I sensed immediately that being a minimalist is bad. Very bad.
So I began to collect things. And more things. And ever more. Thankfully nearly all came from thrift stores and yard sales.
This is my Valentine's mantel:
(things, lotsa things)
I put these things everywhere, in clusters, singles, on the mantel, on bookshelves, dining table, buffet - any surface was fair game for my things.
Last week, I changed my blog from a "re-doing my house" blog to "letting God re-do me, I need it" blog.
Ah, I felt free ... to just be me. Me, in all my minimalist self.
On Monday, I took down the Valentine mantel and simplified with some ordinary things that I treasure. Left the candles from Christmas/ Valentines.
Then I attacked the bookcases. I took down nearly everything, and then put back what I wanted to keep.
More minimalist, though not literally.
I like it. My eyes can rest now when I sit in my den. I'm not overwhelmed by many things. And cleaning ... oh my, so much easier.
(dreaming of painting the shelves white)
This calms my spirit. Maybe less really is more, after all.
Learning to follow my own heart - God made me this way and I can rejoice in His creation. I don't have to be like everyone else, I can just be ... me!
Hugs ~ Mary
I'm sharing at:
I'm sharing at:
Oh yes! Be YOU and no one else! With downsizing, I feel like I have too much stuff! I never felt that way on the farm. There was always room for more. Not so here. For everything there is a season. ♥
ReplyDeleteSo true, Holly ... we moved here into this bigger house 3 years ago and have completely filled it up - crazy, right?! Now to lessen some of that.
DeleteHugs ~ Mary
I to recently have been feeling overwhelmed with to much stuff. So I have started to downsize and give away and listen to my heart more. God is changing our lives over here every minute of every day and we are listening.
ReplyDeleteSame here, Anna ... get rid of so much stuff and just focus on God, that's where I'm at. The things never satisfied, there's always a desire for more.
DeleteHugs ~ Mary
You and I are so alike. When you start blogging you think you need to decorate everything and then you see you are living for photo ops. Well no more for us right? We have cut way back on decorating around here too thinning out our holiday stuff. I am now focusing on how I can do things more frugally and home made around here. I love your shelf/mantle. It makes me happy to see it.
ReplyDeleteWell that's exactly right, Elaine. My whole life had become obsessed with buying and decorating for the photo ops. It became so empty. I'm with you on this, let's do frugal and home made and save money, perhaps we'll get to the place where we can actually bless others.
DeleteHugs ~ Mary
I think everyone's defnition of minimalist can differ and that is quite alright in my book!
ReplyDeleteFor me the defnition is getting rid of clutter and things I don't love and having my home as functional as possible. I suppose that some people might still think I'm not a minimalist by looking around my home but that is quite okay by me. I'm decorating and living for me and noone else!
Have a wonderful day!
I agree! I'm not a true minimalist but I really am happiest when things aren't "everywhere" which honestly makes me feel stressed! I actually love getting rid of things ... just wish I hadn't wasted the money in the first place. Live and learn!
DeleteMary
I think that comment is weird. I don't see you that way. Maybe it was made from something you said. It does feel good to have less. A couple years ago we isted our house. We got id of so much. It was so easy to clean our house for the showings. It didn't sell, the market crashed. Things are beginning to pile up. I am ready for another downsizing. Stay just the way you want to be. People are strange sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're following your heart and going with what you love. I'm really a minimalist, if people don't like it...whatever. It seems like I can think better with less stuff around me, it feels refreshing. xo
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I agree 100% with Holly! You are you...without any titles! Just You! And that is great!
ReplyDeleteAmen!
ReplyDeleteI love the blogging world but it has had an effect on me and my hoarding. I see all these pretty things and think, "I want that!" but honestly, I'm feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
A water leak and the subsequent packing up of my entire downstairs has me reevaluating all this "stuff" and the need for such a large house to store it all.
My dream is to live in a little cottage by the sea and if I'm ever going to get there and live in relaxation and peace, maybe it's time to start sending some of my treasures out there for someone else to enjoy (and take care of!).
Thanks for the reminder. :)
I am so proud of you Mary!!! In the past I have found myself buying things just for my blog! Now I know I need to cut back and enjoy the things I love and let go of the things I don't. Your new mantel is lovely and perfect for you!! Big Hugs, Linda
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda, and you're right. We can enjoy the things we love when things that are mediocre are not in the way!
DeleteI'm excited about your trip, each day brings you closer to Paris!
Hugs ~ Mary
Mary,
ReplyDeleteI read blogs because I like the individual. You are you, who cares what anyone else says.
Hugs,
Valerie
Cottage Making Mommy
www.lovingmyheartandhome.blogspot.com
I think simplicity is great! When my parents retired and moved from their big farm house in the country to a modern small home in the suburbs, my mom danced around singing, "I am a Minimalist." She really embraced it totally. She was once an antique shop owner and collector. She felt free and fresh. She's kept her house de-cluttered ever since. I think your mantel looks great!
ReplyDeleteKaren
Ha, I love this. I think your mom and I are thinking alike these days!
DeleteHugs ~ Mary
Wonderful post. You have to decorate the way YOU like things. It's so easy to be influenced by all that we see in blogland. And some of it is inspiring and wonderful. But, in the end, it's your space. Good for you!
ReplyDeletexo
Claudia
Thanks, Claudia, I feel so free finally! Which makes me feel calm and happy!
DeleteHugs ~ Mary
I know you are proud of your accomplishments outward and inward:) Have a blessed evening dear friend, HUGS!
ReplyDeleteIf minimalist is bad, I'm in big trouble. ahhahaha. I can't handle things looking cluttered and overly busy. I like serene and simple. There's nothing wrong with that girl. :) I think this is exciting! Can't wait to see what other transformations God has up his sleeve for ya! Thanks for linking up with me. I added you to my circles. Have a great rest of the week, honey!
ReplyDeleteFalen
Simplifying is always good, but I find that it is just a phase I go through every few years. At heart, I like pretty things around me, but I am cognizant of the fact that it can be unneeded distraction. In the end, we are usually true to our true selves - minimalist or not.
ReplyDelete