
 |
| Smaller brain whose only real job is to collect clutter |
I had about 30 minutes of free time and a small bit of extra energy, so I challenged myself to see if I could get the cupboard re-worked and the counters squared away.
 |
| I can think again! |
 |
| Yes, it will collect clutter again! |
 |
| Not a HUGE transformation, but one that makes more use of the space. |
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Faith
Sometimes all that is revealed to us is the very next step that we must take as we step out in faith.
Faith is not believing in something that we can not see; faith is knowing we can trust that God will lead us into the fog as he prepares us for something that He has planned just for us. He always has and always will, the only variable is whether or not we take the time to listen to His whispers.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Project 20:14 The Lull 07
My intention with this endeavor has been to declutter/de-own at least one thing, every day, till I reach my goal. The goal of owning less to make room for more. The goal of possessing nothing so that I can embrace all that God has for me completely.
So when I saw that yesterday and today I had not really thrown anything into the donation pile or the trash bin, I was disappointed in myself. I took an evaluation of my days to see exactly why I didn't have the time to put towards my project.
It was then that I realized that I WAS in fact decluttering and de-owning. But it wasn't physical stuff. It was the stuff of busy-ness. It was taking care of the bills and the filing of documents and the planning of parties, and the re-orienting of myself after a weekend away from the home and my family.
I was struck with the idea of mind clutter. That which fills my mind and often times paralyzes me because I have so much to do, so much to be responsible for. I have relationships with people that need me. My time. My presence. I have responsibilities as a mom, wife, and friend. And when I allow things to pile up in my mind, on my to do list, I become overwhelmed and I must spend the time I need to in an attempt to clean up my mind clutter. Mind clutter often results in guilt which is never a good thing.
I am a perpetual list maker. A professed disorganized organizational freak. I don't know how I arrived at this, but it is what it is. I am what I am. So, I make my list, I cross things off, and I get done what I can. My mindset has typically been one of negative thinking..."I still have THIS much to do!" Neverminding what I HAVE accomplished. In my mental crazy box, it is never enough. Until now. I have implemented limits to my to do list. Three things per day. I can manage three "to do" items per day. I might have more than that on my list, but that just means that I have choices. I like choices. I also like progress. I would love perfection, but that isn't happening, so I will settle for progress.
So, three things. I can do three things. They might be big things, they might be little things. But here is the truest thing...if I don't get them done, I can even live with that. My vocation as a mom comes before most everything else. Homeschooling the children should be my very first priority directly after being able to provide for their basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, and love. For years, I have battled the folks who think I have all the time in the world to do things for them. And there is only one reason why they have asked. Because I have allowed them to. And when I say yes to them, it is an invitation to ask again and again.
I have learned a few techniques, but truthfully, I am horribly guilty of taking on too much and trying to "fit" school into the empty spaces in my day. This year has been different in that I have blocked off "school time" and stuck with it more regularly. It means life slows down and sometimes, seems monotonous. But I know it is in these times that I am developing a deeper relationship with my children who see that my time with them is not an after-thought. It is a privilege and it is very important to me.
Mental clutter must be worked through in order to be "free" to be with my children. It is not easy. One of the first things I can do to reduce this form of clutter is to reduce my online exposure. Email, FB, DM, etc. Texting and phone calls can also fall into this category. I try to limit my time in these arenas, but I have allowed these forms of media to invade precious moments of my day that in turn take away from something else.
I recall years ago when my friends and I would "give up email" for Lent. It seems as though that would be nearly impossible today. No one calls anyone anymore. Seriously. The only reason I have a land line is so that doctors can call me to remind me of scheduled appointments and sales people have a number to call! I will admit, I don't miss being on the phone as much as I used to be, but I also will admit, I miss talking with my friends in this way.
Giving up email probably isn't feasible anymore. This is how most communication comes through. It is convenient and I like that I can get to it when I can, but I do have a tip on how to limit email.
Have one junk email address. Any website you visit these days wants your email so they can send you junk. I use mine all the time and I very rarely open that email address. If I do use my regular email address for a website, I will unsubscribe from every single one of the emails if they are sent to me.
