Real Simple

I was inspired to de-clutter after listening to the radio today. I came home with a mission to simplify our lives. I wanted to start with the den since it is an overflow of nick knacks, random sheets of paper, and stray post-it notes. The fact that it takes ten minutes just to clear a working space on our desk discourages me from using it. So began the process of cleaning up. After I gained momentum and Brian jumped on board (really, it didn't take much to convince Brian to help out since his nickname is Danny Tanner) I decided it was time to hang our pictures up on the wall. We've lived in our house for over six months now and our wedding photos and framed pictures have sat collecting dust. Until now.

It felt good to reduce the clutter. I completely related to the radio announcer when he said life can feel out of control when there's too much clutter and stuff in your life. It's incredible to think that the amount of stuff we have right now has expanded into all 1800 sq feet of our house, whereas before we had to manage with 1000 sq feet. With the recent upgrade in room I know we've also acquired more things. I admire Brian when he made a vow to himself not to buy any new clothes for six months. I look back at my Target bill and know I've failed miserably. I do think the most joy comes when we can resist the urge to buy or if we do need to buy, buy second-hand. Our greatest finds have been cheap couches from Goodwill and a $5 printer at a garage sale. One man's trash is another man's treasure. And after today, Goodwill will be receiving a sizable donation from us. Ahhh...the joys of simplifying.