This morning I glanced around, having had a busy evening last night that prevented me from simplifying. I looked in a room I felt I'd combed through quite well, then my eyes fell on a sewing basket. In it was odds and ends of leftover elastic, upholstery tacks, curtain rings, ribbon, etc. I quickly sorted to keep anything of reasonable length, put some things in the give away bin (tacks, curtain rings), and threw out the small pieces. Embarrassing as it is, I once went through a very frugal stage of cutting the elastic off holey underwear and reusing it in sewing projects. I don't have to resort to that anymore. :)
Sometimes knowing that hidden places are simplified is also freeing!
Be sure to read people's comments. They are very encouraging to our commitment to simplify!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Day 89: Good Intentions
If you are like me, you have some newspaper clippings you've been meaning to send to relatives, some duplicate photos you've wanted to send out, etc. This morning I clipped news, wrote quick notes to several relatives, inclosed photos, and am putting them in the mailbox. It feels good to get that out of the way.
We all have good intentions for things, but sometimes the items sit for weeks, months, or years. Eventually what we had planned to give people becomes obsolete. Try to make time to send out or give what you've been meaning to this week. It simplifes your mind and encourages those other people!
We all have good intentions for things, but sometimes the items sit for weeks, months, or years. Eventually what we had planned to give people becomes obsolete. Try to make time to send out or give what you've been meaning to this week. It simplifes your mind and encourages those other people!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Day 88: Keep It Up
Probably our biggest problem with keeping clutter gone is consistency. Don't give up! Keep in mind to get rid of one thing per day. It can take seconds of time. You will develop a habit and you will, most likely, get rid of more some days.
Today is a busy. I got rid of a "learn Spanish" CD from 8 years ago that probably won't run on my computer anymore.
Today is a busy. I got rid of a "learn Spanish" CD from 8 years ago that probably won't run on my computer anymore.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Day 87: Commitments
Not only does my living space need simplifying, but my time commitments do as well. I've been thinking of getting rid of a time commitment which is a regular task outside of the home that I have to do on a periodic basis. Haven't come up with one yet, but I need to. Think about it...are you stressed because of too many outside commitments? Which could go?
I put a tea towel in the give away bin today.
I put a tea towel in the give away bin today.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Day 86: Winter Clothes
As the weather goes between cold and warm, I am beginning to at least think about getting out the spring clothes. So, as I went to my dresser yesterday, I pulled out some clothing that I don't want anymore next winter and put it in the give-away bin. As you switch over your seasonal clothing, sort as you go. Did you wear that shirt that gaps in the front at all? Be tough!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Day 85: New House
I have a friend who just bought a new house and will be moving soon. She is interested in simplifying as well. We talked about how a leisurely move is the perfect time to rid herself of unneeded and unwanted stuff. I volunteered to help her move and promised I wouldn't swing over to the dump instead of taking boxes to the new house!
However, some of us have been in the same house for years and there are many places we haven't sorted through. Keeping this mindset of "one per day" helps you look better when you happen upon places you've ignored for years.
Today I threw out a photo CD from a school event four years ago.
However, some of us have been in the same house for years and there are many places we haven't sorted through. Keeping this mindset of "one per day" helps you look better when you happen upon places you've ignored for years.
Today I threw out a photo CD from a school event four years ago.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Day 84: Old Computer Games
I'm going to stand on a soap box for a moment. I'm a teacher who sees too many children who can't read. What they need is lots of practice. When they come to school and tell me they've gotten to a certain level on a video game (and tell me each step and character along the way...snore...), it burns me up as that takes up so much of their time, they don't practice reading.
O.K. I'm done. Because of my horrid dislike of video games and my belief that they aren't that healthy for kids (all my opinion), my poor children were never allowed an X-box, or whatever the newest craze was at the time. (We didn't even have TV for years...yes...call me weird). However, their father loves computers and would buy them educational computer games. I could handle "educational."
Getting to the point, I've cleaned out some of those computer game CD's today. My amazingly well-adjusted adult kids are beyond those now.
O.K. I'm done. Because of my horrid dislike of video games and my belief that they aren't that healthy for kids (all my opinion), my poor children were never allowed an X-box, or whatever the newest craze was at the time. (We didn't even have TV for years...yes...call me weird). However, their father loves computers and would buy them educational computer games. I could handle "educational."
Getting to the point, I've cleaned out some of those computer game CD's today. My amazingly well-adjusted adult kids are beyond those now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)