We all talk about decluttering our homes - our stuff. That is something most of us work on a lot. I mean, how much do we really NEED? It is an ongoing project here. 35 years of accumulation of 2 people takes up a lot of room.
Did you ever consider the fact that you probably need to declutter in other ways? I can almost guarantee you that we all need to downsize in other areas as well!!!
1. STUFF - that we work on regularly. It is nice to free up space in the home and it is nice to donate items to bless others. Make sure you keep things that will help your life, make you happy, and that you really want. Otherwise bless someone else.
2. People are always on the go. Busy, busy, busy. If you work I can understand how life becomes complicated. If you are home - quit saying "yes" all the time. Many of us have established and confirmed we are now homebodies - and there is much positive to say about that.
I know often, when I make plans - I end thinking to myself "I wish I could stay here and just curl up on the couch". I have heard many people say this.
Your time is precious - it is OK to say no. It is OK to stay home. It is OK to do just what YOU want.
Slow down and enjoy all the gifts that God has given us.
3. EXPECTATIONS - this is a hard one. We all expect certain things of people and things. Letting those expectations go/down feels like letting go of deep seated ways. Today things have changed from when we were coming up in this world. People do not perform the same, things do not last, and ideas have changed. If we do not want to be continually disappointed - maybe we just shouldn't expect as much from others.
In NO way am I saying to downsize your morals or beliefs. Do NOT let go of common sense. YOU keep doing what you feel is right - just realize others may not live as you expect today. They are the ones that have to survive and look to eternity for their actions. You keep doing what is right - just realize that others may not.
4. NEGATIVE THOUGHTS - push them away!!!! All they do is rob you of peace and joy. They serve no one. I see people every day who do nothing but complain. Prices too high, stuff isn't available, I can't do this or that, the weather is going to be bad, traffic was slow, I don't have time, woah as me.................
You all know people who just complain and moan about everything. All it does is make you and others miserable.
Instead think - I got it at on sale, I can substitute this, the snow is pretty or I will stay home, at least I have a car, I woke up this morning, the sun is shining.................
Negativity breeds negativity!!!!!!!! Smiles and good attitudes breed happiness,
I will take the latter thank you!
So as you declutter your home and stuff - do it at your own pace, realize it may take a while (nothing happens overnight) and do it with a happy heart and attitude.
Wishing you all PEACE and JOY in your everyday lives!
This is a great blog post, Cheryl. I try to be positive every day and be kind to my family. It’s easier to make it through the day when we are pleasant with one another.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is!!! Positivity goes a whole lot farther than negativity.
DeleteThanks
Great post. The most defeating attitude in my humble opinion is constantly complaining about money and being poor and what we can't afford. Well that is true for most people these days and the complaining only wears away at your spirits.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Much of it can't be helped - but it seems the ones who complain the loudest could do a little something to improve things. People don't want to inconvenienced today.
DeleteKind of like the old story "the sky is falling" - people get tired of hearing it.
Thanks
Such a great post and one that is needed right now. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you - I wondered if it would offend some. But these words are true.
DeleteAnother excellent post! Miss Lana is right: complaining only wears away at your spirits. I'm sure we all know at least one person who is wah, wah, wah, poor me. There is always something to be grateful for and happy about.
ReplyDeleteAMEN - always something!!!!!!
DeleteI know several! Just try to tune them out - hope I really don't need to listen someday!
My parents were young adults in WW2 living near Rotterdam. No matter how little I've had, life has been glorious compared to their lives from 1938 to the mid 60s. IE: I've never experienced eating just 3 times in 30 days. I've never experienced going to the front door to see a gun pointed at my Dad.
ReplyDeleteYet my parents were humble adults who shared what they had with others when they had anything extra. And Mom's wise words in her final weeks "Never be mad about what you can't do, be grateful for what you CAN do".
Blessed with good examples I was :-)
"Never be mad about what you can't do, be grateful for what you CAN do".
DeleteLove this, Elle! Your parents sound like they were wonderful people. --Elise
Elle you surely were blessed with good examples. What horrid things to happen. Yes during the war - depending on where you lived - if was horrendous! I think about the folks who were at concentration camps and made it through. Just being different in many places still to this day.
