My Passion Project

I vibrate when planning a trip.  Constructing & reconstructing a house of cards.  

All the potential combinations of airfares, lodging, credit card miles, expenses, etcetera dance through my head changing partners at the prompt of a caller. If this, then that.  If that, then this.  The possibilities swim in a soup of adrenaline that is my brain. 

The numbers tick & click out of a hypothetical calculator onto a roll of paper that piles around my feet.  My fingers bounce from website to website testing bits & pieces like a mad scientist.  Hours roll by as if in a movie montage.

My mind shivers nervously envisioning everyone else in the world will swallow this exact itinerary before I hit 'confirm'.  I wait breathlessly for the final approval from all other players involved as if awaiting the president's nod to push the button.

Will the stars align? Will all the cogs fit just so in this machine?  Has all my beautiful labor formed into our next amazing adventure?

I thrive on this rush.  It's a passion from birth to completion.  I see the process through from hearing about a destination here & there to sprinkling it into conversation with my husband to floating some dates to crunching the numbers to booking & ahhh finally, finally to reveling in the spoils.  

Doing the Holidays

It's official.  I have seen the first holiday commercial.  Therefore, I have permission to broach the subject of simplifying during this time of year.  Also, I have been approached by more than one person asking about this sticky subject.

Whether due to philosophical reasons, economic challenges, or a little of both, people are altering their concept of what this season should look like.

I've informally developed a few guidelines for myself, & I attempt to apply these to my family as well - some times with more success than others.

1)  Give an experience - not a thing

Instead of receiving stuff, I would prefer two concert tickets and a dinner date, a contribution to our next vacation, or a hang gliding session on my bucket list - all of which I would most definitely cherish & love to do.  These items do not become clutter in my life, but they still add great value.

For children, I've requested that people donate to buy my daughter a class like dance or swimming.  One year, my family pooled together to buy gift certificates for a family season pass for snow tubing.

Christmas is no longer about the accumulation of stuff.  It's about conveying your love for someone.  A candle or gift certificate, for example, are impersonal & tell me that you may not really know me well or care about my interests.  

2)  Only kid gifts - no adults

The real enjoyment in our gift unwrapping is watching the kids open their presents.  This one's self explanatory.  I also preset a reasonable budget for shopping.  

3)  Give to those in need

Last year, my cousin & I devised a plan to turn our holiday party into a giving experience.  We made a few gift baskets, & for each item someone donated to our charity of choice, they got a raffle ticket to enter to win a basket.  We collected a considerable pile to donate to a local women's shelter.  And, an added bonus was that few people went home with more stuff.  They left with the satisfaction of knowing they helped others in addition to seeing their loved ones.

Opportunities abound at the this time to serve.  When you are generous & giving, it's a win-win.  The feeling you get from being kind is a return gift that requires no wrapping.

4)  Keep your home uncluttered

I've trimmed our decorations to a tree & lights.  Simply adding holiday scented candles & a holiday themed Pandora station can dramatically transform your home without the added knick knacks.  Eventually, the influx of cards, a handful of gifts, & holiday treats become decorations themselves which will eventually cycle out of our home.

5)  If you give a gift, it must be extremely thoughtful

I attempt to put a lot of thought & consideration into buying a physical object for someone.  I like to know it's something they truly want, need, is valuable, and/or they will find beautiful.  

6)  Accept that some people just insist on giving stuff

These concepts are going against tradition or habit for some family & friends. I find this is true especially with the older generations.  Just smile & graciously accept the gifts.  Hopefully, there will be less & less as the years go by.

7)  Remember the spirit of the season, not the hype

Whether you are religious or not, there is a unique sense of love, care, & generosity in the air at this special time.  We connect with friends & family and help those in need.  

We know deep down that the aim of the holidays is not about spending mountains of money, shopping nonstop, & exchanging thoughtless junk.  However, we feel obligated to go with the crowd.  

I say 'no more'.  Start a simplification of the holidays & return to the true heart of the season.  


* If you have any more great ideas on how to celebrate the holidays without stuff, please feel free to share!  * 

Opportunistic

My client flagged me down as I was leaving his office. In an afterthought, he floated the question, "Hey. I have a trip coming up. Would you like to go to... (pauses to remember where)?"

Without hesitation I answer, "Yes."

