“The little kettle can boil the water just as good as the big kettle, yet the little kettle may be able to do it faster and fit in more places”.
I’ve had to declutter and downsize many-a-times (lots of stuff, lots of children, big family, sentimental collector) and as anyone that has gone through this process can tell you, it is not an easy task. Yet, if you simply start with decluttering, then cleaning, then rearranging and begin there, it may make the chore a little easier.
Now, decluttering takes a bit of organizing in itself and ultimately some of the goals could be ;
1. to actually know what you have 2. uncluttered an area or space 3. to know where your stuff is 4. or locate all your stuff 5. to save you time and money from having to acquire or purchase more things that you already have 6. also to free up space in your home (and for yourself) and to get rid of unwanted, unused, unneeded, broken, and otherwise useless stuff (even if they are liked by you) as things take up space and can possibly be restricting your freedoms.
We can often make the mistake in feeling as though, if we don’t have all of our stuff, not enough stuff or not able to get more stuff, that we are not complete or not finished, but “The little kettle can boil the water just as good as the big kettle, yet the little kettle can fit in more places”.
After or even during this process, many feel by “Downsizing and decluttering often creates an upsize in their lifestyle, their potential, their freedom and their mobility”!
So, we will find that by re-organizing our things, we realize just how much we have and may not really need. Then, being faced with deciding what to keep around and what not to. The next decision is whether to keep the excess of things and where to put or store them. Some people choose a closet or room in their home (if large enough), others use a storage facility to store their excess and additional items. Often, we just need to get rid of a lot of stuff and that can be the most difficult (which has many putting off this process) and even though there are plenty of people with suggestions on how to figure out and decide what to keep and what to get rid of (and many good suggestions), honestly; it will all come down to your own needs and your own decision.
Decluttering can be done once a week, everyday, a little bit here and there or every month or so. It just depends on each individual, as some people have began by making a habit or routine of uncluttering their life , so this makes efforts to keep it decluttered (often by not buying more and more stuff) and “less buying means less spending on things you don’t really need and being able to save to do or have more of what you really need or want”.
Some of us, begin decluttering because we are attempting to sell our home and must begin the process (not only to help in reducing the chore of packing later, but also to unclutter and clean-up all around for better pictures of the home). There can be a variety or reasons.
One of the best ways I have found, to help in organizing everything and keeping it that way; is to place anything and everything in its own spot or which I like to call, “its own home”. In other words, if I have or find around my home things such as pencils, pens, sharpener, paper clips, scotch tape or such, these would all go in a desk or in an office area (a drawer in the kitchen may also have a few of these items for quick finding and use), but basically the bulk of different types of things collected or that I have, I organize them within their own place.
All Holiday decor, can be separated by holiday and put into plastic bins and can be put in a stored area, attic or storage facility for next use. As you find things or pick up things, take a moment and put it back into its ‘home area’ and so on and so on..(that way, when you may be looking for something or wanting something you’ll know where to find it). . It’ll also save you time later, if you put things you find (or come across each day or so) in a ‘catchall basket’ (big and small one) or in a specific area and then put it all away when or as you can…Then of course, sometimes you won’t have time or (you may find or collect something and you might not be home) to put the item back in the right place, you may have to hold onto it (put it in a bag or something) until you can get it into its proper place.
Often when we move from one resident to another, there seems to always be that daunting chore of going through all of our things (once again) deciding what we’re going to take, what we’re not, what is trash, what we could sell, may give to family members and friends or donate. Of course if you have been downsizing or decluttering here and there, it will be a lot easier upon you. Yet, it’s one chore that never seems to get easier, no many how many times we do it and it never fails, no matter how much we can organize and unclutter we never seem to realize how much stuff we have or have collected and need to declutter.
Make the time, to take time and start going through the things you have and have collected. You may find some-things you had forgotten you had, and could use right now. You are living your life right now, why not choose to use or do something with them right now? After all, you have wanted, collected and kept them for a reason! Choose to use them or if need to save something (as items kept to be given to family or friends), then give them as a gifts (so they can enjoy them right now as well).
