The sermon series on sweet simplicity began yesterday.
Pastor Tri spoke about the things that are supposed to make life easier but often don’t — like email. It’s so true. As much as I love email with my readers, writer friends, agent, and editors, there is so much more mail beyond those. Even with robust spam filters, the mail that enters my box is staggering to wade through.
The congregation was challenged to begin working on the external complications in their lives, to do some real spring cleaning, to stop buying new things that we think we want/need but then sit on shelves unused, weed through, give away, have a yard sale, throw out. This resonated with me because I have had this desire to pare down my possessions for the past couple of years. I’ve had a little success this year, going through my walk-in closet. But there is so much more in every room of the house. My library, in particular, overwhelms me to think about. If I were to move, that room alone would kill me. The sheer number of books I own (fiction and research books) would set up a nice little library in a small town.
Another specific recommendation Tri made that I thought was good is this: Whatever money a person earns from a "sweet simplicity" garage/yard sale cannot be spent to buy more stuff. It must be used for debt reduction, either to pay off your own debt or to help someone else do the same. Because, of course, debt is another trap that keeps us from living the simplified life.
The pastor reminded us that our lives didn’t get complicated overnight and we can’t uncomplicate them overnight either. So true, and if I think I can do it quickly, I get so overwhelmed I am paralyzed and do nothing.
I don’t know about you, but I work better with a plan. So here is mine: My first step is to clean out one drawer or one shelf each week. I can do more if I choose, but I will do at least one. With the exception of a few of my fancy "ballgowns" that I wear to the occasional glitzy award ceremony, if I haven’t used something within the last two years, I’m getting rid of it.
I’m just about finished with entering all the detailed editing I did on my WIP hard copy. Now I have to knuckle down and write the rest of the book (about a third to go). My calendar is fairly clear this week. A few afternoon appointments, but nothing in the mornings which is my optimal writing time anyway.
And so here I go, off to make good use of that optimal writing time. Wishing all of you the start to a productive week as well.
-rlh-
Robin–Oh, the weeding! I spent several weeks in the fall working on it, and already I need to make another pass at it. I have promised myself I will NOT burden my kids with this, after what we’ve been through with The Moms, moving them from huge houses where they lived alone with 40 years’ accumulation down to one-bedroom apartments.
Both of our mothers were young widows (early 50s), and both of them let their possessions gain the upper hand. I can totally understand how it happens! But I don’t want it to happen at my house–or to my kids. So we whittle away at it every chance we get….
When I moved from apt to house last year, packing overwhelmed me. I don’t know if I could do it again. I can relate to the large library that keeps on growing… But one thing I can say is the books were the easiest thing to move! All I had to do was put them in boxes. If only it were all that easy! I pared down a lot when moving…but now I hate to get rid of favorite artwork etc. just because I don’t have room. It’s a never-ending process. But gives you a clean feeling when you do weed out the excess…
I’ve reduced my wardrobe to about 1/4 it’s size and it’s been fabulous! That’s what happens when you move to an old house with almost zippo closet space.
I like you’re idea of one shelf/drawer per week, Robin. I’ve still got moving boxes in the storage room! If I had done a just one a week, I’d be done by now. I need to get a move on!