Last night we took on the task of cleaning it out. HOLY WOW!! We've collected a lot of crap!! I figured we'd have a box of linens and maybe two of dishes and that would be it. But two hours later and too many boxes to count, we still weren't done. I can't believe how much stuff will fit in a little trailer. I found things I forgot I even had. I also found some stuff I KNEW I had and have searched the house several times looking for. Not once did I think of looking in our trailer for it. DUH!!
This all made me think of how much clutter we allow in our lives. Not just the "stuff," but the activities and obligations that take us away from what's really important--our families. I have a cute little plaque hanging in my bedroom that says, "Simplify." Every time I read it I think of how complicated things have become in my life and how I need to learn how to say no and prioritize my time. It's so hard to do.
So, how do you declutter your life? What can you do to make your life simpler and less hectic?
We spent a couple of years for school in the U.S. (we're Canadian), and I was amazed at the amount of overscheduling that was going on. Parents were constantly running their kids from one thing to the next, the school always had something on, and everyone seemed to be involved in eighteen different things. I kind of felt like an underachiever. :)
ReplyDeleteHowever, I decided that I was much happier with not being too busy. Life is crazy enough with a hubby who travels for work sometimes and 5 kids aged 8-14. The only things going on (aside from school and occasional church activities - I cheer when YM or YW is cancelled...) are piano lessons and 1 sporting event each that I try to schedule on the same nights (non-competitive, because I don't care to take them to tons of extra games and practices - as long as they get some exercise, I think they're good).
I really don't encourage my family to be too busy, and it works for us!
This is brilliant. I totally agree, and all that clutter (time or otherwise) can strangle the life right out of us. I'm still learning on how to declutter my life. I'm not sure I've got it figured out. I *am* making progress though.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I've been working on simplifying too. Cutting back, prioritizing, cleaning out. There's a lot less pressure now. It's a good thing to do. Good luck with it.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to learn that little two letter word, no. It's hard, but I'm getting better at saying it. :)
ReplyDeleteFunny you are getting rid of a camper and I was shopping for one last evening. I always feel so light after a de-cluttering session.
ReplyDeleteI just helped my oldest daughter de-clutter her room. It looks so much better. You can actually see the floor. She is growing up and learning to let go of things that have no purpose. Such an important thing. I can see a responsible young woman in there somewhere.
ReplyDeleteI love de-cluttering. I always want to clean out the toys right before Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI need to clean out my daily life so I can spend more time writing. So that means I need to get off the internet :)
I love de-cluttering as well. I try to clean one or two rooms a day so I don't get too overwhelmed. Besides the dishes and laundry that needs to be done all the time. Spending time with the kids, cooking meals, and of course reading and writing. There is always something, but somehow I find time to do most of it. :)
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