“Decluttering Creates Abundance” Mastery Newsletter July 2, 2019
Not because you sell your stuff for money (though you can do that as well)…
But because getting rid of “stuff” can shift us to a new mindset… A new way of thinking where happiness, joy and delighting in life is not dependent on “retail therapy.”
We live in a consumer society. There was a time when most folks would buy a new pair of pants when, and only when the old pair wore out.
Now, everyone must have the latest fashion.
Have you heard the definition of “fashion?” Something so awful you have to change it four times a year. Ha ha.)
The whole fashion industry feeds the consumers’ tastes so she or he must have the latest fad.
How does this relate to decluttering?
Here is how…
Who of us does not have some items that were not “high fashion” at some point and now makes the stomach turn?
The question is why have we not sold it, given it away or trashed it?
Could it be we are addicted to keeping stuff around because: “I might need it one day?”
Wiser heads than ours have commented that there is a sense of joy, a feeling of lightness without clutter.
Without closets jammed to the gills…without cupboard full of unused knick-knacks?
That sense or feeling can be thought of as a feeling of abundance. I suspect it is kind of a “Zen” thing.
Here are some tips and ideas from those who have gone before us in this decluttering process.
Operating Principle: If it is not useful or beautiful, what is it doing in your life?
Easy enough to say, the devil is in the details.
Especially if you have a spouse or Significant Other. They may see something as gorgeous that you think is hideous.
So…start with your own stuff.
Five Minutes a Day to Declutter
Most of these can be done in 5 minutes or so. If it is important to us, we can find five minutes almost any day.
1.Clothing Decluttering Experiment is a good place to start.
Oprah Winfrey made this one popular.
To identify wardrobe pieces to clear out, hang all your clothes with the hangers in the reverse direction.
After you wear an item, return it to the closet with the hanger facing the correct direction.
After six months, you’ll have a clear picture of which clothes you can easily discard.
This experiment could also be applied to a number of clutter areas in your home (cleaners, toys, linens, tools, hobbies and craft items). 5 minutes to set this up.
- Give away one thing a day.
Colleen Madsen at “365 Less Things” said this transformed her life: http://www.365lessthings.com Less than 5 minutes for this one.
- Fill One Trash Bag.
Grab the bag. Race through the house and fill it up. Dump it. 5 to 10 minutes.
- Make list of places to declutter.
Dana Byers (http://www.danabyers.com ) says start with the easiest spot in the home first.
Sound hard? She adds this note, “When you’re done with one area, STOP.”
Pat yourself on the back. Take note of your progress.
Even a little dent in the clutter can motivate us to keep going.
The first spot may only take 5-10 minutes. The momentum can carry us to the next area.
- Change your perspective.
Here’s how: take photos of your house, invite over a toddler, or ask the boss to meet in your office.
These might cause you to see your home in a new light.
- Use your imagination.
Try asking yourself unique questions like, “If I was just buying this now, how much would I pay?”
These creative techniques may prove to be very helpful for some with difficulties removing unneeded clutter.
More 5 Minute Resources: https://zenhabits.net/18-five-minute-decluttering-tips-to-start-conquering-your-mess
“Three Rules of Work: Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein
These ideas may help us to have more space in our lives.
In our homes and if the “Zen People” are right, provide a greater sense of calm and feeling of control in our lives.
To Your Joy, Energy and Health,
Matti Anttila
Mission: To help you take shortcuts to More Joy, Energy, Health and fulfillment in life.
Find out How to Feel Authentic Joy, Even When Unhappy http://joyenergyandhealth.com
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