Simplify

As I'm getting rid of a bunch of my stuff I am realizing how little I need and how little these things have brought to my life. Some of the items that are now in the Good Will box I have chuckled at because I CARED so much about making that decision on what color/style/brand to get and now, only a short while later, it is given away.

But then I go a little deeper. What else in my life is not serving me? What else can I simplify? Can I simplify my inbox? I have been. I've unsubscribed to almost everything that does not directly relate to my current situation. Can I simplify my diet? I'm working on it. How about my relationships?

Ah, now that's a tricky one....

Relationships are not things that can be put in a box and given to the needy. They are not keep-sakes that can be burned in a ritualistic bon-fire with your girlfriends.  But sometimes relationships need to be simplified. I know a lot of people, but I consider myself to have very few friends. I think as I move forward with this I would like to solidify this a little more. I don't need a lot of friends, just 2 or 3 close friends and I would be set. But the way that I've structured my social network is such where I have tons of acquaintances and no real friends.

I had the crazy notion of stepping back from Facebook. I've somehow tricked myself into believing that THAT is my friend. Yes, there are people behind the "likes" but that is not friendship. Since my wedding a month ago, very few people that I call "friends" have called or reached out to me to ask about the honeymoon or how things are going. I assume because they feel like they know and because they saw the pictures that I posted and therefore a conversation doesn't need to take place. But as a result I am left feeling empty and lonely. Perhaps my fear of logging out for good is that no one will reach out and I will have my final answer. But maybe that's getting a little too deep for a blog dedicated to zero waste.

I would also like to simplify my job.

I feel like I'm always getting reminders in life to "always do what you love" or "lifes too short to do a job that you hate" etc, etc. I don't hate my job, but it certainly does not bring me the joy that it once did. Of course, I'm not sure what it is that I WANT to do but I don't have the time to explore options for what I want to do because I am too busy working. I also don't know how to afford not working full time. How do people do that? I want the benefits/insurance/retirement security.

But beyond simplifying there is also a balance of a good challenge which is actually what I'm working on with my job. I am continuing my education in whatever ways they allow me to so I can fill different rolls and do my job better.  I'm hoping this helps to create balance in my life. Sometimes you have to intensify before you can simplify.

Looking back, I guess I've always been heading towards the path of minimalism. I've had this wooden sign that spells out the word "Simplify" in my living room for a good many years now and I've honestly been a little embarrassed to own it. Until recently I haven't really known what it meant. I liked the concept, but didn't really embrace it.

So far I am really enjoying my journey of decluttering and simplifying my living space!