He laughed - at my impulse, at his momentary lapse in remembering that I'll go anywhere, at the goofy grin on my face.

I added, "You could go to the middle of nowhere, & I would say yes." Upon pondering it another minute, "I am an opportunist."

He laughed again knowingly. "This is true. This is true."

Even in the middle of nowhere, I can find awesome opportunities to explore. I can discover people with stories to tell. I can take more adventures. I can gain new understandings of myself & a fresh perspective of the world. Not to mention, in the above example, I get to do a job I love.

I strive to keep myself open to opportunities as they arrive & arrive, they do - mostly unplanned.

In Augusta, GA, I was introduced to the growing food scene by a local. In Charleston, SC, I met with several locals who steered me through the nightlife & cooked an amazing bowl of homemade grits on a rainy day. In Grand Rapids, MI, I met with a new friend one afternoon for coffee & chatted as if we had known each other for years. In San Jose, CA, I hiked with a new friend & enjoyed our company so much that we spent 24 hours in Santa Cruz shortly after.

You don't have to travel to uncover these opportunities - although it's one of my favorite ways. When a friend asks to carve out a morning for coffee, accept it. When you see an ad posted on the board at the library that appeals to you, go for it. When you spot a workshop that interests you, take advantage of it. When that new, foreign restaurant opens
on the corner, try it.

The ultimate beauty is that you not only enjoy the awesomeness of *that* experience, but it often leads to yet another opportunity. It's an endless flow of possibilities. The only question is...

Are you going to go for it?

Trading Up

I woke my daughter early, & we hit the road at 7:00 am for the National Zoo.  We were advised to arrive early for the pandas' feeding & to see the animals best before the heat arrived - along with the crowds.

The morning flowed perfectly - no rush, no serious mom voice, no mini-tantrums, & most importantly, no traffic.  It was beautiful in its simplicity.

We only shared the park with joggers & power walkers as we ambled to the panda habitat.  The sun was not yet beating down relentlessly, & the weather was just right.

The pandas sat, unaffected by the onlookers, munching on their bamboo breakfast.  

The day continued seamlessly & drama free as we made our way from one environment to another.  Periodically, my daughter would grab my hand as we walked & looked at me with a contented smile.  My eyes clicked mental pictures of that peaceful expression as I smiled in reply.

*  *  *  *  *

After lunch, we began our journey home, but midway I had to stop to hand off something I sold online.  It was a quick transaction at an agreed upon gas station along the way.  The guy handed me the $30, & I gladly passed along some old picture frames I purged recently.  

*  *  *  *  *

Then it hit me -  a light bulb moment.

I spent about $35 for the zoo & lunch, & I received $30 for my old stuff - money out, money in.

I grinned as I thought 'That's awesome.  It was almost an even trade for the day.'  I quickly course corrected my own realization though.

My useless clutter became money which afforded us a priceless day together.

Truthfully, 'I traded up.'  

Excess Baggage (Lessons From My Carry On)

My husband and I sat patiently waiting for our ferry to dock.  We were returning to our beloved Italy for a dream trip to Lake Como, the Cinque Terre, & Turin.  This was the last leg of our long journey to our first destination, the quaint town of Como.

It was a bumpy adventure over the previous 12 hours.  We experienced a delayed flight and cliched mad dash through Heathrow.  And now, here we sat, exhausted, on a boat - in the rain.

As often happens, we chatted with a young couple who, as it turns out, were on their honeymoon.  They were sweet and friendly as are most fellow travelers.  However, I took notice to their train of luggage.  Each sported a cross-body bag, a medium carry-on with wheels, & a large suitcase.

I could see the envy in their eyes - that look of regret.  The new bride asked me haltingly, "That's... all... you have?"  She referred to our lack of baggage.

We smiled knowingly and answered, "Yes."

*  *  *  *  *

I get this reaction often.

I have traveled a multitude of places for many days at a time simply with a carry on bag - my 1996 green, high school Jansport backpack to be exact.

I can pack a few mix & match pieces, my toiletries, and up to two pair of shoes.  Of course, laundry detergent is helpful to recycle said outfits.  From this bag I have seen the most magnificent sights, enjoyed amazing experiences, & hopped freely from one setting to another.