DeleteWe are blessed beyond belief. Thank you for sharing.
Elis - AMEN. Beautiful quote.
DeleteHubs and I used to say there were no disabilities - just different abilities. When he got to where he couldn't walk or do the things he always did before - he found new things. He helped others research things, he dove into family research, he learned the computer quite well - for never have been one to turn one on at one point. He was pretty money savvy. There is always something we can do!
Once again a good and timely reminder, Cheryl. Thank you! --Elise
ReplyDeleteThank you = glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteI am very aware of the blessings that I have. My home is mortgage free, I have no car loan (mind you I drive a fourteen year old car but it only has 40M miles) I am a big believer in if it ain't broke don't fix it, I do not need things just to say I have them. I have always told my son things are just things but I made sure he had everything he needed. He has a college degree and no student loans. That was a good thing to spend money on. I keep a well stocked pantry. If he needs something odds are I have it, foods and home products. My grandson knows I always have his favorites here.
ReplyDeleteThey are stocked when on sale. We can all lead a wonderful life and not go without if we just plan. Make the most of your money and resources. Do not worry about what others do or have, just focus on the right things and everything else will fall into place.
SO TRUE! Thank you. Job well done on all fronts.
DeleteAbsolutely - a little planning, a little saving, a little being wise, and a lot of hard work and love - and we got this!
Nothing is impossible.
Thank you!!!!
No offense here. Good words.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Have a great weekend!
DeleteBeen working on 2 and 4. I have made progress on number 2, but really need to work harder at number 4. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Heck, it is hard. We all get so set in our ways - change doesn't come easy. Be kind to yourself and take baby steps. Happiness to you!
DeleteGreat post my friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Have a good weekend!
DeleteHow about be happy you have stuff to de-clutter. Many people these days are standing in a corner with everything they own in a shopping cart and have no idea where their next meal is going to come from, where they're going to go or what they're going to do.
ReplyDeleteAmen! So very true. We are very blessed indeed.
DeleteMy heart goes out to those that are homeless.
Beautiful blog
ReplyDeleteNumber three is a tough one but so important. There is such diversity in the world and we need to be tolerant. I surely do not want to conform to someone else's ethos. Also, our children are not our clones; let them find their truth and live accordingly. You have such a positive influence, Cheryl. Your well is deep.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Number 3 is the hardest for me as well. I have my beliefs and morals and will not lower them for others - but others do not have to conform to my thoughts. It can be an individual dilemma.
DeleteThank you for your kind words.
I look around in amazement sometimes and wonder how I was so fortunate to get where I have. It hasn't always been easy but I know I've got it better than many, even as a single parent with only my income to support the three of us. It's a reason why I try to give back to my community as often as I can.
ReplyDeleteI'm fortunate too, that I've had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of people, as well as travel to nearly 30 countries. Doing so has given me a great understanding of different viewpoints and an appreciation for our differences as well as similarities. As my mom used to say, we all put our pants on one leg at a time.
I do struggle sometimes with negative thoughts though. Those are the days I look for my joy in the laughter of my grandson, or take a walk outdoors. Every day has it beauty...though I must admit I prefer the first snowfall of the year to the tenth. :)
Take care, stay well.
How lovely. Yes, many have been through things, but still come out looking pretty good. It sure is a blessing.
DeleteNature, children and animals are my huge smile points. How can you not love those things.
Have a great weekend.
Number three is a big one. I have read that expectation is the root of all disappointment. If we have bigger expectations than what actually occurs, we automatically are upset about it. Yet, if we expect little we will constantly be surprised and satisfied.
ReplyDeletehttps://retirementcoffeeshop.blogspot.com/
Very good point. We can all be disappointed with things. Being surprised and satisfied is a wonder.
DeleteThanks
Great post Cherly. No 4 is the hardest for me. I don't moan or complain too much but do have negative thoughts, more than when I was younger. Trying to work on it. Hope you have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I hope you can get past that. Live gives us abounding negativity - we just need to rise above it.
DeleteWishing you happiness and joy.