Friday, October 05, 2007

Keepin' It Simple

There's somethin strange goin on. I don't know if I'm just goin through a funky phase... it's kinda hard to explain.

The first happened when I was cleaning out my purse yesterday. I am giving up my old "suitcase" of a purse in favor of a streamlined one in a desperate search for simplicity. For some reason, I suddenly have no desire to try and be "all things to all people." Nor do I want to carry around a load of supplies just in case somebody might need something. I kid you not-- it was like I was trying out for "Let's Make a Deal" where they call out some obscure object to see if anyone had it in their possession: "Does anyone have a plastic ruler," Monty Hall would call out.

"Oooh! me! me!"

"What about a deck of cards... or perhaps a sewing kit?"

I'm telling you, I had it all. Static Guard? Got it. Shout wipe? No problemo. I even had a purse full of roasted peanuts to occupy my son at a college football game. Those days are gone.
I no longer care to haul around a five 'n dime store to try to make sure I have an emergency item for anyone who might come along. I tossed out, streamlined and widdled down to the bare essentials. Wallet, sunglasses, keys, small toiletry kit and some medicine. That's it. I can't tell you how nice it is to carry around a light purse that I know contains only the essentials.

Ah, the freedom.

I also just returned from Barnes 'n Noble and experienced a strange feeling. I didn't want anything. I had absolutely no desire to buy every cookbook on the shelf just because it contained a cute cupcake recipe for a child's birthday or 50 recipes with 5 ingredients or less. I didn't care. I have enough cookbooks that I don't use. Why did I need one more? I saw no magazine that I had to have and no desk calendar or coffee mug I couldn't live without. I left with a feeling of "it was nice to browse...but I didn't need any of that stuff."

What in the heck is wrong with me?

Not that I am of a materialistic bent...I just have no desire for more "stuff" right now. I'm in a decluttering mode like never before.

Simple. Easy. No-fuss. That's what I'm talkin' bout.

10 comments:

Girl Gone Wild - BibleStyle said...

I know what you mean. A few years ago, while making our family mission statement, I was feeling the same way....so our number one item was "Keep it simple". Sounds, well...simple, but if I kept that in the forefront of my mind before doing or buying anything...it kept me focused. From the last couple of posts it sounds like you're going through a life change. That's always better than being stagnant!

lorettaspeaks said...

Go girl! I get just as much enjoyment window shopping at my favorite stores. Sometimes even more because I walk out with no less money than when I went it. :)

Nicki said...

There is nothing wrong with you at all! One word--SIMPLIFY! Life is mauch easier that way.

Julie said...

I am right their with you. I have been decluttering for a year. Good for you, doesn't it make you feel better?

Julie said...

I hear ya, sista!

Oil in My Lamp said...

I'm proud of you! Simplicity really does feel good. By the way, I like the new logo!

Anonymous said...

I have been in one of those moods recently. I think mine has to do a lot with losing the child in my classroom. I spent last Sunday evening with her talking and I just went home and loved on Anna Lin. It makes me think of that saying "Happiness is wanting what you have and not having what want" or something like that. Love ya SIL.

Cindy-Still His Girl said...

So great! Hope it stays for a while! All our STUFF distracts us, I think.

Megan Cobb said...

Pretty new design! Love it! Our weather looks much better starting tomorrow - high in the 70s and THEN... THEEEEEEEN... Wed thru Fri highs only in the 50s. Hello old Sweater Friends. How Mama has missed yuns.

hugs - M

Anonymous said...

sounds a bit like nesting to me. ;-) too, i'm listing to "take it to the limit" and you are right on track to giving your life more margin. good for you!