I can easily slip through crowds, stow away quickly on flights, exit the airport without delay, squeeze onto public transit, keep sight of my belongings, and hike to my destinations if necessary.  When I locate my lodging, I drop my bag & slip out to my next adventure - untethered.

Not only is it convenient, I've received compliments on my attire.  I feel secure that I pick my best, most flattering, pieces to be among the few.

*  *  *  *  *

This begs the question...

If I've had some of the most incredible moments of my life subsisting via this precious backpack, then why must I live my daily life out of 100 bulky pieces of luggage?

My baggage does not make my trip, & my belongings do not make my life - my experiences do.  

While some are busy packing for 'what if', I'm already out the door finding the answer. 

The Reason I Write

I began my journey into a more simple, meaningful life a few years ago.  

I was easily agitated, unsettled, & prone to outbursts in my mid to late twenties.  However, when I paused to evaluate my life, there was absolutely no reason to be this way.  I had an amazing marriage, a great house, loving family, my dream job, regular vacations, and all the gadgets I wished for, but I still wasn't at peace.

One day, I Googled the words 'how get rid stuff'.  Leo Babauta's ZenHabits.net was among the top hits.  His writing introduced me to the world of minimalism.  I devoured every word.  It felt like common sense.

I, then, linked to multiple others who wrote on similar subjects - BecomingMinilalist.com, TheMinimalists.com, BeMoreWithLess.com, and ExileLifestyle.com.

These resources in conjunction with my interest in meditation, affirmations, & energetics have guided me to a peace that I have never known before.

I commonly see bloggers in pursuit of earning money via their writing, & I have no problem whatsoever with this, but I am not looking to monetize my work.

I receive "payment" in non-financial ways.

A friend messaged me to express thanks for introducing the concept of minimalism to her.  She is taking her first baby steps to remove unnecessary items.

Another friend earned a sizable amount of money by selling her "out the door" pile.

One woman I worked with found $100 cash under a pile of paperwork that had mounted on her desk.

A coworker is planning to downsize her living space to save money to pursue her dreams of traveling.

Yet another friend cleaned out a storage space in America so she could continue her new life untethered in another country.

I helped to change a coworker's perspective on his upcoming move across the country.  He was unnerved about getting rid of everything & starting anew.  I reminded him that he has a clean slate.  He can start all over again with less.  He reported that he feels great as his load lightens & is realizing how little he truly needs.  Plus, the decreased expense for a smaller apartment will allow him to transition more smoothly.

YOU are the reason I write.  I vibrate with the need to share, & I am compensated by your successes.  

  

Remembering the Why

My husband grabbed one end of the five foot cardboard box & I the other.  We attempted a few different ways to shove it into my 4-door 2005 Honda Accord.  

"It's not going to work," he asserted.

"No.  I think I can get it," I countered.

I ran to the opposite side - attempting one last maneuver to cram it into my backseat.

"Gosh darn stuff!" I grunted as I invested my last bit of energy.

Finally!  The box cleared the door frame & landed on my seat... sideways.

My husband affirmed the obvious, "You know it's just going to all fall out when you pull it out?"

"I know," I sighed.

I drove the car to the grassy yard sale site a quarter mile from our home.  In an attempt to spare my poor husband from any more of my great ideas related to this venture, I decided to transport the box from my car & up a small hill.

Surprisingly, it wasn't too difficult to slide it out the door.  'Phew' I thought.  'This shouldn't be too bad.'

Within seconds, clothes started to pop out the top - now side - of the box as it puckered & buckled.  All of the clothes I painstakingly folded into nice, neat piles according to type melted into a jumbled soup on the sidewalk.  Not only was it fabric that lie on the ground - it represented wasted money, wasted time, wasted opportunity.

I wanted to cry.

Not because the clothes were becoming dirty.  Not because my organization & planning went to waste.  Not because my husband could gloat about being right.  And not because of the woman parked nearby who stared at me blankly as I contorted myself to save the contents.

I felt defeated by my own insatiable desire to acquire so much stuff.  I burdened myself with this debacle.  I got myself into this mess.  After 2 years of simplifying, clothing is my last hurdle.

I spent a few hours upset about the situation.  Until I came to a realization - a remembering.

This is a painful reminder of why I should never let it get to this point ever again.  

It never would have been enough.  The stuff never made me truly content, & I blindly continued to search for happiness in acquiring more.

