The 100 items from DW
It was just last week that I sorted out all of my drawers and closets to give away 100 items to GoodWill. And how actually easy it was…for a few reasons:
- After backpacking for 25 days in Europe, I realized just how much “stuff” we all get accustomed to collecting. Before I got on my 14hr international plane ride prior to my study abroad experience in Ireland, I struggled with how one packs their life for 5 months. Then I arrived to my apartment and realized I had everything I needed. Continuing the same storyline, I traveled all of mainland Europe out of a backpack. I had everything I needed. My mind gasped when I landed back to my Ireland apartment after the weeks of traveling, “Do I really need all this?” Which leads me to my next point…
- Traveling leads to people of all kinds and spokes. This is one thing I love, thoroughly. One night in a Galway, Ireland hostel, I met a middle-aged Canadian man who preceded to give me the low down of his life and adventures. He was in Ireland traveling prior to his Spain, Santiago de Chile pilgrimage. He told me the tale of how he just sold everything at his Canada dwelling, including the dwelling itself. One, this speaks of how bold of an adventurous life he craved. Two, he was a minimalist. He even called himself that many times as we talked. His lesson he spun to me was just how simple some things should be in life. Less stuff, more simplicity. I couldn’t agree more.
- Now as I drive my car to the GoodWill store, (no I’m not
textingblogging and driving, but is that illegal?) I realize what a gratifying feeling it is to give. Gratification is key to simplicity. Exactly why giving 100 items for a minimalist approach rewards the minimalist mind along with their storage units. - Lastly, a lesson taught from my mother: Before buying new clothes, shoes, etc, always give away an item to make room. The OneForOne movement if you will. Blake Mycoskie can agree. I believe we all know this rule of thumb (execption of TLC Hoarders) but who actually remembers to put the “DO” in it.
So, I’m curious…What was the last thing you gave away? For a minimalist approach? Comment below.
PS…I hope after writing this I will know how to spell minimalist without at least one spellcheck.
Good article, Diana. I last gave away…6 bags of clothes, and a literature rack from my office. Am getting ready to purge again…more office desks, paper (yuk)!
I love going more minimalist…although a visitor to my home might not realize how much lighter I ‘travel’ after 4 years of intentionally purging. My goal for one year was to give away 5 items a week. Now its about 5 items a month.
My biggest item to release? Books–I used to keep them, but now set the intention to get ‘the wisdom’ and then pass them on to the next deserving reader.
Can’t wait to see your next photo of what you clean out…:)
love it! i gave away 4 bags today….good will….but am on the ‘purging’ road this summer…great article diana. keep up the minimalist good work.