You possibly could sell some things and you can always donate them; as someone else may really want it or have use for it (they may not have been able to ever acquire some-things) and that would make them smile or make their day to find an item of need or want. If you have ever went thrift shopping you’d know what I mean..
I have other tips and tricks on coping with the process of downsizing and decluttering that I will post later, but for now I recall a saying that suggested we “stop waiting to use things saved and enjoy the things we have”…
So yeah, Start Downsizing to upsize your life and while you are at it, Go Ahead…Use the good-stuff and enjoy them now, there.. I gave you permission!
We are now past the year of 2020 and I feel many people have a changed perspective about their lives and how to go about living them in this new year . Several things have changed in my life, how about yours?
As we leave 2020 and have learned to despise a virus, having to wear masks and be fearful, had left many without proper food, water or shelter nor the ability to earn a living; this has had many people tense, upset, confused and in despair. However, now there’s a vaccine to fight the virus, food being shared and other needs being taken care of and many new remote options for learning a skill and earning money.
As we come into a new year, this moment calls for a brief reflection. To recall all the hurdles and struggles we all overcame. It has been one of the most unsure and unstable year for most of us, with all the drama, trauma, obstacles and tough times. We have all went through something, that has either left us sad, scarred or bruised. Yet, we may have gotten a new insight about ourselves and in how to be more patient, resourceful and resilient.
We had experienced a social tragedy which questioned our humanity and morality, degraded decency, victimized many vulnerable people and made us more concerned with our own mortality. As we gather our thoughts, recalling our experiences and all of what is good, just and right; 2021 has begun.
Now calling out for us to be more conscientious socially, spiritually, culturally, caring more about our health and to respond to the past and future issues that may jeopardize many things in our world. As we can use this time now, to see more clear, in the need to take care of our world and the needs as they arise and to be aware of; what really is the real importance and what matters most to us, the process and paths we must take to protect it all and the opportunities to use to put it in action.
We all have our lists and ideas of how and what needs are to be addressed:
Some could be about our climate or the air and waterways in cleaning them up and keeping them clean. Others have concerns about farmers and slaughter houses, over breeding, inhumane treatment and killing of animals, chemicals and unhealthy substances and additives to our foods and what we ingest. There has been concerns about our healthcare industries, our government, our laws and rights, our law enforcement and the handling of any political or racial disputes in general. The more remotely active things became there has been concerns with children getting proper education and even children being bullied online because of their appearance. Many essential workers without jobs and may have became Ubers, Lyft, Doordash and Eat-street drivers (tipping is essential). There’s also concerns with Native Americans that live on reservations in having food, water, proper sanitizers and of those whom live in countries that don’t have proper facilities to refrigerate the Covid 19 vaccine. These are just a highlighted few….
To wrap it up, We took a pause in our lives, we re-defined our values and our priorities, we re-evaluated our definition of success, we took advantage of technology and made it work for us and we realized that planning is important, but kindness, compassion, empathy, spirituality, immunity and resilience are crucial.
One major lesson that I’ve learned in life is when things are right (or shall I say, when there’s a positive energy flow) it seems to feel right and everything flows. There may be ups, downs and struggles, but they may just be in the course of getting through or they are usually figured out and there’s a pleasant outcome.. ..but when things are wrong they are just that.. wrong..
Now I’m not speaking here about morally right or morally wrong because we should all find that easy to recognize, (but it could apply to those). I’m speaking in terms of basic daily living experiences and situations. For, as we all make efforts in our lives, we could be using our energy on the wrong things, in the wrong way. This is not always easy to recognize because often we just pursue something we want, no matter if whether the signs are there or not. Why do we do this?
Well, because we can..We all, have a free-will to do so..(and of course, if we react upon “Emotion, instead of Logic”).
Let’s not get this confused, with the difficulties and persistence, while pursuing an education, getting help, counseling or persevering through, to achieve something..As the outcomes from our efforts are good. Even becoming employed in a new position or job may feel challenging or daunting. However, often it is just until the duties of the job are learned that it flows better, but trying to choose the right or wrong type of job to begin with can be an issue. Yet, employment can be compared to educating oneself because there is always a benefit in learning something at the end of the takeaway.
