On Minimalism and Letting Go

Two years ago I found myself swearing that I was going to be a minimalist. In reality, I wanted peace and tranquility. I wanted to have what I needed and not want for more. I also wanted to free myself from the desire to over compensate myself because of all the physical exhaustion I felt at the end of the day.

Before I feel like I need something, I ask myself the same question I ask my grade two girls during our recycling class in art. How many pencils do you really need to write? I want to constantly remind myself of this. These days I've been spending most of my time packing because we're going on a trip. And the challenge here is to determine how essential my possessions are.

These are pictures of things past and some present. A room full of history... and in the stages of Ozzy's life, some made wonderful age appropriate memories. Most of them are going to the parish for a donation to the youth ministry. Some of them will be left behind. But there is nothing in this room that I can bring.

I have to work on my minimalism I think. Ozzy and I have been living on four shirts, two pants, and some house clothes (Who knew that was possible!) Most of the things we consume now are ephemeral. We spend on more activities rather than things...not necessarily cheaper, but tons of more fun and certainly much more enriching.