Honestly?
I made it through the first six days of my Clear the Clutter Challenge — but I got stuck in the school room!! It still isn’t done, but it will have to wait until after this weekend! We’re finally seeing my in-laws to celebrate Christmas, so I’m not worrying about decluttering the school room! I should at least pick it up, however…
(Making progress…at least there is some empty space,
and it’s not stuffed to overflowing like it was!)
I have to admit, it was so much easier this time around to let go of clutter. I’m still not perfect at it, and if you drop by my house, you will still find some items that seem clutter*ish. I’m never going to be a minimalist or completely clutter-free, but I’m making progress!!
How?
I can tell my perspective has changed. I am not my stuff. I don’t need more stuff. I don’t even want more stuff.
For example, after Christmas was over, I found myself meandering through the aisles at Walmart (I still find myself doing that every once in a while — I think it’s left over from those traumatic first years of motherhood when wandering the aisles by myself was my only break. I can get lost in there). Anyway, I came to the clearance aisles, and honestly, I just felt this strange sadness when I saw all of the stuff. Most of it was really junk. And I started thinking how we spend lots of money on it — hoping it will make us happy or fulfill some deep need or make other people like us.
It was kinda my own little revelation, I guess. I’ve known it intellectually, but I just never really felt that way.
Several books (Crown Financial Study, [easyazon-link asin=”0784721106″]From Clutter to Clarity[/easyazon-link], [easyazon-link asin=”1451646208″]The Money Saving Mom’s Budget[/easyazon-link], and [easyazon-link asin=”1440302634″]Organized Simplicity[/easyazon-link]) have contributed to this change in mindset.
I’ve also been reading [easyazon-link asin=”0842353607″]Money, Possessions, and Eternity[/easyazon-link] by Randy Alcorn, and it is EXCELLENT. It makes me squirm a little bit when I’m reading, because he’s just pretty blunt. Though I’ve highlighted quite a few pages in the book, these particular questions stand out to me:
- Is this thing necessary?
- Does it contribute to my purpose in being here on earth?
- Is this item an asset or a liability to me as a soldier of Christ?
Asking myself these questions as I decluttered was very helpful. It made a huge difference in my focus. They’re also great questions to ask yourself when you’re out shopping!
To wind things up, let’s go back to the original definition of clutter I found in [easyazon-link asin=”0784721106″]From Clutter to Clarity[/easyazon-link]. Clutter is “anything that complicates your life and prevents you from living in peace as you live out your purpose.”
Next week, we’ll take a look at another area of life that can be overrun by clutter — but it’s probably not what you’re thinking!
Really good thoughts….I am at the same place right now. Stuff, stuff stuff!! I have no desire to browse the aisles for more stuff…even if it is cheap!
It looks like you are making great progress! Thanks for the additional thoughts. I’m determined to keep anymore junk from coming into our house especially since I have so much more work to do before our home is clutter free. I really struggle with gifts though. We have very thoughtful family members who buy our young children things that are often unnecessary and not played with. I want to throw these things in the trash or donate them but I often feel guilty when they are gifts.
That is hard for me too, Monica! I usually keep them about six months, and if they haven’t played with the toy or used it, I give it away. Don’t feel guilty, it’s not worth it! When you feel guilty over an item, I think it’s an indication it needs to go. It’s causing you too much stress! At least that’s what I’m learning…
This is one area that I struggle with as well. I do great in most areas of our home, but the boy’s rooms are the exception. They have so much stuff that it’s hard to believe it all fits in there. I’m planning on a decluttering session in the next few days also.