I found this quote by clicking on an article that said, "Struggling just to get through the day?", and in my head I answered, "Yes, yes I am." And this quote really hit home for me because a big part of the reason why I struggle so much is self-inflicted and it is precisely because I tend to view life as a puzzle to be solved, and I spend, or rather waste, hours upon hours analyzing and over-analyzing how I am going to solve the puzzle for today, only to realize I was looking at the puzzle completely wrong and will inevitably need to start all over tomorrow. This quote was suggested among others in a list of thoughts or sayings that might help someone like me focus on living my life instead of constantly trying to figure it out. This is something I hope to start today. When I entertain the possibility that no matter how much I try, I cannot figure out my life because life, much like happiness, love, and God, cannot and perhaps should not be figured out, because that would ruin the mystery that is essential to the essence of each of these; then I finally feel free to experience my life, and even appreciate my life, rather than constantly trying to solve it.
So, I decided it might be fun to try to fill every empty diaper box that leaves our house with things that we are donating or discarding. We currently have 2 kids in diapers, so this could really help us achieve our goal :) Tonight we eliminated some clothes from our respective wardrobes (including a dress about which I've finally decided that even if I can someday fit into it again, by the time that happens I'd rather celebrate with a new dress than wear this old one again), collected some hangers that we no longer need now that we are committed to having less clothing (sadly, the hangers did not make it into the picture), and I finally came to my senses about a class set of Glass Menagerie books that were donated to me, which I was clinging onto just in case I ever have the opportunity to teach it again and need to supply the books myself.....a classic case of "what if" clutter. How 'bout this one, me, "what if I actually got rid of everything I don't really need? How freeing would that be?!"
Here is the picture of the diaper box filled with our clothing donations, and the crate of Glass Menagerie books:
I also want to say, that I believe I am catching a second wind here in this whole halving process, we've been dragging our feet recently because we got thrown off our game, but I think I'm ready to recommit and start seriously getting rid of more stuff, so no more posts about food to distract you from our lack of halving progress.....IT'S ON!!!
This is so inspiring to me today, guys! I'm constantly trying to tweak or "solve" little things with Mary's schedule (sleep-wise, mostly) and am gradually realizing that I create problems where there are none, just so I can spend mental energy on them. How's that for pointless? :) I'm trying to put that aside and simply enjoy her infancy, but it's a struggle.
ReplyDeleteYou've totally motivated a whole crowd of folks in Seattle, by the way. We're having a multi-family garage sale this weekend to clear out excess stuff and most of the participants are your readers. So keep up the good work!