This week has been busy, but ‘prioritized busy’ and that’s a good thing.
One of my goals this fall/winter with my little homeschooled ones is to take advantage of our area’s wonderful natural resources, namely the parks and trails. The Dayton area is rich in parks, namely MetroParks, a very well run organization of parks and recreation centers. They have just wonderful children’s gardens, classes, parks and trails. From what I’ve heard from people who have moved in to our area from other parts of the country, our town is very fortunate to have such nice parks.
While I rarely get lost while driving, my sense of direction goes haywire in the woods. Something about not being able to see the sky, I suppose. I thought it best to start on the ’bunny’ trails. Even so, we still got a bit turned around!! We hiked about 2 miles in the gorgeous weather. What fun to see so many people enjoying the trails, running, walking dogs or walking like us. Gotta do that more often!
Earlier in the week, I found myself in one of those buy-out discount stores, returning a gift. Usually, I’ll look for some basics to purchase when I know I’m going to get stuck with a gift card. I don’t want the burden of having to come back, so I try to spend it right then and there. My ‘usual’ list might include undergarments for the kids, socks, towels, sheets, whatever. Now I realize that I live in a capitalistic society and I’m proud of it….most of the time. As I looked around the store, I was struck by the over-abundance of….sorry here, but ‘crap’!
More and more…..
and more….
Who needs a toast holder?? I was taken back by this item….what happened to plates?
Who in the world uses all of this junk? Where do they put it when they’re done using it? I was actually feeling overwhelmed by all of the merchandise, seemingly useless for the most part. My goodness, to think that our society is a market place for such meaningless items just blows my mind. Honestly, I struggled to find something that I could use, however, in the end I found some coffee that looked interesting and also purchased a much-needed purse. Was I glad to get out of there!!!
While I don’t consider myself a radical for minimalism or simplicity, both concepts and/or lifestyles certainly have a lot to offer in terms of peace and sanity. How stressful it is to have to manage ‘stuff’ upon more ‘stuff’ all the time. There are soooooo many benefits of less! Less is more!
I hope I don’t sound self-righteous here, that isn’t my intention at all!!! I am a recovered shop-a-holic! Just making observations at this point of my life.
I also had the joy and priviledge to help serve the football team, cheerleaders and coaches dinner again this week. There is just something beautiful about feeding hungry teenagers! They are so grateful and the pay-off in terms of being involved in my teenage son’s life is immeasurable.
*****
On to the best in blog world….
Here’s a few free samples that you may want to take advantage of….
Want to jump gently into minimalism? I really enjoyed this article…..
Having trouble getting rid of stuff that has sentimental value? Here’s a good post with some tips….
Enjoy your Friday!
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About kmorris
sometimes I feel the same – I am NOT a shopper at all, and can easily get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff, most of it not necessary! And, since I’m a clutterer – holder on-er – by nature, I try hard not to bring it in the house in the first place because chances on, I’ll have a difficult time parting with it! I’ll have to look at the links you included…
how fun on the football team feeding – seems like you are having a good time finding new things to make for them!
Hi Sarah,
I used to be a clutter-bug, hated throwing things away, mostly for sentimental reasons. Now, I have no problem getting rid of things, I think in part b/c space is so precious around here! If it’s not being used or extremely fulfulling to look at , it’s outta here!
Yes, I am enjoying making new recipes for the football players! Funny that you would say that……..it’s fun.
The more stuff you own, the more your stuff owns you!
I heard that piece of wisdom somewhere before, years ago… now where was that??
Trac,
Yeah, what’s up with that?? :0
First off, I LOVE the pics in the park… Beautiful!
I need to apply your mentality as we are swimming in stuff… it’s beginning to take over and that “Where do I begin?” question is arising… Thank you for this post.
Misty,
It can be overwhelming to figure out where to start, but may I make a suggestion? Start with just one room or better yet, a closet or a drawer. Take as long as it takes to conquer that one thing, don’t move on until you’re satisfied.
Depending of your state of ‘stuff’, it can take months or even years, but just start with something small and managable. You’ll build your confidence to move on.