Sometimes pulling together all the threads of our lives seems totally overwhelming. I know I often have so many decisions to make – some large but mostly small – that I become paralysed with indecision. That’s not how I want to live my life.
So, on a regular basis, I simplify and pare back.
It’s not difficult to do. The first step is to consciously consider what adds value to my life and what drags me down. People, objects or activities – if they don’t enhance my life, I move away from them.
My clothes are due for another huge clear out. I did cull and recycle many of my clothes before we moved but that was a year ago. Now we’ve been here for twelve months, I realise the wardrobe in the spare room is full of clothes I haven’t touched since I unpacked them. There’s probably no need to keep them any longer.
I ruthlessly cleared out my craft materials before we moved. Honestly, I haven’t missed a single one of them. I kept all the tools and fabrics I thought I might use and am enjoying using them to sew.
I know it’s not only physical space that gets cleared when I cull objects but it also frees up mental space to enjoy my life more.
Avoiding stories of the horrific events that occur in our world and purging my social media contacts are other ways I am clearing space. Such events have always happened but the focus on negativity in today’s news media can be overwhelming. I don’t need constant streams of gloomy stories.
I like a simple life. My favourite place in the world is my home and garden. I don’t need the constant stimulation of travelling (just as well, with the restrictions we have in place this year) or groups of people; they exhaust my sociability limits.
At home, by myself or with my partner – that’s what I cherish. Life is good.