I use my vacation response. If I am gone out of town, have many outside obligations, I do not hesitate to use my vacation response to state that I am not able to respond to emails until such and such a date. I might be able to check from my phone, but I do not have to respond until I am truly free to do so. If the person emailing me receives that vacation response, they respect my time away and understand that a response may not be immediate. Funny how that works. I used to respond immediately to email and texts and then was shocked when people expected me to! Now I set aside times of the day to check these things and respond as needed.
FB. I have a hate/hate relationship with FB. I hate that this is how people keep in touch with one another. I long for snail mail. I hate that people think that what is shown on FB is what is truly happening in someone's life. I hate that people think FB is not a good way to have a relationship, but yet, they won't find time for a more personal encounter. I go back and forth with FB. Deactivate, delete, activate, blah, blah ,blah. I will most probably deactivate again for Lent. I need that break. I crave it. I do like to see the pictures of my friends and students and that is about it. So yes, I will miss some things, but you know what? When I am using FB I am missing things, the things of my real life. The things within my home. I'll take a few misses on FB.
I have enjoyed using DM (dailymile) for awhile now. As I try to simplify my life, I find that this social app is also on the list of possible chopping block material. It is a wonderful way to track workouts and I have made some wonderful connections there, but as I am not training for anything big and I am seeking to be less and less, this site is one that I may need to back away from for a time.
So, I suppose the past few days have not really been a lull, but rather, quite busy in fact. My mind wrestles with these thoughts and I take them to prayer. Not because they are huge life decisions, but because my faithfulness grows in the little things. In the details.
I am yearning to find my true, best-version-of myself. I am a long way from it and my version will not look like anyone else's. My expression of simplicity will not be the next guy's. My decision to becoming smaller will not reflect the reason of another. This journey goes beyond the stuff in my closets. Beyond the clutter in my mind. This journey is about cleaning the cobwebs of my soul and making room for Him to move in.
So when I saw that yesterday and today I had not really thrown anything into the donation pile or the trash bin, I was disappointed in myself. I took an evaluation of my days to see exactly why I didn't have the time to put towards my project.
It was then that I realized that I WAS in fact decluttering and de-owning. But it wasn't physical stuff. It was the stuff of busy-ness. It was taking care of the bills and the filing of documents and the planning of parties, and the re-orienting of myself after a weekend away from the home and my family.
I was struck with the idea of mind clutter. That which fills my mind and often times paralyzes me because I have so much to do, so much to be responsible for. I have relationships with people that need me. My time. My presence. I have responsibilities as a mom, wife, and friend. And when I allow things to pile up in my mind, on my to do list, I become overwhelmed and I must spend the time I need to in an attempt to clean up my mind clutter. Mind clutter often results in guilt which is never a good thing.
I am a perpetual list maker. A professed disorganized organizational freak. I don't know how I arrived at this, but it is what it is. I am what I am. So, I make my list, I cross things off, and I get done what I can. My mindset has typically been one of negative thinking..."I still have THIS much to do!" Neverminding what I HAVE accomplished. In my mental crazy box, it is never enough. Until now. I have implemented limits to my to do list. Three things per day. I can manage three "to do" items per day. I might have more than that on my list, but that just means that I have choices. I like choices. I also like progress. I would love perfection, but that isn't happening, so I will settle for progress.
So, three things. I can do three things. They might be big things, they might be little things. But here is the truest thing...if I don't get them done, I can even live with that. My vocation as a mom comes before most everything else. Homeschooling the children should be my very first priority directly after being able to provide for their basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, and love. For years, I have battled the folks who think I have all the time in the world to do things for them. And there is only one reason why they have asked. Because I have allowed them to. And when I say yes to them, it is an invitation to ask again and again.
I have learned a few techniques, but truthfully, I am horribly guilty of taking on too much and trying to "fit" school into the empty spaces in my day. This year has been different in that I have blocked off "school time" and stuck with it more regularly. It means life slows down and sometimes, seems monotonous. But I know it is in these times that I am developing a deeper relationship with my children who see that my time with them is not an after-thought. It is a privilege and it is very important to me.
