Four years of minimalism

Back in 2008, when this blog was new, I wrote a post called "organizing the sock drawer." I was just starting to think about the things I own, and while I felt good getting the drawers into shape for that photo, it didn't stay that way for more than a few months--even with the drawer inserts.

In 2012, I stumbled onto bloggers who were writing about minimalism. In particular, Lorilee Lippincott was just starting her minimalism journey and I decided to join her. Her blog inspired me and I wanted to have the same experiences that she was having.  Her book, Simple Living - 30 days to less stuff and more life became my tutorial and I followed along.

It's been four years since I started this journey toward minimalsim, and this is what has happened:

I have more time. 
I'm not sure why "stuff" takes time but it does. We have to look for things, clean, organize.  Owning less frees up time.

I have more energy. 
There is a very real energy tax to decision fatigue. Having fewer options frees up internal resources.

I haven't regretted anything I've given away. 
I've shed (and continue to shed) so many possessions. While it has happened that a few times I've realized I could use something I released, not once has it been essential. I found the fears and attachments I had to battle while purging, were simply clanging symbols. The fear wasn't valid.

I enjoy my space. 
Uncluttered space simply feels good. I can't wait to get back to my home at the end of a day or after a vacation. My space is no longer a task list of things I need to do. It is a haven, it is comfortable, and it is constantly staged to welcome others. (Also, we both get to park in our garage!)

I don't even have that sock drawer anymore and I definitely don't have that many socks.
That chest of drawers which used to be filled to the brim, is now Johns. (We got rid of the huge one he was using.) I don't even use drawers anymore.  I have two trays in my closet for socks and yoga clothes.

Changing my mindset from organizing to owning less was a big move for me. One that has contributed to a much freer life!