Tuesday, March 15, 2011

My - how things do change over time

As I go through the process of de-cluttering, I find myself examining different aspects of my "Self" and how I have changed over the years.  The possibility does exist that my introspection is what triggered the desire to simplify, but really either way makes no difference...

So what have I found?

I am amazed at the person I have become, not for my accomplishments, or even my values, but simply for the shock that I am nothing like what I used to be, or even what I thought I would be like at the not-so-ripe old age of 45.  I am surprised at what I see in the mirror now, compared to say, oh, a mere 20 years ago.  Not surprised in a bad way, but more in a curious way.  Where did this new "me" come from?  Over time, one does not notice the progression or slow formation of something new.  But comparing the before and after, a whole new perspective becomes dramatically apparent.  Is it maturity?  Is it life experience?  What is it that triggered the metamorphosis standing before me?  I suppose the answer can vary as much as there are people in the world and may be a question better left unanswered.

What I would venture to say though, is that dramatic change over time can be something to embrace, to value, and to appreciate.  It shows the growth of a person - the evolution of the self - into someone better, stronger, and hopefully wiser.  It allows for a new perspective on the future, new horizons to reach for, a reorganization of priorities and dreams.  Life becomes richer for the future as we look to the past.   I am now left to wonder to myself,

"What will I be like in another 20 years?

I know with certainty that everything will look a lot different than it does now...

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Still. De-cluttering.

What was I thinking?  De-cluttering is supposed to be easier than this.  Whoever said it gets worse before it gets better was RIGHT.  And WHY is it taking SO LONG?

We were making good progress until we hit the kids' toys.  Oh, everything was fine as we removed the toys from bedrooms and hauled them to the basement.  We all shared in the joy of "clean new bedrooms", but once we stood back and surveyed the rubble in the basement, I was ASTOUNDED!


How can "I" possibly be the one who bought all these toys?  Yes,  I admit it - I was the main toy purchaser in the household.  The kids did help though.  But this now leaves me as the primary toy get-rid-of-er.  Oh.my.gosh.

I can't get through ALL.THIS.STUFF!

My attempts have been temporarily stifled.  Before drowning, I finally had to turn my back on the toy problem and focus on something more manageable.  I managed to get some of my old belly dance costumes posted for sale (including photos) and now feel better.  Sort of.

There is still SO MUCH to do!

If you get anything out of this post, it might be that

SIMPLIFYING IS NOT ALWAYS SIMPLE!

I really wish I had some more reminders that this all takes time.  Lots.of.time.  And that it is OK to take a break.  It took years to acquire the junk, and it will not disappear overnight.  Unless the house burns to the ground.