It's only in the last couple of years that I have asked myself if that abundance, subsidised by developing nations and coming at a terrible cost to the earth, is really the blessing we assume it to be.
Further, for many in our own communities, that abundance doesn't manifest itself in better job security, higher pay, more education or improved nutrition. It is evidenced by the ability to purchase unhealthy convenience foods and poorly made electronics at seemingly inexpensive prices. It is a false affluence that leaves our children overwhelmed by a preponderance of toys and gadgets that neither meet nor respect their developmental needs.
A few years ago, I felt overwhelmed by our possessions, so I began the process of de-cluttering that continues for me today. What began as a desire for less has become a process of fundamentally changing the way we choose to live.
De-cluttering our lives has led to more benefits than I can count, many of them unexpected. We have begun to make space in our home for us to live well. As I feel inspired, I'd like to share some of the things I've learned and am learning along the way.
Thank you for reading.
Decluttering is an awesome thing to do. It means more space to do cool stuff- like cook rice :D Decluttering your mind is a good idea too :)
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Cassiedragon! And isn't it funny how that mind de-cluttering tends to happen, or at least begin, after you de-clutter the physical space around you?
ReplyDeletePlease share what you've learned. My concern for my family is that we have too many channels on the television. Dozens and dozens ways to waste time.
ReplyDeleteMichael - I can relate. I used to have the tv on in the evenings, flicking from channel to channel, watching the least worst thing on. We got rid of the television some time ago and now only ever watch on demand non-commercial tv on the laptop. Now that we have to make a conscious decision to watch, the children tend to watch things that have some value for them and I rarely watch anything at all. Mostly we find we have better things to do, although the toddler needs to pried away at times. It's making the leap that's the hard part.
ReplyDeleteThis is something I have been working on too, but I have oh so far to go. I keep coming across the idea that getting rid of things opens space for people, or just plain living better. I suppose it makes sense! I hope you will share some of the things you've learned. I could stand a lesson or two!
ReplyDeletei am also on this journey- would love to hear all your thoughts about it. :)
ReplyDeleteI saw a show on PBS about this topic years ago. I think it was called The Epidemic of Affluenza, or something referring to the affluence and abundance society expects, and often has (even though many of us feel *poor*). Keep rolling with this one. You're preaching good, sister!
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree. Having too much negates the very experience of living itself. And it also has a snowball effect, whereby you buy more crap to contain your existing crap.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Love to hear about your experience.
Great post, I love the way you express things. I am a clutter of things, always thinking "I will use this one day" mostly recycling things, but still, it is very cluttering. You have inspired me to simplify and de-clutter. Keep talking......
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