So, it's been a while but that's okay. I've been busy working my butt off lately. Yesterday was the first time that I had two days off in one week (Monday and then Friday) so, since I was fairly relaxed, I decided to take on the challenge of CLEANING the house. This was a seriously daunting task. Part of me just really wanted a clean house and then another part of me wanted to start my 100 Things Challenge. After successfully taking inventory of most of my daily-used items, I already have near 100. This does NOT include things like cosplay costumes, pictures, books, etc.
I also talked to the boyfriend. He is completely on board with reducing the amount of things we BOTH own. It will be great having a partner in crime to work with while on this "mission".
Lastly, I have also been looking at ways that I can reduce/reuse my gentle worn items. Part of the reason I can't throw things away is the feeling that I "Might need that for ____ one day". The truth is, I don't need those items and I won't need or use those items. Obviously places like GoodWill dominate my donation list. However, what do you do with those 3 colored pencils or scrap fabric or whatever. My solution? Freecycle it! Tons of cities have Freecycle programs. Essentially, the idea is that you can place an offer for things you have that other might want/need. Likewise, you can post an ad requesting certain objects that you need. I've seen everything from furniture to pencils on my local Freecycle list. If this is something that interests you, I recommend you check them out.
Until next time!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
The 100 Things Challenge
I'm sure most of you have heard of the 100 Things Challenge. If you haven't, the concept is that over days/weeks/months a person will rid themselves of all of their possessions EXCEPT 100 items. Everyone's challenge is different. For instance, some people include food while others don't, power cords can be combined with the item they power or not, etc.
As a materialistic culture, the concept of only owning 100 items is not only crazy but slightly terrifying to most people. Author and professional organizer Julie Morganstern (in her book "When Organizing Isn't Enough: SHED Your Stuff, Change Your Life") articulates the typical American fears in two simple sentences about stuff, "Often these are things that represent who you once were... But once their purpose is over, they just keep you stagnant."
So who can we blame this crazy nonsense on? Why, fellow blogger Dave Bruno! He started the concept of the 100 Thing Challege (http://www.guynameddave.com/100-thing-challenge.html). I am supremely jealous of his commitment to the challenge. Since Dave started writing about this challenge two years ago, hundreds of people have been following him. I'm a late comer to the game.
I found out about the 100 Things Challenge about 6 months ago. At the time I thought it sounded like an amazing goal that I would never be able to accomplish. Originally, I set myself out to do a 500 thing challenge until a friend of mine told me that wasn't really the goal and explained Minimalist Living more fully to me. After a move into a new house with my boyfriend, I started looking at the idea of the challenge again. Now I'm getting closer and closer to starting my own personal 100 Thing Challenge. I would like to get the boyfriend involved since half of the stuff here is his, so that's the beginning of the challenge.
So, why am I blogging about this? In truth, because I'm terrified. I've grown up in a materialistic culture and have defined myself by my belongings for my entire life. I am hopeful that blogging with help cut down on some of my anxiety while I get rid of stuff. Also, blogging will help keep me motivated to stick to the plan (as will having a willing partner!).
Here we go....
As a materialistic culture, the concept of only owning 100 items is not only crazy but slightly terrifying to most people. Author and professional organizer Julie Morganstern (in her book "When Organizing Isn't Enough: SHED Your Stuff, Change Your Life") articulates the typical American fears in two simple sentences about stuff, "Often these are things that represent who you once were... But once their purpose is over, they just keep you stagnant."
So who can we blame this crazy nonsense on? Why, fellow blogger Dave Bruno! He started the concept of the 100 Thing Challege (http://www.guynameddave.com/100-thing-challenge.html). I am supremely jealous of his commitment to the challenge. Since Dave started writing about this challenge two years ago, hundreds of people have been following him. I'm a late comer to the game.
I found out about the 100 Things Challenge about 6 months ago. At the time I thought it sounded like an amazing goal that I would never be able to accomplish. Originally, I set myself out to do a 500 thing challenge until a friend of mine told me that wasn't really the goal and explained Minimalist Living more fully to me. After a move into a new house with my boyfriend, I started looking at the idea of the challenge again. Now I'm getting closer and closer to starting my own personal 100 Thing Challenge. I would like to get the boyfriend involved since half of the stuff here is his, so that's the beginning of the challenge.
So, why am I blogging about this? In truth, because I'm terrified. I've grown up in a materialistic culture and have defined myself by my belongings for my entire life. I am hopeful that blogging with help cut down on some of my anxiety while I get rid of stuff. Also, blogging will help keep me motivated to stick to the plan (as will having a willing partner!).
Here we go....
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