Many people give up on learning something or working on something because they start to spend their efforts and then it may feel wrong because it is a bit difficult or too much effort. That can also be true, when people are trying to eat healthier or lose weight .. the key here is to realize the end results.
Yet, there’s another right and wrong situation, which many have found to be upsetting, it is when we (or someone we know) gets involved with others that turns out to be wrong and not going in a good direction. Now getting into the wrong relationships with others (whether just friendships or intimate ones) or just following a path, a direction or social gathering, that could have a bad or have repeatedly bad outcomes, these all can be a bit tricky to deal with.
Sadly, in these situations we take upon the responsibility of making efforts and spending our energy upon something, even if it might not be the best choice. Then we often feel very obligated and committed because we put so much effort in already. Then it can be very difficult to steer away from it or try to change it .. this is where we have to make a decision upon the worth of the situation and the parallel of the intentions of ourselves and of what we are putting the efforts into..
When it comes to relationships, it will also depend on the other person and how they behave and if they are able to improve or take steps in working to correct the wrongs..
The key here is recognizing what the benefits are in being in this relationship or situation and what kind of repeated unfavorable behavior is being coped with..
Sometimes I hear people say that things were once wrong , but it turned out right and that could be so, depending on what the issues and behaviors were in the first place and what efforts were made. So, things may end up good and turned around for the better , but that’s a whole other story.. For now being more selective with our choices and along with, not getting into a serious or permanent relationship without recognizing what the end results of our live could be for ourselves (and for others) ; as we could end-up dealing with a situation that may turn out wrong.
So, a way to recognize the flow of right from wrong is to consider what the end results could be, what total efforts are being made and the intent to begin with.. Most importantly, don’t make choices, upon emotions or wants. Think first what the outcomes may be and not just for yourself, but for others around you, (such as your family, friends, children and even your pet) all of these will be effected as well.
1. Recognize the need for less chaos yet, more function in our lives.
2. Realize, there is an action needed to accomplish this by taking responsibility for our own life, thoughts, choices and actions. Be accountable for ourselves, take more charge of our own lives and cooperate more with others.
3. Realize the ‘intent’ of our actions. As well as becoming aware of what the outcomes and end results could be and what one may need to learn. This can help to better cope with, what we may already have in our lives and stop the self-sabotaging of our own purpose and clear up many issues.
4. Keep the past, in the past through forgiveness, being involved in the present and the future aspects of our lives. Set small goals, then bigger ones.
5. Believe that, an energy-source greater than ourselves can and will help us. Only if we believe it can, believe in it, and call upon this energy to do so. One must be sincere when asking for help. We must be sincere in accepting the terms of resolving our issues as well. Understand, that this “Ultimate” power-level of energy (that is greater than our own), is also effected by many things we choose in our world now and beyond. We are also able to connect (bond) with this energy for guidance, protection and help. (whew! this should take some weight off our shoulders).
6. Accept the fact that we may not ‘always’ enjoy or like, our destiny at ‘all times’, in or along our journey(s). *~For even though, a “Destiny” can be viewed as a journey’s end, it may also be a path we are on, not just a destination to reach~*. If we governor over, ourselves and our destiny(s) in a more positive way and we may feel more at ease, yet not that it may become less difficult on the path, but that it will ‘seem less stressful’ in getting to where we are destined to go.
7. Remember that what happens to us in our lives (even on a daily basis) is what we put into it and what we perceive it as or to be. Our lives will be the reflecting of our own opinions, choices and decisions and it is okay if everything isn’t perfect or run smoothly every minuet. Bliss is a state of mind as happiness is an inside job!
8. Learn how to remove the negative energy, make room in our mind/brains and our lives, for good things by removing and keeping out the bad things. Learn to Forgive ourselves as well as others, but set personal boundaries (so not to repeat upsets) and take the time to meditate and unwind (in a healthy manner).
