| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Patience623
New Member
1 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 28 2010 : 2:21:13 PM
|
When I turned 40 last week I decided that something had to give. I am tired of all the stuff, nothing is ever where I put it and I live alone! It’s mentally exhausting looking at all the stuff, finding a place for all the stuff, cleaning it, taking care of it, it’s all too much. I don’t know where the money goes either, I should be able to save, but I can’t and I’m really not sure what I’m spend money on. I started looking at a few websites and I’m overwhelmed by the volume of information regarding Simple Living. Can anyone recommend one or two books or one or two critical websites? I just don’t know where to start.
I read a couple of pages on 100 Things and the idea of inventorying all my stuff is just terrifying. I got rid of 4 bags of trash and two carloads worth of garage sale items and made back $44 from junk that was just weighing me down. Now what?
|
|
|
creaker41
Advanced Member
4066 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2010 : 2:40:57 PM
|
" I got rid of 4 bags of trash and two carloads worth of garage sale items and made back $44 from junk that was just weighing me down. Now what?"
Do it again. You've proven you can do this - and you'll get better with practice. |
Edited by - creaker41 on Jun 28 2010 2:43:28 PM |
 |
|
|
krichard
Advanced Member
USA
1333 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2010 : 4:47:21 PM
|
At the top of the forum page here, you'll see a link to the Bookstore. You might like to start looking at some titles there. I think Linda Breen Pierce has some very clear, "simple" writing for the novice in "Choosing Simplicity." I also like Janet Luhr's book, "Simple Living Guide."
http://www.simpleliving.net/shop/category.aspx?catid=244 |
Life. Get one. |
Edited by - krichard on Jun 28 2010 4:50:45 PM |
|
|
|
createquilts
Senior Member
658 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2010 : 5:03:30 PM
|
I would suggest getting a copy of "Your money or your life." Most libraries have a copy, although the investment information is outdated, the basic ideas are not. Janet Luhr is an excellent writer as recommended above. There is a book called "Debt free living" by Hunt as well as the Dave Ramsey books and method that many swear by to get your life in control- he also has a website.
One book that blew me away was "Material World". my library had a copy, and it had pictures of 30 families around the world and all their possessions.
You are off to a good start.
Continue by clearing off a desk, cleaning out a drawer, getting rid of clothes that don't fit and never will or are stained for example. Baby steps.
As far as money goes, start writing down every penny you spend. Every penny. Take a look at where your money is going. Then determine if what you are spending is worth your life energy.
For instance, when I was working people sometimes asked me when I was going to replace my old clunker. I explained that it would take a year of full time work to pay for the car after taxes, and work expenses. Then I would need to spend more for insurance. It was not worth a year of my life sitting in a cubicle contemplating how not to go completely mad for a shiny metal box that would depreciate.
Same with food. Is it worth say an hour of work (after taxes and expenses) to drive through a fast food window and fill yourself up with way more calories,salt and fat than you should? Or maybe make a cheaper more nutritious meal to nourish your soul and body.
Finally, keep coming here regularly and read the frugal and enough forums to get ideas.
By the way, I never inventoried my stuff, it was not worth my time I felt. I just try to be conscious of what I bring in my house and what takes up space. |
|
|
|
gardenarian
Associate Member
USA
192 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2010 : 7:00:03 PM
|
Hi there!
I think simple living should mean just that: Simple. Easy. Relaxed.
I would say this is a great website. Just hang around here for a while. You are off to a great start. It is not necessary to have only 100 things. I have more than 100 things in my silverware drawer, but they are in order and easy to find.
Keep throwing out stuff that you don't need.
Keep a little notebook with you and write down what you spend money on.
Also write down ideas that come to you, things you need to do. Keep them in a notebook and you don't need to be thinking about them all the time.
Find a quiet place to sit and relax. Breathe.
This is a gradual change of lifestyle; an evolution. Quick fixes don't last.
“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.” Chinese proverb |
|
|
|
jrb3
Moderator
USA
2404 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2010 : 2:43:07 PM
|
Welcome, Patience! Glad to find you're already starting on this next stage of your wonderful journey. It's great to focus on one source, one thing, one idea at a time -- you actually make progress that way ....