Mental clutter must be worked through in order to be "free" to be with my children. It is not easy. One of the first things I can do to reduce this form of clutter is to reduce my online exposure. Email, FB, DM, etc. Texting and phone calls can also fall into this category. I try to limit my time in these arenas, but I have allowed these forms of media to invade precious moments of my day that in turn take away from something else.
I recall years ago when my friends and I would "give up email" for Lent. It seems as though that would be nearly impossible today. No one calls anyone anymore. Seriously. The only reason I have a land line is so that doctors can call me to remind me of scheduled appointments and sales people have a number to call! I will admit, I don't miss being on the phone as much as I used to be, but I also will admit, I miss talking with my friends in this way.
Giving up email probably isn't feasible anymore. This is how most communication comes through. It is convenient and I like that I can get to it when I can, but I do have a tip on how to limit email.
Have one junk email address. Any website you visit these days wants your email so they can send you junk. I use mine all the time and I very rarely open that email address. If I do use my regular email address for a website, I will unsubscribe from every single one of the emails if they are sent to me.
I use my vacation response. If I am gone out of town, have many outside obligations, I do not hesitate to use my vacation response to state that I am not able to respond to emails until such and such a date. I might be able to check from my phone, but I do not have to respond until I am truly free to do so. If the person emailing me receives that vacation response, they respect my time away and understand that a response may not be immediate. Funny how that works. I used to respond immediately to email and texts and then was shocked when people expected me to! Now I set aside times of the day to check these things and respond as needed.
FB. I have a hate/hate relationship with FB. I hate that this is how people keep in touch with one another. I long for snail mail. I hate that people think that what is shown on FB is what is truly happening in someone's life. I hate that people think FB is not a good way to have a relationship, but yet, they won't find time for a more personal encounter. I go back and forth with FB. Deactivate, delete, activate, blah, blah ,blah. I will most probably deactivate again for Lent. I need that break. I crave it. I do like to see the pictures of my friends and students and that is about it. So yes, I will miss some things, but you know what? When I am using FB I am missing things, the things of my real life. The things within my home. I'll take a few misses on FB.
I have enjoyed using DM (dailymile) for awhile now. As I try to simplify my life, I find that this social app is also on the list of possible chopping block material. It is a wonderful way to track workouts and I have made some wonderful connections there, but as I am not training for anything big and I am seeking to be less and less, this site is one that I may need to back away from for a time.
So, I suppose the past few days have not really been a lull, but rather, quite busy in fact. My mind wrestles with these thoughts and I take them to prayer. Not because they are huge life decisions, but because my faithfulness grows in the little things. In the details.
I am yearning to find my true, best-version-of myself. I am a long way from it and my version will not look like anyone else's. My expression of simplicity will not be the next guy's. My decision to becoming smaller will not reflect the reason of another. This journey goes beyond the stuff in my closets. Beyond the clutter in my mind. This journey is about cleaning the cobwebs of my soul and making room for Him to move in.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Project 20:14 Minimalist Monday 06
Having been away on an amazing retreat this weekend with 250 of my closest teenage friends, I am taking the minimal, simple approach to what could easily be a very overwhelming Monday.
Last week, I uncovered some long lost cupboard knobs buried deep in the very untidy hall closet. I decided that they will either be used or be let go of so as to bless someone else who could use them.
I had just enough drawer pulls and not enough cupboard knobs so those were ordered and happened to arrive while I was away.
My amazing husband equally amazing 12 year old man-child installed the hardware to surprise me. They look beautiful, don't you think?!
While on retreat, I experienced a gentle whisper from God. To be certain that what I am doing as I travel the path to less, I embrace all that He has to offer me. And to let go of things with the primary objective being to give Him the room and space He needs to reach me. Letting go of earthly possessions does not have to mean living with nothing. It does mean that I have let go of the emotional attachment to things so that my eyes, heart and soul can focus on Him and moreover, help my family to see Him in me.
Last week, I uncovered some long lost cupboard knobs buried deep in the very untidy hall closet. I decided that they will either be used or be let go of so as to bless someone else who could use them.
