It Will Get Worse Before It Gets Better

The first time I went to a chiropractor, at some point in high school, he told me it will get worse before it gets better. He was right about my back and it’s proving true for my minimalist journey as well.

One of the great hurdles of gutting your possessions is that it hurts to see all the money you have wasted. It hurts to think about the hours spent working to make that money. It hurts even more to think that you still have consumer debt on some of these items you now realize you do not need.

The first two weeks of my minimalist journey have hurt. I have been elated at times, feeling weightless and free after dropping off bags of clothing at Goodwill, and had moments of regret/shame/anger at my wastefulness.

It’s starting to get better.

While some people would say 1100 square feet isn’t enough space for a family of three, I’m starting to feel that it is more than plenty. That we could downsize. And I feel good about having that option even if we never use it. Going smaller feels exciting. Freeing. Better.

I’m trying to read more about the current wave of minimalists. Originally what sparked my interest was this New York Times article on happiness and living with less. I linked to this article on Facebook and had loads of comments from friends. It obviously resonates.

I’m at a bit of a crossroads in my life right now. I’ve just spent almost a year on maternity leave. I don’t have a job to go back to as I was on a contract when I got pregnant. My sister is living with us, taking a break from the corporate world and also thinking about her next steps. She’s been a great sounding board for this and is also on her own journey to less stuff, more time.

Slowly I am sifting through our home. I just read Leo Babauta’s The Simple Guide to a Minimalist Life. It’s good. I recommend it as a starting point if you are thinking about changing your habits and your life. And I mean that if you are thinking about removing physical things in your home, switching careers or making a lifestyle change. It’s a nice good reset button and a quick straight forward read.

I really liked that Leo emphasized that everyone has a different journey and different needs. My husband and I are not interested in having 100 possessions – we’re interested in having what we need.  What might work for another family might not work for us. I am sure I will be reading this book again.

So yes, it is getting better.

*** Update on my Internet free weekend ***

I had a few moments where I was itching to check my email but my sister and husband quickly talked me off the ledge when I made a move for my iTouch on Sunday night. Sitting in the living room with two other people who are on their laptops kinda makes you want to be doing the same thing.

On Saturday I went for a 14 kilometre run in training for a half marathon at the end of November. Felt pretty beat the rest of the day so took it easy and read Secret Histories: Finding George Orwell in a Burmese Teashop. Quite good and I am about a third of the way through. It’s non-fiction which I have struggled with the last year or so. Seems I have lost a lot of brain power with having a baby. But this is a fascinating read and unlike my fiction reading I am savouring it page by page. Usually I eat up books but I am pacing myself on this and enjoying the history and description of Burma. And wow, I need to brush up on my global history.

Other things I did: made turkey chili, went out for dinner with my husband, went for a long Sunday walk with my sister, more uncluttering, and more relaxing.

I’m hoping to make digital free weekends a regular thing. Please hold me to it.