Simplify. For me that always means getting rid of stuff. It isn’t a totally positive word even though it sounds positive at first blush. It is often painful.
It reminds me of the many moves I have made in my life. Some have been overseas.
- But it always means getting rid of things that I want to keep.
- It means leaving friends I don’t want to leave.
- It means leaving the familiar and taking on the unfamiliar.
All those things are involved in simplifying even when I don’t move. I must get rid of things i would like to keep so I can enjoy the best things I have…the beautiful things, the valuable things.
It frequently means spending less time with some of my friends so I can spend more time doing things I have decided are more valuable, more in line with the changes I need to make. I may be able to spend more time with those friends in a few months, just not now during the changing and the process of simplifying. stop
It means leaving the familiar and taking on the unfamiliar...in terms of scheduling, meals, the way I keep my home and a host of other things, as I simplify.
The process of simplifying is not simple. It is often complex and it is rarely easy. I have to ask myself a lot of questions. I have to change some of my routes. I have to uproot large portions of my life, examine them and only replace bits of them in new locations. This kind of thing is always painful.
The process of simplifying is not simple. It is often complex and it is rarely easy. Share on XIs this worth keeping? Is it truly valuable? What are my goals? What are the goals for our family? How does our present lifestyle fit those goals? What do I need to do to make the changes needed to line up with those goals?
This is the story of 2018 for me so far!
Now you know what I have been working on this month. I still have a long way to go before what I’m doing and what I want done shows very much. But I have a better idea of what needs to be done and how I need to attack it.
How about you?
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.Matthew 6:19-21
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life,
what you will eat or what you will drink,
nor about your body, what you will put on.
Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds of the air:
they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not of more value than they?Matthew 6:25-26
I agree! Simplifying can be complex. Especially when it involves other people or things that are very special to you but may not be to your children, I was thinking of this just yesterday as I was in my closet. Items my Grandma made that have no significance to my kids. I did see a friend post today on FB post that she is taking pictures to remember special cards so they don’t take up physical space. I wonder if that’s a solution.
christy, i definitely think that can be one of the solutions. i have read that one before. at this point, i’ve been a bit overwhelmed by all i have to do. i know i just need to start somewhere. doesn’t really matter where i begin.
I agree, simplifying and setting our priorities can be complex at times! My word for the year is focus and part of that is trying to simplify- to cut back on certain things so I have more time to focus on others. It’s not an easy process but I think it will be worthwhile.
i do too lesley. the hardest part is starting!
Martha, you bring out the point that when we choose to simplify areas of our lives, we must choose our priorities. When we know our priorities and have the end picture in mind, it makes it easier to see those priorities through to completion. May God meet you in this work you’re doing and remind you how much delight He takes in you. 🙂
thanks jeanne. i think that is always so much of the difficulty. it feels so hard and difficult. i don’t feel the positive side of it until the job is nearly done when i can think clearer, focus better and generally function so much better all the way around!
Blessings to you as you declutter friend.
you mean as i declutter again:( i’m having to work on more than physical clutter. it’s hard! hope you’re doing well tara.
oh this is lovely. I am working toward this too. I have a ways to go. Spending more time in deep discussion with God will be helpful to me. I think I need to ask – what do I need to let go?
Blessings
Janis
#54 FMF
thanks for coming by janis:) great point! this has been a constant conversation for the past few years. we “downsized” in 2013 when we sold our home in TX and moved to AL. the first year we lived in a house but our plan had been to live smaller so we moved to a 3 bedroom apt. in 2014. unfortunately, i just isn’t downsize enough. in 2015, my husband had his first stroke. i can’t seem to downsize fast enough. so i’m working at it again one thing is for sure, i know what i haven’t needed now! i can be more confident about what needs to go!
I’ve been doing the same this year. It’s been a complicated process but wading through it will lead to a big reward on the other side. I’m your FMF neighbor today and I’m so glad I stopped by!
nice to meet you andrea:) glad you came by!