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-
