Recommitting to Simple

**cab54** · 09-01-2010, 06:40 PM

Every once in awhile, I have to redefine my goals and take stock (and inventory) and remember that the main reason I came to frugality was in search of simplicity.

Now, I'm not the type to move into one of those 400 square foot houses, or give up wine (gasp!), or not own a car. But, I have made a picture in MY mind what is simple for ME. And I get away from it occasionally, and need to call it back.

Decluttering, getting down to more space and less stuff, having more cleared and clean looking areas, wittling sweaters from 22 down to 5, getting rid of all things that haven't been used in a year or 5, or that you don't love. You know the idea.

I grabbed a box and went around the house and gathered again today. Makes me feel FREE!

Do you have to recommit occasionally?

**Nada.Leona** · 09-01-2010, 07:30 PM

My goal is to live the 100 Things Challenge. Own 100 things, and keep it there -- something come in = something goes out. I'm trying really hard to do it. I'd like to do that for my daughter too but DH isn't crazy on the idea. Oh well. I dream...

**lisaflex** · 09-01-2010, 08:02 PM

good for you both! wish i could get on that train!!! lol

**Palooka** · 09-02-2010, 01:13 AM

Less stuff is very freeing to me. I used to be one of those that was a clothes hog and thought I never had enough. I'm happier with my small, simple closet.

That would be crazy to give up wine.

**tervsforme** · 09-02-2010, 07:22 AM

I am totally on this path myself. I don't need so much stuff, whether it be clothes, shoes, even purses!

I don't need so much food in my pantry, being only 1 person, a lot tends to expire before I use it. I'm just trying to find the right amount of 'stuff' for me and it is a lot less than I have now!

**Jamielane** · 09-02-2010, 09:49 AM

I have been reading alot on living simply and I LOVE the idea. We have a small house and not much room for all this "stuff" that is always laying around. DH has the garage and he can do with that as he pleases but the kids are bad about wanting to keep everything they have ever owned. I fight the urge everyday to chuck it all, move far into northern michigan in a small house or cabin no larger then what we are in now (5 rooms) and basically hibernate all winter and enjoy the summers by the water and away from the crazy people that comes along with the suburbs. When the kids go back to school I am going to start pitching stuff when they arent here to tell me how valuable everything is that they didnt know they even had .

**nuisance26** · 09-02-2010, 10:32 AM

~I have to do this very often! With a DH who likes to collect, kids who's clothes and toys seem to breed and my collection of projects in progress, I just have to say enough every once in a while!
As a matter of fact I usually do it in the fall and post a Fall Fling Challenge here on FV. There's just something about Labor Day and the cooling temperatures that makes me want a clean nest for the cold months. Somehow, streamlining all the stuff and choices helps me fully appreciate the simple things that make the fall and winter great: baked goods, scented candles, brisk walks, evenings spend curled up on the couch under a blanket reading a book.~

**OrganicJesse** · 09-04-2010, 02:08 PM

I always have to recommit myself. Well, more or less, take action on my commitment. One problem I run into with frugality is organic living. It seems like it's so expensive to do, so its difficult to be economical about it

**cab54** · 09-04-2010, 04:21 PM

Yes Jesse, I agree that it takes some defining what is the right amt. of simple/frugal/green for each person. For me, I have to re-assess my life and see what's working/what isn't, and readjust things.

For me, simplicity is why I came to this lifestyle. Not to be a complete minimalist, or so green I can't afford to live, or so frugal life has no meaning. I just wanted to declutter, make my everyday life simpler and less--well--complicated. For me.

An uncluttered mind, as a result of an uncluttered life. That's for me.

**beks37** · 09-04-2010, 07:33 PM

In the past few months I have also been drawn to simple living or a minimalist lifestyle. I agree that each person has their own definition of what minimalism means to them. It does feel very freeing to get rid of things that I don't use or rarely use.

I find myself almost daily looking for more things to improve upon. Organizing a cabinet, tossing out some trash or going through the closet. It's a continual process.

**celina** · 09-04-2010, 10:06 PM

way to go guys....

and i agree whether it be frugality or simplicity...it does take recomitting...

and everyone (just like frugality as well as simplicity) has to find their level....

i'm glad i've always trained the kids...(to avoid them turning into overconsumptive sheep like ME) to purge 4 times a year...and even my aspergers daughter does SO WELL with this....they get full control...even if mom feels faint remembering how much that plastic gadget cost at xmas...and how much she wanted it...sigh....i smile and we move on...LOL

i am just waiting for this little one to be born< ANY DAY NOW PLEASE> and once we get back on track we tackle the house once again..it never really ends i guess..unless you do the 100 and keep track thing...which considering i cant remember to feed the pets half the time....won't be happening