There it is. There is the first box of items I am purging. It may not seem like a lot but I love most of the stuff in this box. But then I look at it and think. Do I really need seven different kinda of lotions? even ones that might not even be vegan?! Why do I need seven different perfumes?I know I've gone at least two weeks without them..so why wouldn't i be able to get through the rest of my life with out them? Then I went around and took pictures if everything I have. The piles and piles of just stuff that will need to be purged. Brace yourself for the next pictures. These are all things that are making me feel claustrophobic. So tonight I will be going through that one box and tomorrow will be the harder one where I find new homes for my books. I'll keep you updated on how that goes. :)
Good luck on your journey! It most definitely does not need to change over night. It took a while to get to where you're at now, with the excess of material goods, and it will take time to get rid of it. The process is similar to meditation or weight loss.
ReplyDeleteWith meditation (in Buddhist traditions especially) one aim is to rid yourself of past impressions left in the mind. This can take lifetimes to clear. It just cannot be achieved over night. So patience, diligence and discipline are key in the process of clearing the mind.
The same can be said for weight loss. It takes time. If you try to do it in a week/month it will have negative effects.
It's all about creating new habits. Now, when you walk into a store, you don't buy what you used to buy. And over time you can start to analyze what you use regularly and what you almost never touch. Then you can start to clear the space and make sure not to replace that empty space with something else.
Anyway, I'm so happy you led me to your blog. I'm also learning and working on the beginnings of minimalism. It's so refreshing to see someone else embarking on their own minimalist journey!
Good luck to you, be patient and enjoy the process!
Best,
Erica
Your words are so true!!
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy because I know I am such an impatient person and I want all this stuff to just be gone instantly. It's amazing how much patience I am needing to practice during this transition and it is HARD!
Meditation is something I have always wanted to get into. I just know my mind is too busy for that. I am hoping that clearing up some of my stuff will allow my mind to breathe a little and I won't get so distracted!!
I look forward to reading more of your journey as well! And thank you for reminding me to *enjoy* the process! I often times forget that that itself ..could help bring the stress of letting go down. :)
-Angelica