Thoughts on Downsizing

It occurred to me that for people who actually get rid of just about everything in order to embark upon a new life, it could be easier to go through the process of downsizing. After all, the tighter the parameters, the less room for indecision. Perhaps I shouldn’t say “easier” because I would imagine it’s still a difficult task.

image

But for people like me, who want to live with less stuff, but the only limitation is whatever I come up with, it can be a very big challenge. My mood and emotions are certainly a factor. Some days, I’m ready to be free of so much of this stuff. Other days, I feel too connected, too indecisive, too unsure of which decision to make.

image

I suppose it’s a bit like forced change. When you must do a thing, you find a way to make it happen. When it’s just self-imposed without external pressure, you’re subject to your own whims and thoughts and feelings and self-discipline, or lack thereof.

I may not have that outside force, pushing me to make this happen, but I will just continue to work around my various moods, my ambivalence, and my lack of discipline to do what I can. Every item gone from our home is a tiny victory, and when combined, they will begin to open up space – both physical and mental. So for that, I will press on.

The Minimalist Game

So the guys over at The Minimalist posted The Minimalist Game and I thought it would be a good idea to try sometime. Especially since I’m always trying to declutter and downsize. I missed the start of the month in July, so August is it. While their game includes getting rid of said item(s) by midnight that day, I know that is entirely unrealistic for me. So I have a box into which all items will go – until it’s full anyway. I promise not to retrieve anything which goes into the box. Once it’s full, it will be donated.

Box for things to be donated in the Minimalist Game this month. Check my FB page for details. #augmingame

I plan to post pictures via Instagram to Facebook. I can’t promise daily, but at least a few a week. Hopefully. I’m sure this week will be easy. It’ll be week 2 and beyond that will get tricky. Figures, I had to pick a month with 31 days! I should’ve waited for February. Ha! Ha! Oh well, no matter how well I do, I’ll have less stuff at the end of August and that’s a very good thing.

Want to play? Come join the August Minimalist Game Facebook group. #augmingame

Oh, yeah. My first item for day 1? A photo organizer for scrapbooking which I purchased on clearance and have never used. Buh-bye.

For organizing pix to scrapbook. Bought it on clearance and have never used. Buh-bye! #augmingame

First item. #augmingame