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2018 is off to a restful, yet productive start. Can I use both restful and productive in the same sentence or is that considered an oxymoron? I can't think of any other words to describe it. I am comfortably busy with clients and yet for once, this holiday season has gone by and I feel like I was actually present for most of the events and memories! I'm pretty sure I can attribute this new found focus on my latest obsession with all things minimal.
That, and the intentional time that I am setting to be in God's word. Both are helping me keep an eternal perspective and are allowing me to be more gracious to myself concerning productivity (or lack there-of) when I'm just not 'feelin' it'. Let's just say, there have been lots of cat naps with my three cats lately! :) (Yes, I really do have three cats now...don't even get me started)...
I was asked to speak to about my journey into minimalism this Friday morning. I'll be meeting with young moms who are gathering at a local church and I dedicate this blog post to them. Below are some resources and encouragement when considering if you too, could benefit from living with less.
Here is the list of questions I asked myself when debating whether an item stays or goes:
Have I used this in the last year?
If I were shopping right now, would I buy this?
Is the only thing keeping me from disposing of this item, that I don't want to waste money?
Am I holding onto it for sentimental value?
Do I have similar items that serve the same purpose?
Do I have a realistic plan to use this?
Does it fit me or my living space?
Am I holding on to the broken item to fix in the future?
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but here are my favorite books on the topic:
Books:
Essentialism-The Disciplined Pursuit of Less-Greg McKeown
Good-Bye Things-
Everything That Remains-A memoir by the Minimalists-Joshua Fields Milburn
The Joy of Less-A Minimalist Guide to Declutter, Organize and Simplify-Francine Jay
The More of Less-Finding the Life you want under Everything you own-Joshua Becker
Minimalism for Families-Zoe Kim
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up-Marie Kondo
Spark Joy-Marie Kondo
Soulful Simplicity-Courtney Carver
The Road Back to You-Ian Morgan Cron (Enneagram)
Podcasts:
The Minimalists
Slow Your Home
Your Move-Andy Stanley
Mosaic-Erwin McManus
Shauna Niequirst
Websites:
The Minimalists-Joshua Fields Milburn & Ryan Nicodemus
Becoming Minimalist-Joshua Becker
Zen Habits-Leo Babauta
Minimal Wellness-Rebecca Shern
Be More With Less-Courtney Carver
I started my journey with editing my wardrobe. I found Project 333 by Courtney Carver motivating, but far too limiting for the drastic climate changes in West Michigan. I have tried to stay close to around 50 items of clothing in my closet at one time (not counting shoes or boots, or coats).