*Stuff* what we really don't 'need' but can't live without! I bet any of us could look around and see at least a dozen things that fall into this category without leaving our seats. There are things that definetly make life easier and more enjoyable! I love my decorations, my books, my new jacket I bought last weekend... but I really don't need any of it! It feels so nice to make your house a home by decorating and hanging memeries on your wall. It makes it cozy and a nice place to relax. But when it overwhelms you and keeps you cleaning continuously, there may be too much stuff. I have watched my 7 year old's toys accumulate over the years, until he was 4 or 5. That is when I began cleaning them out every 6 months. If he didn't play with it, it disappeared. If he asked for it within the next few weeks, I would give it back. If he didn't ask, it went away. This was great until I realized I wasn't doing this to my own toys. I have been accumulating things for years and haven't stopped often enough to clean out and get rid of. I see something I haven't used in years and think, it could come in handy one day. So my piles grow and my attic becomes full and overflowing.
Honestly, I am not in the state anymore. When we moved 3 years ago, I purged a lot of stuff and at one time was quite organized. But with so many changes in the last 3 years, there has been more stuff coming in and not enough going out! So my 'get rid of' goal for October is NO MORE STUFF! But the real goal for October is having a place for everything. If there isn't a place for it, it isn't needed anyway. So, I will be spending my extra time at home, cleaning out, organizing and getting rid of stuff. This, I pray, will keep me busy enough that I don't miss the little shopping trips I enjoy every so often.
On a side note, this morning I finalized our September budget. I was super suprised to find we barely went over. I don't want to go over, but have been trying to get rid of enough, so my water softener payment doesn't come out of our savings. I was not sure this could happen when I started in July, but so far our savings is in tact and our budget is being met! I thought about how much we saved this month and questioned how. I don't remember having to 'go without' this month, but we didn't spend near as much on groceries, gas and so many other things. We actually made less this month than last month, but saved more this month. I am beginning to see the fruits of my labor! And I am not feeling that we are without. What a great feeling to know we have all we need and are happier now than we were a few months ago.
This is why I am doing all of this! Paper towels, cell phones, a microwave... stuff... these are things so many say 'I couldn't do without'. I know many people that need their cell phone for work, so to them I say, turn it off... at least 1 day out of the week. Each thing we have given up works for us. It has lessened the burden not only in our budget, but in the stuff we have to keep up with. It has lightened our load and given us more time to spend talking to one another. You will be amazed at how quickly you realize you don't really need any of the things you have!
One of the greatest things I have gained is the confidence to complete my goals. I have set goals for our budget, for our house and for our family. Some have to be modified every now and then, but for the most part, we are meeting them. It has given meaning to my life to have something to work for short term and long term.
Sorry for the ramblings today... hope you have a great one!
No comments:
Post a Comment