The truth is that I am enough just as I am - no more but definitely with less.



  

The Girl Makes the Clothes (Project 333)

Early one morning as I hurriedly prepped my four year old daughter for the day, she began to meltdown.  

"My skirt isn't sparkly," she sobbed.  "I won't be beautiful."

I quickly searched my mental files for how best to handle this - ignore it & continue readying ourselves or stop for a teachable moment.  I opted for the latter.

"Big girl... Do you know what truly makes your outfit sparkly?" I asked.

She looked at the floor, then me, & responded curiously, "No."

"Your spirit makes you sparkly - when you're friendly, generous, adventurous, happy,...  That makes you beautiful big girl."

This resolution seemed to calm her in that moment, & we still revisit the concept from time to time.

*   *   *   *   *

I recently began a challenge called Project 333 (www.TheProject333.com) - the concept of a wonderful simplicity writer named Courtney Carver.  In short, you only utilize 33 items in your wardrobe for 3 months.  For more specifics, please check the website.

"Why?" You may ask.  "What's the point?"

I was raised to be a shopper - a bargain hunting fashionista.  I consumed mountains of magazines selling clothes & accessories that would make me beautiful & attractive.  Subconsciously, my self image & my clothing became intertwined.  

As I become more confident in my true self, I realize that fancy outfits, kick butt shoes, & designer labels have absolutely nothing to do with true beauty & attractiveness.

My spirit makes me sparkly - my friendliness, my generosity, my sense of adventure, my attitude,...

I make my clothes.  My clothes don't make me.

Therefore, I can wear the same 33 items repeatedly in different ways, & it shouldn't make any difference whatsoever.  

My wish for my daughter (& myself) is to not equate self worth with the material that covers our spirit.  It took me 33 years to grasp this concept so she has a 29 year head start thank goodness ;^)

Leap of Faith

In 2011, I seized the opportunity to travel solo to Bali, Indonesia.  I envisioned staying far from tourist spots.  I used Bali-Homestay.com - a family run business in the Tabanan region.  Their website promised airport pick-up, room, all food, tours, hikes, bikes, cultural lessons, and more for an extremely reasonable price.

I had one of the most unique & wonderful experiences I've ever had.  Everything they promised they delivered - with a smile.  I was the only tourist that I could see, & I always felt safe, respected, & comfortable.

People repeatedly ask, "How did you find them?"  I reply, "I typed 'Bali cultural exchange' in the search box, & it was the first and only thing I found."  Inevitably, the next question is, "How did you know they were legit or safe?"  My response is, "I didn't." 

I trusted these strangers half way around the world with my life, & they provided everything plus more.  They were not out to cheat, hurt, or lie to me.  

When I recount my adventures, people often bristle at the idea of trusting so many strangers - fearing the worst.  In fact, it's quite the opposite.

Because I trusted these individuals, I hiked through rice paddies, biked through native villages, learned how to make offerings, visited temples, ate delicious, home cooked meals, & interacted with real, local people.  I truly had a paradigm shift based on these interactions.  

Between my ability to trust & intuition, I have happened into an ever growing pool of new friends & amazing adventures.  Start local or start global, either way, the world is full of genuinely good people waiting to be met.

*  I have countless examples related to this topic.  I will write more on it because I am that passionate about breaking the fear & distrust of others.  

*  Please feel free to share in the comments if you've had similar experiences.  I'd love to read & share them.

***  Also, if you enjoy my writing, please feel free to share the link.  I am unsure if I will continue writing due to low levels of readership - despite my joy of writing.  Thank you for reading, & I look forward to many more.  

- Sasha  *** 

Leap of Faith

In 2011, I seized the opportunity to travel solo to Bali, Indonesia.  I envisioned staying far from tourist spots.  I used Bali-Homestay.com - a family run business in the Tabanan region.  Their website promised airport pick-up, room, all food, tours, hikes, bikes, cultural lessons, and more for an extremely reasonable price.

I had one of the most unique & wonderful experiences I've ever had.  Everything they promised they delivered - with a smile.  I was the only tourist that I could see, & I always felt safe, respected, & comfortable.

People repeatedly ask, "How did you find them?"  I reply, "I typed 'Bali cultural exchange' in the search box, & it was the first and only thing I found."  Inevitably, the next question is, "How did you know they were legit or safe?"  My response is, "I didn't." 

