I remember I was so excited to be welcoming our first baby after years of praying for her arrival. I fulfilled the stereotype of the nesting mama as I went over and over her little room to see if everything was just right before her birth. Every onesie and each sleeper were folded just so. Her many blankets and quilts had been washed and fluffed. The diaper bag was packed with essentials. I could hardly wait!
A New Way to Nest
Many years later, a different kind of nesting is about to begin, because the nest is bursting at the seams – even after all the chicks have flown the coop.
The empty nest might not have as many humans residing here, but it has plenty of stuff. It’s time to pare down. After all, we need room for when the chicks come back bringing their families, too.
I have learned that every item I own must be maintained. Life is too short to do unnecessary things. This girl has goals. I can’t let dusting slow me down! So instead of bringing into my home things to make it cozy; I want to clear things out of my home to make it calm.
My goal is to simplify my home to make room for more in my schedule: my writing, studying, dreaming, and more visiting with my people. I do not want housework to get in the way.
Home is my happy place
I don’t want to give the impression my nest is not important to me. Just the opposite; my home is my haven and my favorite place to be. Don’t fear I’m becoming a minimalist; I do like my sentimental items. I just feel less stuff in the home will be calming and comforting and easy to organize. I’ve heard it said: “You can’t organize clutter!”
What do you think? Do you feel a home is more welcoming if it has less things in it? What makes a home a comfortable place to visit?
I’m joining a host of writers participating in a Write28Days challenge sponsored by Anita Ojeda. My life being what it is, I’m starting 3 days behind, but writing 28 days does not have to be defined by the month of February. I’m simply promising to write for 28 days. If life interrupts, as it often does, I may have to skip a day here and there. The goal is to write 28 times on my subject, “A Rich and Satisfying Life,” consecutively … or not!
All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.
Day 3 – A Whole Raft of Clutter Does Not Enrich Your Life
I’m sharing this post with the community at Inspire Me Monday, and Remember Me Monday
It’s not just the maintenance; I remember my mom saying, “Never let your possessions pisses YOU.” I didn’t understand exactly what she meant until I lived in regions where the threat of natural disaster was a regular and real thing. When you seriously think about what you’d grab of you had only 5 minutes to get out of the house, you sort your priorities in record time. But do we LIVE them, day to day?
Yes! It is always something to think about. If I had to evacuate what would I take? I must admit during the time before our house flooded, I didn’t take it seriously.
Thanks for visiting, Holly!
Having an orderly nest is comforting and calming. I’m praying through how to downsize some of my “things” and how to arrange items so it will be more functional for this season. I feel a little limited because we still have a couple of blessings in our nest, but I’m working on it. I look forward to your sharing about a satisfying life, Jerralea.
I’m on a journey, Lisa, and I’m just sharing what I’m noticing along the way.
Thanks for dropping by, Lisa!
Room by room, I am trying to pare back on the unnecessary and organize what’s important. Of course, I am purposefully NOT looking at my book cases yet… 😉
I’m in a similar place – the nest is emptying as far as the number of people here, but there’s still more stuff than we need. I spent a lot of years doing as you said – collecting things that I thought would make it homey and cozy, but I’ve realized that having FEWER things contributes to a feeling of peace. And it’s easier to keep clean. 😉
One son’s getting married – and taking furniture with him. The next year, two sons will probably be married – and they’ll take some more furniture with them. Little by little, I’m culling the excess, letting things go. A few years ago when I had pneumonia and ended up in the hospital, I remember thinking, “They won’t know what to do with all this.” It’s a slow process, but one that I think is picking up steam!