It's That Time of Year

It's the very beginning of November and already stores and websites are trying to draw us into thinking of Christmas shopping. I love the Advent season and of course Christmas as well. But seeing so much sparkly, obnoxious commercialism already does NOT give me the "warm fuzzies" about Christmas.

It almost makes me have a panicked feeling inside. Not because I feel behind in my advent and Christmas prep. But because I want to plan now for a simple, faith and family filled holiday season that focuses on the birth of our Lord, serving others, and simple quality family times. I want to get a solid plan in place NOW to make sure we don't fall into the traps of the season that no one in this family enjoys. Too much rushing, too much spending and not enough focus on what's really important.

It might seem like a no brainer for some....just do and spend less. But if I dont plan specifics, I do slip into the rut.

If anyone knows of any good ebooks on the subject, or a podcast, please share. I can always use some help in this area.  TIA!

The Most Important Thing

15 years ago, on this day, All Saints Day, we watched as my older brother lost his battle with leukemia.  It was the most horrible experience of my life.

 I am Catholic and believe without a doubt that he went to a better place.  No more suffering for him as he enjoys eternity in the arms of our Lord.

 But for the rest of us it was awful.  We've gone on with life, of course, and lived more fully each day as we healed.  You are never truly over that type of loss, but you can't just stop living.  His mission was over here on earth.

 Ours is not, so we have to continue to love and serve each other and God every day until we are called home.  There is a quote I came across that seems fitting, both with the loss of my brother and with why minimalism has become important to me.

“We aren't the things we collect, acquire, read. We are, for as long as we're here, only love.”
― Gabrielle Zevin, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

I miss Jack terribly.  Some days, unexpectantly, it hits me hard.  All that we miss out on by not having him physically here any longer.  It physically hurts to picture him in my mind, my memories of his smile, his laugh, his voice.

Today, on this anniversary of his death, there is expected sadness in the air.  It can't be helped.

But I will try to focus on his life and how well he lived it!

And on love.

Love I still have for my big brother, and always will.  And love for all those still on the journey with me.

When it comes right down to it, that's all that really matters.

Love.

In the Blink of an Eye

The last time I posted, just a couple of days ago, was October 9th.  Later that day, I received some horrible news.  My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer for the 2nd time.

Yet another reminder, a terrible, tragic, heartbreaking reminder, of what is most important in life.

Love
People
Time
Faith
Health
All things that can't be bought.

Now we wait.
And pray.

She will know how far along it is, and be presented with her options for treatment this Thursday.

In the blink of an eye, so much can change.
Be present in every moment.

Being Present

Part of the reason I was attracted to minimalism is that our "stuff" and clutter were consuming way too much of my time, thoughts and energy.

Dust it
Organize it
Move it
Sort it
Hide it
Where should I put it?
Step over it
Pay the bill for it
Etc.

Too much of my day (and night) was spent on the unimportant "stuff"  in my life.

Although our road to minimalism is far from over,  
I'm really starting to feel the joy of the IMPORTANT things in life.

Like this morning....
My 8 year old son was apparently "embarrassed"  (his word) by me as I helped him find a seat at his morning assembly.
I then went and stood against the side wall with the other parents.
Yet, several minutes later, as he realized I was about to leave for the day, he attacked me with hugs, hugs and more hugs!
And kisses, too!
I guess he got over his embarrassment.

I love moments like these.

He's growing up.  Struggling between the big boy who wants to be a big tough kid and the little boy who wants to cuddle with mommy.

These moments are fleeting,  I'm aware, so I shall breathe them in and record them in my memories.  I'm so thankful for them.

I'm happy that my road to minimalism isn't just the reduction of stuff but also the increase of moment by moment awareness.  Being present.

Reducing the stuff allows for more time, effort and energy to be focused on the many blessings in our lives.

Holy Inspiration

 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where theives break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where theives do not break in and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-21

Yet another important reason to go full on minimalist.

I want to spend my days keeping my focus on the Hope of heaven and life eternal with Christ.

I want to enjoy the true blessings He gave me...faith, family, friends, health, time, nature.

These are the most important "things" in my life.

Have a blessed day!

Trying the Bootcamp

I bought an ebook. It's called 30 Day Declutter Bootcamp.  I've purchased ebooks and hard copy books about minimalusm and decluttering before.  None have really worked for me.  Sure they provide some inspiration and some good ideas, but they don't lead you through a solid program with concrete things to do daily.  This book was a bit pricey for an ebook....$19.99.....but it had great reviews.  So, I went for it.

I've read a small chunk of it and like it already, but I've not hit the solid "meat" of it, yet.  So far, so good, but the jury's still out.  Once I get a little deeper in, I'll post the good, bad and the ugly (if there is any).  For now I'm just psyched to get the ball rolling again!

Time to call thrift store pickup and get to work.

 Hooyah!

Patience and Making Decisions

As I mentioned yesterday,  sometimes this venture towards minimalism moves a little too slowly for me.  I never claimed to be a patient person,  just a realistic one.  But I struggle with that.  I get irritated that the mess just isn't gone already!

But, my calmer, sane, realistic side knows that this process is slow, especially for people like me who struggle with decision making.  I am awful at making choices.  For most people, more choices equals more freedom.  For me, it's paralyzing at times!  When faced with too many options, I overthink it and feel overwhelmed.  It doesn't have to be a life altering decision, any old choice will do.  Like ordering from a menu in a restaurant.   Or deciding what to wear to a special occasion.  These are not major decisions to most people, but they frighten me.  Give me two or three options, tops, and I'm okay.  Any more than that, forget it!

I think that's part of my struggle with becoming a minimalist.  My rational side knows that it's okay to part with the wine glasses that never get used (we're not drinkers) or the toy superheros that my son doesn't even remember.  But my not-so-stable side thinks, "but what if we NEED that?"  Or "It was a gift.  What if they get offended?"

I need to give myself an occasional reality check.  Things are replaceable.   People are not.  Time is not.  I'm losing time, time with people I love, because of the "stuff" that I have difficulty parting with.

So for today, I will try to part with a few things as we clean up around here.  Then we are off to spend time together at our county fair.

That decision wasn't hard at all.    :)