I trusted these strangers half way around the world with my life, & they provided everything plus more.  They were not out to cheat, hurt, or lie to me.  

When I recount my adventures, people often bristle at the idea of trusting so many strangers - fearing the worst.  In fact, it's quite the opposite.

Because I trusted these individuals, I hiked through rice paddies, biked through native villages, learned how to make offerings, visited temples, ate delicious, home cooked meals, & interacted with real, local people.  I truly had a paradigm shift based on these interactions.  

Between my ability to trust & intuition, I have happened into an ever growing pool of new friends & amazing adventures.  Start local or start global, either way, the world is full of genuinely good people waiting to be met.

*  I have countless examples related to this topic.  I will write more on it because I am that passionate about breaking the fear & distrust of others.  

*  Please feel free to share in the comments if you've had similar experiences.  I'd love to read & share them.

***  Also, if you enjoy my writing, please feel free to share the link.  I am unsure if I will continue writing due to low levels of readership - despite my joy of writing.  Thank you for reading, & I look forward to many more.  

- Sasha  *** 

Blank Slate

Last night, I walked into my home at 11:15pm after a whirlwind 48 hour business trip.  Everyone was asleep.  I was exhausted from a flurry of awesome adventures - personal & professional.

The house is already minimal with furniture, clean, & smells of hyacinth I bought for Easter.  All my daughter's toys were put away, my husband's electronics were simply slid back into their place, & not a dish was in the sink.

Ahhh... 'this is my blank slate' I thought.  The place I come to recharge.  I return to my self & my family - my priorities.  It's the foundation for the life I choose to lead - ready for anything.

I'm not tied down by maintaining unnecessary belongings or cleaning knick knacks.  I simply maintain what we truly need & possessions we value.  I'm not visually or mentally distracted with belongings that really do not matter.

At first glance, some may think our home a bit sterile or lifeless.  I see a completely different picture.  On this blank canvas, we can paint any scene we choose.  My daughter can put on an impromptu dance show.  We can have a full blown soccer game.  I can whip out my laptop with piles of paperwork for business.  We can host 10 people in our modest townhome for a party.  I'm also untethered to maintenance so I can plan my next adventure.

Our home is a template to live in.  It does not define us.  We define it.

Your Happy Place

I can tell you where to find happiness. 

It's already hidden inside you. 

It's hidden by clutter, physical & mental. 

You will not find happiness in that new pair of shoes or that bag of chocolate or that trip to Tahiti.  It cannot be bought, made, eaten, collected, or traveled to.

The more you remove, the more you will uncover the spirit you've been attempting to embellish with the unnecessary.

Find wellness from the inside-out, & your true self will make that simple outfit pop or that beach sunset perfect - not the other way around.

Unclutter your happiness, dust it off, & let the light brighten your way.

It's The Little Things

1)  A load of laundry

2)  A spare tram pass

3)  A friendly smile

4)  Holding a door

5)  Giving directions

6)  A list of contacts

All of these things may seem small to you, but to another, they could mean...

1)  One less chore after arriving home from a long trip

2)  Easy access to transportation in a foreign country without converting currency, finding a ticket machine, & translating another language.

3)  A sense of comfort in an unfamiliar setting

4)  Relief to a mom struggling with a stroller & crying baby

5)  Sparing a lost soul from wandering around an extra hour

6)  A link to a much needed job

Everyday, I'm amazed at the power we have to affect the course of someone's day, or more, with simple actions.

You don't have to end world hunger or achieve global peace, but you can be like a pebble tossed in water whose rings spread far beyond its initial impact. 

Dream Bigger

Three years ago, I had a respectable list of dreams.  I wanted national certification in my profession, to do a Figure show, to travel solo, and maybe get a tattoo just for fun.

On a whim, I attacked the Figure show goal at the age of 31.  I dieted, worked out, registered for a show, & got the fake tan.  To my surprise, I did it.

Feeling confident, I got my first tattoo.

I then arranged for my first solo trip - to Bali no less.  I'm happy to report I survived & had an amazing time.

Upon returning & with support from colleagues, I began the process of attaining my national certification - a written & performance exam.  Shockingly, I passed!

