"You should own nothing that is not useful, beautiful, or loved."
This is a quote I found in an article titled Outta Here! in the January '07 issue of O...you know, The Oprah Magazine. I'm going to post it on my bulletin board so I remember my new year's resolution this year which is to simplify my life by getting rid of things I don't need.
I think that this is possible by weeding out the things that don't matter. Usually I don't really make resolutions because I can never think of something tangible. However, this year I feel really motivated to get rid of the "stuff" in my life that doesn't meet the above criteria. I've written before about how we are trying to simplify and how living in a smaller house has caused us to rethink how we want to live in relation to our possessions. It really does take some work to change my mindset on how I decide what to get rid of and what to keep or purchase. I really like rules and so having criteria to follow really helps me. I'm so excited to see how I follow through this year and hopefully I will have some good things to write about next year at this time. I'm hoping that publishing this resolution on my blog will provide me with enough accountability to actually accomplish my goal...so remember this:)
Do you have a resolution you would like to share? How about any tips on how to accomplish my goal?
*By the way, I just received the the Oprah Magazine in the mail yesterday from an anonymous giver...was it you? I just wanted to let whoever it was know that I really appreciate it!
I want to make room in my life for the things that I truly love. I also want to make time in my life for the people I love.
I think that this is possible by weeding out the things that don't matter. Usually I don't really make resolutions because I can never think of something tangible. However, this year I feel really motivated to get rid of the "stuff" in my life that doesn't meet the above criteria. I've written before about how we are trying to simplify and how living in a smaller house has caused us to rethink how we want to live in relation to our possessions. It really does take some work to change my mindset on how I decide what to get rid of and what to keep or purchase. I really like rules and so having criteria to follow really helps me. I'm so excited to see how I follow through this year and hopefully I will have some good things to write about next year at this time. I'm hoping that publishing this resolution on my blog will provide me with enough accountability to actually accomplish my goal...so remember this:)
Do you have a resolution you would like to share? How about any tips on how to accomplish my goal?
*By the way, I just received the the Oprah Magazine in the mail yesterday from an anonymous giver...was it you? I just wanted to let whoever it was know that I really appreciate it!
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5 comments:
Oh, I love that quote! I've read it lots of times before...but never really put it into action! I feel super motivated right now to cut back on clutter as well- especially after our talk the other day. You inspired me! I don't think that Erik will believe it until he sees it, but simplifying and getting rid of clutter is definitely my number one goal for this next year too...we'll see how it goes. I wish there was a way we could hold each other accountable...
I definitely think that putting everything to the test of that quote is a good start! Will you keep us updated on your progress? I think that it would be really inspiring/motivating for me!
P.S. Sorry for the super long comment- maybe next time I'll just email you :)
P.P.S. The magazine is not from me, but how fun!
We are also adjusting to living in a smaller home, and are also expecting our second child (this summer). So simplifying things and organization are going to be a huge part of our new year's goals. We've started off by making observations about how we can save space and make room, and next we'll be making a list and attacking it room by room. I feel that creating smaller steps in achieving larger goals is a great way to be successful at your resolutions. Good luck!
Hi Amy! It's Jen and Kya's friend Trish. I am very impressed with your resolution and I loved the quote! I think that organization is one of the keys to simplifying life. I love to have things organized:) Also, I try to live by the "1 Year" rule. If you haven't used it, worn it, thought about it, looked at it...in 1 year, then you can probably live without it. Good luck in 2007!
That quote is definitely good food for thought. I think by now I've become a master of the disguised clutter, where everything is in precise stacks everywhere. So at first glance it seems like things are neat, but they're really not, lol. So, if you find something that works well for you, let us know, because it's definitely something I need to work on as well!
Oh, and I'm glad you stopped by my blog. I've enjoyed yours and getting to read about family that I don't have the chance to see very much!
~Tammy
Ahhh... a beautiful quote and some great thoughts! Good luck with your de-cluttering. Between your goals and nesting, I'm sure you'll get a ton done!!
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