Motherhood has been far from minimalist. Some times looking at my child’s seemingly endless toys covering the room (or the entire house) it is overwhelming. I need order, cleanliness, and simplicity. As much as I would love to just go into her room and clear out, I tried to approach minimalism with the same perspective that I try to approach all aspects of parenting: role modeling. I first have to look at myself. I took a good look at my things, took a mental inventory of exactly what I hold onto, and with a critical eye, I asked myself if I really need it.
I’ll be honest, I have quiet a large collection of books. I just love reading. I love having books; I get comfort from feeling that their knowledge is always close at hands should I need it. So I have a hard time letting go of my books.
On the other hand, I also have quiet a large collection of clothes; my collection is well above 150 pieces. Including, those pre-pregnancy clothes that I hope to wear again. However, unlike my love of books, I definately do not have a love of clothes or fashion. I dread shopping in all forms. And I can (and usually do) wear yoga pants everyday. So why do I have so many pieces of clothing?
I decided that this was an area I was willing to work on. I’m willing to let go of clothes. If I just start with one item, one room, one at a time, it is much less overwhelming. I’m trying to approach minimalism in a gentle way. When we are use to living in a materialist culture, its easy to get swept way with that tide.