Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Material World

Here I am. This is me. This is me purging.


Ladies and Gents, that was my first round of getting rid of excess clothes. It's ridiculous.

Why Oh Why do I have so much STUFF? It's overwhelming me. I spend a ridiculous amount of time doing laundry, picking up the house, having the kids clean their rooms. And lately I've just been wishing for sparsity. I'm envisioning a home with two chairs in the living room, with a round table nearby to set my glass of tea. I could do without the TV.

I picture a playroom with a few special toys, stocked bookcases, a couple of meaningful stuffed animals (like the Teddy that my Nature Boy slept with every night for 6 years)...not piles upon piles of rarely-played with cars and trucks, puppets and legos, etc. Why do I keep things that we rarely use? Why do I buy more, when I have so much? The stuff is worthless, unless we're using it.

In fact, worse than worthless, because once we've accumulated a certain amount of stuff, it starts to own us rather than the other way around. The house has to be big enough for the stuff. We have to have enough storage for the stuff. Enough time to care for the stuff.

Enough already. No more stuff!!!

Really, a house full of stuff can be very depressing. A cluttered room saps my spirits.

Now, I'm certainly not saying that I've overcome my ways. We Americans are used to our Stuff. We love our Stuff. We buy more and more Stuff, especially if it's a bargain. Or the neighbor/ friend/ co-worker has it. Gotta keep up with the crowd, right?

No, I'm not free from it. But I see it. And I want to be free.

Money IS for spending. But we spend and spend until we're enslaved to our possesions, those good deals, and the time to maintain it.

Now, I do enjoy clothes. It's a weakness for me.

I see style as a great way to express who I am and what I like. It's an art form.

Still, I had too much. And I'm trying to fix that.

I have too much home decor. Too many kitchen gadgets. When was the last time I used that popcorn popper? Have I ever needed three muffin tins at the same time? Maybe once. And I could have borrowed an extra.

I keep things for the "what-if"s and the "potential."

But, friends, this is me.

This is me, turning over a new leaf. I'm purging. I want less. I want only what we use regularly. I want to feel FREE from the stuff.

I want the time and energy to focus on the important things. I'll keep the Stuff that helps me towards that goal (art supplies, books for my kids...) but the random extra stuff just has to go!

So, who needs something? Maybe I have one you could come get. Doesn't hurt to ask.


10 comments:

Shan said...

Good for you!! It can be EXTREMELY hard to purge. But, it's also so deliciously freeing!! :)

Arato Girl said...

Love this. Purging is such a healing process. Go, Wenders, go!

Shirley said...

LOVE this! I don't want stuff to own me, either! We have been without the tv (pretty much) since we moved down to Alabama - I honestly don't miss it one bit. We do still watch Survivor, but on the computer the day after it airs.
You go, girl!! I am far from the goal, too, but simple is just so much more freeing!

Shirley said...

LOVE this! I don't want stuff to own me, either! We have been without the tv (pretty much) since we moved down to Alabama - I honestly don't miss it one bit. We do still watch Survivor, but on the computer the day after it airs.
You go, girl!! I am far from the goal, too, but simple is just so much more freeing!

Anonymous said...

Oh, girl, are we ever on the same page. I was just reading about someone who wittled down to 100 things. They, the couple, moved from a bigger house and 2 cars, and lots of debt, to 400 sq feet, 100 things each, and no car (they live in a city where they can bike around). What was inspiring is that they saved so much money by not buying stuff - and not MAINTAINING stuff - that they are debt free and can go on fabulous travels. Oh, and she's now able to live her dream as a graphic designer making just $24,000 a year and her hubby is going to school as he's always wanted.

Okay, long story there just to say, I've had the same thing going around in my head. I'm going to get some stuff out of here, too, today, but more importantly, stop purchasing!

l said...

i love purging!
we have been living a simpler life for a few years now, but i am still learning, still decluttering regularly. we got rid of our cable tv service almost 2 years ago and don't miss it at all. we only have 1 car so that i can stay home and teach our children.
i am having a garage sale this weekend, but having a hard time finding stuff! it feels so good to only have stuff that we actually need and use all the time.

you are doing great, keep going!

Anna K. said...

This is wonderful! This Summer, the Hubs and I tackled our bedroom whis was in a state of perpetual junkiness. He rearranged things and we both purged. Clothes, electronics, doo-dads and whatchacallits all went out the door. It. Was. Great.

Just what are those Woods up to? said...

Oh I understand! The other day Owen said he couldn't play because there were too many toys on the floor. That says it all!

Paula (Belgium) said...

De-cluttering has been my favourite activity lately too. Here is my blogpost on it:
http://web.mac.com/kuitenbrouwer/Paula_Kuitenbrouwer/Be_Creative_Blog/Entries/2010/5/4_CREATIVE_WITH_SPACE.html
Space is the best furniture!

Soaring High said...

I honestly love getting rid of things! There is a deliciously delightful feeling at the clean space it leaves behind. I've even quit going to garage sales.....although I hear you have girl clothes in the size I need. = )