I second "Your Money or Your Life" for the money side of what you're going through. One of its key steps, tracking the money flowing through your life to the penny, gave my household plenty of insight. Definitely also make use of "no shame, no blame, just awareness".
For organizing in general, consider "Getting Things Done" by David Allen (ISBN 0-14-200028-0), and "Organizing from the Inside Out" by Julie Morgenstern (ISBN 0-8050-7589-5).
Allen takes you through the nitty-gritty of settling how you can handle the flood of 'stuff' coming at you. Key thoughts: separate collecting from processing from organizing from reviewing from doing; keep at asking "what's the next action (to move forward to the result I want)".
Morgenstern walks you through the principles of organizing and how to set up your world to stay organized how it works for you. Key thoughts: analyze (what's working and what's not, and why), strategize (how to make it all work for *you*), attack (only then sort, purge, assign homes, and containerize; thereafter, fine-tune when needed).
What's next? Well, what's the result you want? What's the next action to get closer to there? Perhaps it's listing the rooms and areas in and around your house, anywhere you have stuff, so you can go to each one in turn and inventory what's there -- or subdivide it in turn into smaller, more manageable chunks. Perhaps it's pitching magazines you're never going to get around reading. Perhaps it's wandering around your place, imagining what it'll look like with just enough stuff, choosing where your desk will be so you have room to work and gaze out a favorite window.
There are those out there who support people in making these kinds of changes. They're called "professional organizers". They're great resources for this specific aspect.
Please feel free to ask focused questions in the fora here -- there's plenty of support here! Many of us have gone through what you're facing. You are not alone in this.
Joseph
|
Joseph Beckenbach
From each *voluntarily* according to their ability, to each *unimposed-upon* according to their need.
|
|
|
|
~kib~
Moderator
USA
8834 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2010 : 5:24:13 PM
|
There is also 30 Days to a Simpler Life, by Connie Cox & Cris Evatt. It's more practical and less theoretical, with a different task for each day. I love YMOYL but it's a 'concept book' with exercises that take weeks, months or even years to do, whereas 30 Days is like a jump start for paring down the overwhelming amount of excess stuff in a hurry. I'd recommend that one first, so you feel a bit lighter and less smothered on your journey.
Welcome to the boards! |
Eventually, Ecology trumps Economy. |
|
|
|
nancyjean
Senior Member
USA
796 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2010 : 1:33:34 PM
|
| Every time I clean I am getting rid of something.I have been trying to reduce as much as I can.Ever realize when you are located in one location for a long time period the junk that multiplies.I have 60 days to find a job.Been applying for 16 months.I must get possessions down to fit in a van with 2 dogs and 3 cats.So as I clean the pile goes to the back porch.Then I go trough it to make sure no important item is in the mix.Then out the back door to the trash.If there is something useful I cannot use anymore it goes to thrift stores.Most times if I put a free sign on it.No one is interested.Put a for sale sign and the item disappears. |
|
|
|
Crystal
Moderator
11408 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2010 : 3:14:22 PM
|
| I didn't see The Complete Tightwad Gazette mentioned, and that is my frugality go-to book. Hate the name and it's a bit dated now, but the articles encourage a mind-set that is very helpful and simple to do. The book was originally a series of newsletters with readers contributing tips, so not every tip should be treated as something "I would do", but rather used for inspiration and brainstorming what will work for you. |
Our vision is for a friendly online simple living community. |
|
|
|
HappyHiker
Advanced Member
1200 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2010 : 2:27:05 PM
|
Patience...one step at a time..one trash bag full of stuff at a time...maybe enlist the help of a friend or a professional de-clutterer..I'm in the same boat...with me it's books and too many consignment shop bargains crammed in my closet...I swear they are breeding in there...everything else I can ditch or donate, but clothes and books...tough to do.
Breathe, relax, one bag at a time...if it's not useful or beautiful or a cherished family heirloom, it's up for a new home..
Do you have some dust collectors you just cannot jettison??? |
Web site: www.vibrantvillage.com
"In separateness," said the Buddha, "lies the world's greatest misery." |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Overwhelmed Already