I had just enough drawer pulls and not enough cupboard knobs so those were ordered and happened to arrive while I was away.
My amazing husband equally amazing 12 year old man-child installed the hardware to surprise me. They look beautiful, don't you think?!
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Project 20:14 Small Stuff 05
Today was a busy day with outside appointments and catching up on some errands before heading out this weekend.
Sticking with my parameters, I set out to declutter/de-own one small drawer. I got on such a roll that in 20 minutes I managed to clean through 2! These drawers are in my nightstand. I bought this piece about 4 years ago to hold my pajamas and some journals, nighttime reading, and to have a place to hold my lamp.
I had so much JUNK stuffed into these drawers and what's more, I had ZERO reason for keeping 98% of it! Of the 2% I kept, 90% of that were items that were not put into their proper place, ie, books that should have been placed into the bookcase, pens and highlighters that belong in the office, and cell phone cords which belong to phones I no longer own.
Now my stand is holding precious letters from my children, husband, and friends. My filled journals and a few sentimental items that I will probably keep for a very long time. This morning these special things were mixed in with so much trash that it is impossible to think that any of it mattered to me. Tonight, these drawers are special places that will no longer be a catch-all for things with no home.
I am beginning to see the journey to less is about more than getting rid of stuff. It is embracing what is truly important, making room for those things, those people, and letting go of all that weighs me down.
Sticking with my parameters, I set out to declutter/de-own one small drawer. I got on such a roll that in 20 minutes I managed to clean through 2! These drawers are in my nightstand. I bought this piece about 4 years ago to hold my pajamas and some journals, nighttime reading, and to have a place to hold my lamp.
I had so much JUNK stuffed into these drawers and what's more, I had ZERO reason for keeping 98% of it! Of the 2% I kept, 90% of that were items that were not put into their proper place, ie, books that should have been placed into the bookcase, pens and highlighters that belong in the office, and cell phone cords which belong to phones I no longer own.
Now my stand is holding precious letters from my children, husband, and friends. My filled journals and a few sentimental items that I will probably keep for a very long time. This morning these special things were mixed in with so much trash that it is impossible to think that any of it mattered to me. Tonight, these drawers are special places that will no longer be a catch-all for things with no home.
I am beginning to see the journey to less is about more than getting rid of stuff. It is embracing what is truly important, making room for those things, those people, and letting go of all that weighs me down.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Project 20:14 Parameters 04
Thinking it might be beneficial to lay out some parameters with regard to the Project.
With regards to decluttering/de-owning
*Be patient and positive. We didn't acquire these possessions overnight, we won't de-own them overnight. Rest assured, it won't take as long to de-own as it did to possess!
*Be diligent. Do one thing every day, even something small, a drawer, a cabinet, a shelf. Some days will be very productive, some will be about taking baby steps. Like the saying goes, "Just Do It".
*Try to get a price for anything worth value, but don't hold onto it if it doesn't sell. Put a "sell by" date on the item and then give it away for free to someone who can be blessed by it or donate it to a charity.
*Storing of items for growing children is helpful budget-wise, but save nothing that will not be worn within two years. By then it will be out-dated. It could bless another child before it is used by ours.
*Grandkids can have one container of toys kept here. All else is given to them directly or donated.
*While decluttering, ask if keeping it will provide one or more of these things:
*Is it something we love?
*Does it serve a function? (Even if the function is that it adds beauty, within reason)
* Does it reflect who we are as a family?
*Is it beautiful?
*Would someone else love this more than us?
*Is having this item worth the maintenance to keep it?
*Do we possess the item or does it possess us?
*When bringing new items in
*Do we need this?
*Are we paying cash for it or taking on debt for it?
*Does it help us to fulfill our Family Mission?
*Is it worth the work it will take to maintain it, store it, possess it?
*Does this allow us to continue to have fewer things while having a fuller life?
As I go through this journey I may add to or edit some of these parameters. I think the most important is to just start. Go through the easiest rooms first and work towards the more challenging areas which for me will be photos, books, and sentimental items.
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