When I started my series, “A Rich and Satisfying Life,” my goal was to create more margin in my life.
I wrote, “I want to live a life where there is plenty of margin. If something comes up that speaks to me, I want time to be able to pursue it. Suppose I need or want a material possession to enrich my life, I want room enough in my house to include it. I might come across a need or a ministry that speaks to me, I want funds to be able to contribute.”
Since then, I’ve written seventeen posts on the subject dealing mostly with attitudes and soul clutter.
Visual clutter is life-draining
It’s also important to address physical clutter because our environment affects us greatly. I’m not sure, but I don’t think it is only creatives who are influenced by atmosphere. A calm inviting place to land is important for everyone leading busy lives whether your activities are inspirational or physical in nature.
‘Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be beautiful or believe to be useful’
William Morris
William Morris was a famous 19th century wallpaper designer, and a printer of beautiful books, and knew a thing or two about atmosphere. He once wrote he was “always thinking about home.”
I can relate.
De-cluttering Goals
My goal is to only keep useful and/or beautiful things in my home, which means many, many things must go. I have a donation box sitting in my home office right now. It is full and ready to be donated. Goodwill runs need to be a regular item on my “To Do” list.
I am setting 3 goals for this endeavor:
- Biweekly Goodwill drop-offs
- Ruthlessly eliminating paper
- One in, one out – When I bring something new into the house, something old must go
Hmm… I just realized I’m receiving a new study guide today, which means something comparable must be donated. (Not a study guide though, let’s not get crazy! I’m putting all study guides into the category of “useful.”)
Hey! I’m on a journey. I don’t pretend I’m doing all this perfectly. I’m sharing the goals and dreams I have in my heart in this series, “A Rich and Satisfying Life.” This is my eighteenth post of examining a life free from the clutter of both wrong thoughts, attitudes, expectations, and too-full calendars, as well as physical clutter. You can click here to see all the links to the series.
This series is part of a Write28Days challenge sponsored by Anita Ojeda. The challenge is now over, but I am still working at the goal of writing 28 times on my subject.
All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.
I’m linking this post to the following communities: Grace & Truth, Inspire Me Monday, Tell His Story, InstaEncouragements Link-Up, Let’s Have Coffee
I always have at least one “donate” box or bag at the ready. I only wish that others in my home were as wiling to release their stuff as I am.
I understand, Barb! I have a sister-in-law who wants to declutter their home but my brother-in-law gets all bent out of shape when she tries!
I am praying my attitude is to hold things loosely.
Oh how I Love this post Jerralea! I find visual clutter so anxiety inducing. I do not keep anything I don’t find useful or that brings me joy to have. I love your 3 goals and I, too, am on a ruthless campaign of eliminating clutter!!!
Thank you, Donna! I love that we are on this journey together!
I agree: less clutter allows for better concentration and more creative-thinking!
Thanks, Nancy! The world needs more creative thinkers and less clutter.
Yes, I’ve too. I find visual clutter anxiety enduring too. Thank you for this..
Paula, it’s good to know I’m not alone. Thanks for dropping in.
This piece although light-hearted still makes a wonderful point. Thank you.
Thank you for visiting, Jan!
In our bathroom/closet remodel, I have boxes of things that need to go – some are beautiful, but I’m in another season. Maybe someone needs that kind of beautiful. My husband keeps saying we need to declutter – and I keep saying, “In my time, in my way.” Some of the boys are moving out – they need furniture. Maybe it’s not what they want, but until they can afford what they want. I think of it as a culling process.
Clutter is my nemesis as well. We always have a bag or box of things ready to donate. I’m sure many would classify my house as “boring” because I lean toward minimalism, but it feels spacious and welcoming to my mind. 🙂
You are inspiring me. Thank you.