Starting With Less

I bought my first home when I was 26 years old. I felt like I was on top of the world. It was a two bedroom condominium in Old Louisville. Two stories with a total of five rooms. Nothing extravagant but it was mine and it was nice. I started out living with less stuff, but quickly started to accumulate things.

I had that place for about a year before moving to my next home in Shelbyville, Kentucky where I lived for 21 years. That house was a modest three bedroom, two bath and about 1400 square feet. Then it was all about the stuff. The stuff we unknowingly put away and store and before I knew it, stuff was everywhere. To the point it was clutter. And clutter was everywhere but still I wanted more.

Living With More

I have nice things. I’ve had nice things. Vehicles usually were used when I purchased them but I’ve had my shot at buying off the showroom floor. That was an experience. Before my husband died, I recognized the struggle in me to want more. Of course I was humble for what I had, or so I thought. But in the back of my mind, I always wanted more. I knew it was time to clean out, but living with less was not a consideration at this point in my life. I wanted better. More money, more stuff, something nicer, better quality, there was always something material I wanted. I discovered this about myself.

Long before he died, Eric made the comment “If anything ever happened to you, I would just walk out of this house, leave everything and never look back.” That has stuck with me. It echoed in my head when I sat in my huge new house in Normal, Illinois all alone. The move to Normal was for a job opportunity. Then we were making more money than we ever had in our lives. We often joked that we kinda felt like we had “made it” and were on our way to a better life, whatever that meant.

Learning to Live With Less

So there I sat. With nothing but things left around me. Everything that really mattered about my life in Illinois was gone. Nothing mattered anymore except getting back to my family. So I did. The things meant nothing. They were a representative of a life I didn’t have and I didn’t want the reminder. I sold or gave away a lot. I still have a lot that needs to go.

Then I started traveling. I was already living with less but after my first few trips I quickly learned what I needed to take care of myself. I tried to travel even lighter. As most women know, overpacking is a thing. I always had the philosophy of “you can never pack too many clothes or shoes!” I always took the biggest suitcase and it looked like it was ready to pop a zipper, always. That was me. I was that girl.

Shedding things has made me less stressed. Then I started to look for ways to cut down on the beauty items. I’m still working on that. When I get there I’ll let you know but the point is, I’m down to a small duffle bag and that includes everything including my hair styling tools. I don’t need much these days and I’m always looking for ways to reduce what I carry with me.

Some Things I Kept

What I did find however, is that I need some sense of “home” with me. I have started collecting jewelry. It’s my treat. Instead of new curtains or a picture for my home, I add something I adore that I can wear. Usually a bracelet. On my right arm. So I can see my accomplishments and reminisce about my travels.

I never thought I’d be where I am. I am thankful for what loss has taught me. Things don’t matter. Let me say that again…Things don’t matter. Things are to enjoy but they definitely don’t bring happiness. Oh how cliché that sounds but it’s so true. I just had to learn the hard way.

I think I was comfortable. My existence wasn’t challenged until it was. Now I know what I need to survive and still be comfortable, although comfort is a luxury. I’ve been uncomfortable but now, just a place to sleep and good food are truly appreciated. I guess what I’m trying to say is until my whole way of life changed, I wasn’t as humble as I thought I was. I’m passing on my lesson learned. Thanks for reading. xxooC

Thoughts on living with less? Have you decluttered recently? I’d love to hear from you!