Since these awesome events, I've traveled just to see a concert, stayed overnight at an ice hotel, driven in a foreign country, hiked the Cinque Terre, started this blog, Couch Surfed four times, among many other awesome things.

Now what?

I must dream bigger.

I've experienced some amazing things, but that's not why I'm writing this piece.  

What are your dreams?  Have you attempted even one of them?  What are you waiting for?

I'm willing to bet it's easier than you imagine, more fulfilling than you can envision, & best of all, it will give you momentum to go after the next - and the next...  Ride the wave of successes.  Before you know it, you'll be forced to dream bigger, too.  Not a bad problem to have.

As for me, I'm planning my next adventure & maybe, just maybe, my next tattoo.



* I highly recommend a book "NOW: No Opportunities Wasted" by Phil Keoghan to develop your "List for Life".

Developing Appreciation

An elderly woman harvesting rice for $5 a day.  A mother hand washing her clothes in running water along a village road.  A fire pit centered in a small room serving as a stove.  Families piled onto scooters like a mini van.

I have crossed paths with all of these in my travels - in "developing" countries.

Upon returning from these trips, I have experienced a paradigm shift.

I've glimpsed outside our comfortable boundaries to witness how many around the world live.  No Googling to answer inane trivia, no coffee shops to caffeinate the masses, no granite counter tops, no Volvos or Mercedes. 

I once reserved my shock, & a possible tear, as a new acquaintance showed me her home on one of my travels.  The conditions were below what I could have envisioned as minimal & sanitary.

However, my new friend smiled & genuinely appeared happy despite her environment.  The woman working in the field waved to me as if we had known each other for years.  The woman washing clothes on the side of the road smiled warmly as I connected with her for a brief moment.  The woman cooking on the fire pit offered me food as we exchanged a few friendly words.

I realized most of my stuff is merely an upgrade - optional.  If I was pared down to the minimum, I could still find a natural joy in life.  When faced with what I perceive as challenges, I envision these people surviving happily on much less - valuing their family & community above materials & wealth.   

They have unknowingly taught me many lessons - a reality check of sorts.  

I challenge you to step outside your comfort zone, & explore how others live.  I hope it opens your heart & mind as it has mine. 

Countercultural

We've been fed a lie, & now, we have an obesity epidemic - an outbreak of over consumption. 

Our lives are bursting at the seams with useless junk that has been crammed down our throats by marketing & social pressure.

We buy fancy cars, famous name clothes, & fine china to impress our friends & family.  We buy the latest & greatest gadgets because they claim to have better programs.  We exchange meaningless gifts to prove we are thoughtful.

I've been labeled countercultural by some.  I find that odd when many people approach me in search of the same & with similar feelings.

The average American is so entrenched in the consumer cycle that has been sold to us that we've forgotten their true self & purpose in life.

Your purpose is not to own a different pair of shoes for every day of the month.  Your purpose is not to own a car that costs over half your income.
Your purpose is not to wear three layers of expensive make-up to cover two wrinkles. 

Wake up!

Be you.  Be yourself.  Be countercultural.

Heartful

In my pursuit to minimize, I may appear ruthless - heartless.

On the contrary, I am heartful.

I dig through the useless to uncover the precious. 

Beneath the rubble of old Tupperware, papers from ten years ago, & unopened gifts you never asked for are the real gems.

There you find drawings your kids made in kindergarden, the note your husband wrote you before your wedding, or even lost money.

Once these items are unearthed, they can be honored & enjoyed appropriately.  If something is truly valuable, is it respectful to stow it in a deep, dark corner of your storage unit to possibly be looked at in passing ten years from now?

Most importantly, you regain time.  You spend time to buy, maintain, protect, store, organize, & clean these meaningless things - not to mention the mental time wasted attending to them.

That time is better spent riding bikes with family, reading a book, having drinks with a friend, calling family to catch up, or cooking a special dinner.

Therefore, I may be relentless & callous when decluttering, but it's only to discover what's genuinely worthwhile.

You may be buried under worthless clutter.  Dig out, & fill your heart with what truly matters.

Gratitude

As I roll out of bed in the morning, I inwardly say "Thank you". 

As I peruse the plentiful foods in my kitchen, I silently say "Thank you". 

As I kiss my husband before we part ways for the day, my lips says "Thank you".