9. Help others do all of this too.
10. Understand that, there is no need to be overly-worried about the how’s and why’s of all of us being here on earth in the first place or be overly-obsessed about it. There is a Greater-Power than us, that does, will and can help us! Everything takes place, will take place and infinitely the cycle keeps going to help us all with the enjoying, learning, sacrifices, pain and suffering, (now go back to #1).
The human animal once had smaller brains, but over time the brain developed and became much larger and with this, humans were able to be deeper thinkers and ones to make better judgment and decisions. The fact that the human diet had something to do with the evolution of our ‘bigger brains’, has us believing that eating healthier has its benefits.
As well, it is important what we input into our minds and the things we expose ourselves to, what we choose to watch, read and think. Most of us humans, have similar choices and decisions to make in our lives. However, there are many factors that are different, such as, age, monetary factor , environment and experiences. The ‘Generation Gap’ of yester-years used to signify the overall differences in people of different ages and often this has and can cause misunderstanding, confusing and otherwise disagreements upon issues and topics among those of different age generations..
Such as, of a person in their 40’s and a person whom may be only 19 years old. If asked both, the same question about something (random nothing even specific) their answers will only reflect what they may ‘only’ really know within that point of their life and this can also be applied to their behavior and actions. Since the 2 different minds/brains will not only comprehend and perceive things in which they know and this could be quite different and view even the same things much differently. So, these differences can have us, constantly misunderstanding each other.
At one part of our lives and in developing, we may think and feel a certain way and then at another time or part of our life we may feel and view things differently and often we use the term “Mature” when a person copes well or understands more for their age. Yet, we will only know, what it is that we either have learned, experienced or can envision and of course, what we have evolved up to . Which many a times, may not be reflected or used (by a mature person) when they are handling a situation and become angered, frustrated and even disappointed. Whether it be the person coping with themself or helping another person in need of coping with themself.
We can also witness a sad partaking in inconsideration of others in people of all ages and this can make anyone feel upset and could cause additional harassment, ridicule, bulling and abuse of a person, child or animal; for someone if any age just ‘not knowing’, not understanding or not comprehending something that should not “Automatically be expected to know”.
Yet, most of us humans should already be aware that “Not one of us inhabiting on this planet can possibly know everything about everything” and should not take offensive towards others (even their pets), for not knowing something or how to do something and cause hurt and abuse to others (even innocent animals). As this can become a dilemma if not dealt with correctly.
One simple example of the ‘not knowing’ could be a parent bringing a child or children to doctors office, it’s usually a long wait. If they do not think to prepare to bring a bag with books, crayons, drawing pads or age appropriate toys, games and other needs such as, snacks, diapers bottles what ever they may need to cope, handle and take care of child while they wait, dilemmas can arise. Another example is, going into a store with a child or any place, where if the child is not told ahead of time what is expected of them and how to behave and what will be the reward or consequence, then what do parents expect?
None of us come born with instructions and surely none of us are born knowing everything . “Especially everything we will need to know, for every instance in our lives”. It will need to be taught, shown or experienced before we do. That’s why Parents and pet owners especially need to understand this because pets and children are great responsibilities and it takes much effort, care and learning the know how’s, plus coping skills, to create a more pleasant experience. Being aware that if it isn’t shown ‘how to’ and ‘not to ‘and ‘what to do’, then don’t expect it to be known and then punish unjustly, if not. Using our brain capacity and development is much needed here. We not only need to fill our minds with the appropriate things, but use them more appropriately and beneficially ( for the sake of our own self and others).
Although, most humans lack appropriate coping skills and these are well needed, but often must be learned and unless we have been properly shown or taught some valued lessons and some of these coping skills, many dilemmas can arise. Subsequently, people of all ages may have learned how to do many things and even to to cope well, but don’t necessarily use their knowledge to the best of their ability either, because they just don’t want to or don’t always have the energy to. There is massive amounts of information on how to get help, learn to cope with others and in educating oneself . Plus we are typically social beings and there are people (chose wisely) all around us that are willing to help others.
Meanwhile use your energy wisely, ask questions, learn all you can about coping and preparing yourself for the events and happenings and be learn interested in doing and knowing better for ourselves, one another, our children, the animals and nature inhabitants of our planet and our planet itself…
