Moving can be a real eye opener… at least I found that it really was for me! As I began to pack all of our belongings, it became apparent that there were many items that had accumulated over 6 years of marriage, that we actually NEVER used. Things we seemed to keep “just in case” or that we thought we were storing, because someone else might want it…
We seemed to have an excess of mugs, baby stuff, unworn clothing, shoes, purses, toiletries, chairs… and “project” items. For someone who prides herself in not buying her kids a bunch of toys… I realized that we had accumulated a huge pile of toys given to us by others… toys that I didn’t turn away.
When we prepared our house to sell, we did the usual decluttering… and I stored 90% of our kids toys. I also took about half of our clothing out of rotation… packed up extra bedding, and nick nacks. The thing is, I really enjoyed living that way. It took me just a few minutes to clean up, I didn’t feel like there was something covering every surface, and Matt and I enjoyed our space SO MUCH MORE.
Fast forward 2 months later, we have downsized to half the square footage, and have a pile of bins stored in our crawl space and shed. Things that we will “need” in the addition… or for the winter, or if we have another baby… More STUFF.
And I ask myself, if we are living without that stuff… or if half the boys “things” are being stored away… do we really need them? Is it adding to our quality of life, or is it creating clutter, stress, and disharmony.
I think I am going to choose the latter.
As a mom, life is constant. I know this is true for everyone- but the list of tasks never ends. When I am at home… the day goes something like this:
- make breakfast for the kids. (try to remember to eat breakfast)
- make more breakfast for the kids
- take a toddler to the potty
- change a toddler
- dress a toddler
- pick up the toy I just tripped over
- sit for a minute
- wash the dishes
- help the screaming children resolve their issues
- wonder if every parent has to give at least one of their children a time out before 10am
- try to get them set up doing an activity
- go to start the laundry, get distracted by kids fighting
- discipline kids, and try to find a teachable lesson…
- go the bathroom
- remember my cold cup of coffee
- start picking up toys
- remember about laundry
- deliberate about washing clothes or diapers, as an hour has passed since I was going to put the original load in
- take the boys outside
- get them a snack
- make my bed and pick up dirty laundry
- change toddler
- sweep the floor
- make lunch
- clear husband’s papers from the table
- trip on a paint can, remember I need to finish painting
- change the toddler
- feed the kids
- read books to the boys
- set up 4yo with quiet activity while I put toddler for nap
- feel so tired I want a nap
- come out to a 4yo that asks “Mom, what can you play with me.”
- resist the urge to say nothing… put aside the to do list and play a game with 4 yo
- make a coffee
- move the laundry along
- decide I will sit down for a minute after I finish tidying
- tidy “stuff”
- Toddler wakes up
- drink my cold coffee
- put away dishes
- think about what to make for dinner…..
- stare at pile of laundry over flowing from hamper…
- smile at boys playing on the swing set
You get the idea.
This does not include any of the aspirations I have to make necessary calls, attend to house stuff, be a good friend or daughter, exercise, be creative, or have quiet time… Those are “after hours” things. Things that get squeezed in else where.
My day usually revolves around taking care of my children, my husband, my household, and my own well being. (in no particular order) And this is the way it should be. I don’t mind it. I would, however, like to carve out more time for doing life giving, creative, quality activities… instead of chores.
So, I will deal with my van load of “donate” items. I will also add to it before I drive it away. I want to live in a space where we not only value community, but also a simple, extraordinary life.
For me, step 1 is to purge.
Wish me luck!
-Miss Ash