I’m in a quest to simplify my life. Minimalism is my focus. No fuss. No fill. No knick-knack-paddy-whacks.
Perhaps it is just me, but I’ve recently found my time and space cluttered like a landfill posing as a life. With responsibilities piling on and people constantly tugging for my attention, it is easy to become overwhelmed and frustrated. To compensate I’ve fallen in love with minimalism. And what began as a reaction to clear my home from frivolous, unnecessary clutter has become a life-altering experience.
To begin, I’ve been systematically removing knick-knacks, tossing out unused utensils, clothes, and small appliances, chunking boxes of things-I-might-need-someday, and clearing out any dust-inviting décor.
I’m not a sentimental person. I’ve never wished to collect history covered in patina. I’ve never been a lover of things, gadgets, or knick knacks. So, the idea of filling a bag for the Salvation Army sends excited shivers up and down my spine. However, this process has been especially challenging for me because I often find myself with people who love to fill my house with treasures. While I am honored by their generosity and affection, my itsy-bitsy abode can quickly evolve into a pawn-shop-esque estate. It has taken much practice and thought to develop tactful ways to thank people for their kind gifts, and subtly let them know that my small home simply can’t handle another soda-pop-fizz-saver, no matter how mind-boggling the design.
Knowing that I do love a well-planned home, I’ve moved into a clear direction of developing a modern, natural, monochromatic and simplistic lifestyle. While this is a process and definitely takes time, I’ve already found it is freeing up my space, clearing my dusting schedule, easing my morning clothes selection and, surprisingly, relaxing my mind.
To further my quest, I’m going minimalistic with my calendar, as well. I’ve begun removing frivolous tasks. I’m learning to say, “No.” I’ve tailored my cooking to best use my nutrients, money and time. I’m scheduling concrete priorities, like dates with my husband. I’m setting aside time to write and follow my own dreams and passions. I’m discovering who I am, free of clutter, obligations, and expectations.
I entered minimalism hoping to get rid of miscellaneous confusion and free up space. Now that I’ve fallen in love with it, I realize I’ve released myself from expectations and freed who I am.
No fuss. No fill. No knick-knack-paddy-whacks.
What do you do to free the clutter in your life?
2 responses so far ↓
Edi // March 19, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Yeah we’re pretty minimalistic when it comes to knick knacks and the like. Our home is small so we don’t need extra clutter – and extra stuff makes things look messy…and it’s harder to clean around.
Once something is outgrown or no longer being used or liked – it’s out the door. I keep a couple of boxes in the laundry room and fill them and get them ready for the next time I get a call from a charity for a donation.
Tonggu Momma // March 19, 2008 at 2:33 pm
I don’t shop … or, very rarely
We also don’t allow our daughter to watch movie previews or commercials, as it cuts down on the “can I have…” questions. I loved your post. Glad to see another person striving to avoid consumerism.