That time I tried to eliminate...
The epiphany hit me after our first move in Utah. It was the perfect storm for my conversion to a new way of living. We moved to Utah 8 years ago with one moving truck into a 3500 square ft townhome (only in Utah!). Let’s just say we kind of filled it up. That’s kind of a lie because when we moved out 3 1/2 years later, we loaded the largest moving truck twice.
So when my sister-in-law introduced me to minimalism, I jumped in with out asking a lot of questions. Out went everything that didn’t bring me joy including bookcases of books, all paperwork except for a small file box, 2/3 of my wardrobe, 1/3 of Daran’s wardrobe (don’t worry - he was in on it.) toys and more. Mom was on a rampage. I even got rid of my wedding gown. Don’t worry! I kept the veil and I still have the pictures. Ok, I’ve only slightly regretted it once or twice!
The epiphany hit me after our first move in Utah. It was the perfect storm for my conversion to a new way of living. We moved to Utah 8 years ago with one moving truck into a 3500 square ft townhome (only in Utah!). Let’s just say we kind of filled it up. That’s kind of a lie because when we moved out 3 1/2 years later, we loaded the largest moving truck twice.
So when my sister-in-law introduced me to minimalism, I jumped in with out asking a lot of questions. Out went everything that didn’t bring me joy including bookcases of books, all paperwork except for a small file box, 2/3 of my wardrobe, 1/3 of Daran’s wardrobe (don’t worry - he was in on it.) toys and more. Mom was on a rampage. I even got rid of my wedding gown. Don’t worry! I kept the veil and I still have the pictures. Ok, I’ve only slightly regretted it once or twice!
We moved shortly after this massive purge, and I must say it was so worth it. One of the many reasons I did this is after learning about decision fatigue. So in really simple terms - we get tired from making decisions. If we eliminate some decisions, like, “Which of these 65 pairs of socks do I wear today?” It helps our brain. So since I am getting older and my brain seems to putter out pretty quickly now, I decided this was a brilliant idea.
Ya’ll are all wondering if I have stuck with it, and I will say that I mostly have. My closet is still only half full and we only have a couple shelves of books. Let's not discuss board games, because I am an addict in that realm of my life. I have gotten rid of half, but I won’t tell you how many I actually have, and how sad it was to part with the half I did.
Anywho, I eliminated many simple decisions in my life by eliminating stuff. But let me tell you something. This pandemic is messing with my mojo! Did you know that you can’t even make decisions in a pandemic!? They are only decisions for a few days and then they have to be overridden by the new decision for the current restrictions. Even when you make a decision, you know this, so there is no gratifying feeling of having made it. UGH!
Planning for the school year feels like playing the lottery and spending money on all different number combinations hoping you hit the jackpot. Then the day comes for the numbers to be picked. You have all your tickets laid on the coffee table in front of you. You are sweating in anticipation of your numbers being called. The spinner person starts spinning the number ball thingy and then the number ball thingy blows up in the spinner’s face.
I think it's time for a nap. I am fatigued.