Simple Living: Is It Really Possible?

Simplicity is the buzz word of the moment, and has been for more than a few years now.  Simple living, minimalism and decluttering are themes found everywhere from YouTube channels to podcasts to blogs.  The abundance of voices declaring the whys and hows of simplicity can feel overwhelming, which is the exact opposite of simple.  Yet, I still have something valuable to say on the subject, suggestions to offer and a viewpoint I’d love to share with you. 

My Simple Living Confession

The path I’ve been on towards simplicity over the past eight years or so began with the conviction that I was seeking to fill a void in my life with things. Then more and more things.  Dish sets for every season, a completely full walk-in-closet, an entire hall closet just for handbags, a myriad of kitchen gadgets.  I had a large home full of things and the problem wasn’t that it was messy.  It was all beautifully organized. I had systems in place, storage bins clearly labeled, a place for everything and everything in its place.  Mine has never been a problem of a messy cluttered home, it's been a messy cluttered mind due to managing an abundance of possessions.  My things were stealing my joy. I had somehow come to the conclusion that as long as it was all organized it couldn’t be considered “too much”.  I was wrong.

My Decluttering Journey 

I realized my priorities and lifestyle were out of alignment with my beliefs.  My possessions should serve a clear purpose instead of being a burden.  For an item to reside in my home it needs to be regularly used to meet a need, have a designated well-suited space to live and/or be beautiful and bring me joy. 

Slowly, over the past eight years I have lightened my mental load by emptying some drawers, clearing out some closets, and generally decluttering my entire home even though it didn’t look cluttered.  I have made mistakes on my journey.  I’ve gotten rid of things I regretted, held on to things for years just to finally release them, gotten caught up in thrifting only to donate most of it back later.  It’s been imperfect but I’ve learned a lot along the way.  I’ve learned about myself, my habits, my tendencies both healthy and unhealthy.  I’ve learned the joy and freedom that less can bring.  Lessons and ideas I’d love to share.

Can You Relate?

Maybe you can relate?  Are you super organized but still feeling stressed in trying to manage your home?  Have you upgraded to a bigger home with walk-in-closets and a huge kitchen pantry only to find you’re running out of space again?  Or possibly you aren’t naturally organized and the clutter is both physical and mental and you don’t know where to even start towards simplicity?  Regardless of which of these best describes your situation, the mental load of “too much” takes a toll on your well being, physically, mentally, or both.  There’s a better way friend.  It will take time, require effort and honesty on your part, but I promise you the freedom that will follow is worth every hard decision made.

So, here’s me adding my voice to the mix.  I’m a naturally organized, systems-loving over-buyer still in recovery and frankly, a bit of a decluttering addict now.  I’ve got more than a few ideas to help you and words of encouragement to share with you.  I’ll start with this.  You're not alone and yes, simple is possible.  Let today be the start of your journey.  I’m right here with you.

Simply,

Stefani