As I receive a sleepy hug from my daughter as she crawls out of bed, my heart says "Thank you."

As I continue to schedule work for my business, I verbally say "Thank you".

These simple words color my entire day.  It shapes the thoughts that follow -  a domino effect.

Saying "Thank you" minimizes my day to what's most important.  Any obsessive worry, unnecessary clutter, and unhealthy influences are mentally placed to the periphery.  I am free to place my precious time & attention where it is most valued.

Simply said, it makes me smile.  I approach the next moment more positive, productive, & relaxed.

As a result, I am continually blessed with more to be thankful for. 


 

*  Thank you for your time & attention to my writing.  I truly appreciate all the support.

Low Hanging Fruit

"I don't even know where to begin." 

I hear this often in response to the mere suggestion of simplifying.

Low hanging fruit are the easy decisions.  Things you already know are useless to you.  You just haven't taken action yet.

Where is that sweater your great aunt knitted with reindeer on the front?  How many pieces of clothing in your closet still have tags on them?  Do you have votives with 2 centimeters of candle wax caked in the corners?  Are there mismatched food containers floating around in your cabinets?  Perhaps there is a Windows 98 textbook gathering dust on your bookshelf?  Have you perused the expiration dates on all your food?

"What next?" you may ask.

The out-the-door pile is my personal answer.  I reserve a spot in the basement for all the "fruit".  It's a holding place until further decisions are made.  I'll address this in a future post. 

Meanwhile, you can breath in the newly discovered free space.  You get a feeling for what it can be.  You are able to reorganize important items into the new space.  The remaining valuables are more visible & easily accessed.  You're not distracted by unwanted stuff.  You become motivated to rid the house of these leftover things.  You start to notice more low hanging fruit.  You make decisions on things that were previously in limbo.  Not to mention, you will feel a momentum build - steam rolling from the easy stuff to the more difficult decisions later.

Try it for a half hour - more if you feel inspired. 

What's the worst that could happen?  Tomorrow you put it all back?  Believe me, after you taste the freedom on the other side, you won't want to.

When Challenged

I am standing next to the sea with a snorkel dangling around my neck.  It hangs like a noose.  What if a jelly fish stings me?  What if I can't see something come up behind me?  What if I start to swallow water?  What if I get stuck?  My mind races, & my heart pounds.  I have an intense fear of the unknown in the water.

Then, the affirmation arises.  Be the woman I want my daughter to become.

I secure my goggles, practice a few breaths, & swim into the unknown.

I am 25 minutes into a workout.  I'm sweating like I've just been in a downpour.  My lungs are on fire.  My legs feel like Jello.  My arms feel like I could not lift a piece of paper.  The skin on my palms is ripping from callouses.  I realize I am barely half way done the prescribed workout.  My mind begins to say 'Just stop now.  It's not worth it.  You feel awful.  You've done enough.  You're no good at this.  Look.  Everyone else is so far ahead of you.'

Then, the affirmation arises.  Be the woman I want my daughter to become.

I breath, wipe my sweat, shake my arms, focus on my own workout, & finish what's been assigned.

I am walking through Target. I see a rack of shirts that would be perfect for work.  They're on sale.  They have five different colors.  I know I have a closet full of more than enough clothes already.  I would like to save extra money for my next adventure & keep my possessions at a minimum.  However, I reason that they will be great for work, going out, paired with this cardigan or those pants.  They're a bargain.

Then, the affirmation arises.  Be the woman I want my daughter to become.

I put the shirts back, walk away, save $60 for my next adventure, & be grateful for the clothes I already own.

I not only challenge myself in the present moment -
I am also a model of how I wish for my daughter to be. 





   

I Am More

I am more than the name on my purse.  I am more than the style of my shoes.  I am more than the status of my car.  I am more than having a kitchen stocked for a dinner party of ten.  I am more than the thread count of my sheets.

I am the love I show my husband.  I am the comfort I give my daughter.  I am the knowledge I possess to do my job.  I am the curiosity to explore the world.  I am the capacity to learn a new language or run a marathon.  I am the longing to be more generous.

I am so much more than any physical stuff.

Upon realizing this simple concept, I have had no problem discarding any physical items.  As long as I am still here and my family is still by my side, I am all that I need to be...

and more.