Let Go of More; Live Fully Now

It has been a while since I've written about clutter.  But, it's still something that's on the forefront of my mind and heart.  Letting go of the physical, mental and spiritual junk is definitely a daily practice, and just when I think it's getting easier, something like baby clothes, reminds me just how hard it is to give away things, especially with sentimental value.

I've taken advantage of some hot days to organize and now I have two full bins of clothes that no longer fit the boys.  Although I did set aside my very favorites, all the others I'm ready to let go of.  Or so I thought.  The bins have been sitting in my dining room for the past week.  I couldn't get myself to bring them to the thrift store.  The consignment shop sort of interested me, but still, I avoided going.  Finally, I put a post on Facebook to see if anyone knew of a mom in need.  I did get a response - a soon-to-be mom of 3 who is expecting her first boy.  She could use some help.  And, even though I am more than happy to help, I noticed some sad feelings come up at the thought of letting the clothes go.

After taking some quiet time last night to reflect on what I was feeling, I realized that I was clinging to the clothes, the things, because really I'm feeling a sense of sadness that the precious newborn and early infant stage for my boys is over.  It's gone.  Just like that. They are too big to fit in those tiny, tender little clothes.  The clothes that at one time I held in my arms only wondering what my sweet little baby would look like wearing them.

And now, not one, but two boys are too big for them.  They are growing before my very eyes.  Yes, just the thought of it can make me cry, yet, when I sit with these feelings, I see that I really only feel that sadness when I try to grip, hold on to, and resist the rhythm of life.  Everything changes.  Moments are temporary.  Life keeps moving on.  My children are growing out of their clothes.  

And then, I remember that I don't have to hold on to the past, because the only moment I have is NOW.  I can let go.  Sometimes letting go is easy.  Sometimes it's hard.  And if I choose to, I will carry the memories in my heart.  I can take a big, deep breath and smile knowing that all I need to do is enjoy, LIVE, fully experience, and have gratitude for the moments I do have with my boys.  And know that in letting go of the past I am making space for what's to come.

Bye-bye baby clothes.  Oh, how I've loved zipping up my boys in those winter-newborn-jammies-with the-feet.  I know you will keep another baby warm.  

And I'll keep celebrating this moment as a mother to my growing boys.

One day.

One moment.

One breath at a time...

Your Personal Reflection:  Is there something from your past that you are holding on to? What are you ready to let go of?

Let Your Dreams Bloom

I received quite a few emails and comments over the last few days in response to my Lessons from a Computer Cleanse post and it looks like I'm not the only one fumbling through my days trying to find "time" for it all!  Thanks to those of you who reached out, offered suggestions and shared your own struggles.  I truly believe that when we relate and connect in an authentic way we invite Life to help us expand and grow.

Life doesn't have to be hard, overwhelming, and full to the brim, yet most of us find ourselves trying to keep our head above water.  There's just too much to do and not enough time in the day.  So we find ourselves day-in and day-out repeating those old thoughts and patterns...If I only had more money...If I only had more time...If he would just do this...If she would just do that...I should be doing this...and I really shouldn't be doing that...I'm not good enough, pretty enough, smart enough, thin enough, rich enough and on and on and on...

And while we are busy telling ourselves all the reasons why we can't find happiness NOW life is passing us by.  NOW is the time to clear out our mental clutter, because just as there is beauty that comes from clearing out the weeds in the garden, there is beauty inside you waiting to bloom.

As you move through your day today become more aware of the beauty you see around you and within you.  Truly take the time to stop and smell the flowers.  There is wisdom in that beauty, just as there is wisdom in you.

Life is beautiful.  YOU are beautiful.  Let yourself and your dreams bloom, because YOU deserve happiness and YOU have goodness to share with the world.

Your Personal Reflection:  What would you do with your life if time and money were not a concern?  Are you wasting time and energy on negative mental clutter?  What beauty do you see, around you and within you, when you stop to smell the flowers?

Have you signed up to receive my monthly newsletter?  In my next issue I'll be sharing some tips on how to change your thoughts and ways to create more time in your daily life to allow your dreams to bloom. Sign-up today.

Clutter Going Out; Creativity Coming In

I've finished what I'm calling the "first phase" of clearing clutter in my creative space.  I've needed more table space for months.  And more than anything, I've wanted this space to stay clear, as a way to invite my next creative project to emerge.  I walk in and see this open space and it just feels good.

This shelf is where I keep my very special things.  It may look cluttered to you, but I find it to be very inspiring.  Only my favorite treasures get a place here.

I've cleared out all materials that don't relate to art journaling and painting.  So my special fabrics, beads, wool, and felting supplies have all made their way to a small art cabinet in the basement.  I just couldn't take out my yarn, though, as I can always find time and space for knitting.

I cleared and organized my office supplies.

I went through every last book I own.  This was definitely a hard task for me as I love my books.  I kept the ones that make me smile, have a special story, were from a good friend, or bring joy and inspiration into my life.  I gave away my favorite fiction books to friends who were interested.  And I donated the rest.  Even ones that I love and have a special connection to.  If I knew that I hadn't opened it in months, then it was time for it to have a new life.  A book's purpose should not be to collect dust.  They should be experienced.

Many of you know we let go of cable this summer.  I kept a small TV in my art room where I could still get basic channels.  I hardly ever used it and it always seemed to be in the way.  I literally had to wheel it out of my closet before I could get to my art supplies.  It's now gone.  It feels great!


I went through piles and piles and piles of paperwork and files.  Including the one in my office, we have two other file cabinets in the basement with old household and personal business.  This was definitely a chore and by the end of the week I filled up our recycle bin with a lot of my past.  As you can see, I still have some piles to sort through, including CD's.  Oh man...the CD's...what to do with my old CD's?  Which then reminds me of the digital clutter I have yet to attack!

All in due time.  Slow, relaxed, gentle steps...  

And now I sit in this new space... 

And I feel a shift taking place...

Your Personal Reflection:  What slow, relaxed, gentle steps can you take, starting today, to clear some clutter from your life?  Need more inspiration, check out these 5 Tips to Declutter Your Life.

Psst...be on the lookout for some announcements about Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery, including another giveaway!

Getting Clutter Out of my Creative Space

The de-cluttering bug is totally wreaking havoc over here!  No room, closet, nook or cranny is safe!  

I'm completely clearing, reorganizing and custom designing a new creative space. (With my hubbies help.)   With baby on the way, I'm sure this project will take a lot longer than I think, so that's why I'm doing it in stages.  Over the next several days I'm clearing it all out...felt, yarn, paints, sewing machine, fabric, paper...everything will be scrutinized under a mindful eye.  Then, I'll organize all of my supplies into three piles - 1) precious materials to keep & use on current project 2) precious materials to keep in small art cabinet downstairs for future projects ('cause my art studio is small) and 3) supplies to donate and give-away. 

I'm really excited about this project because I can see what my art studio is starting to become.  And I can already feel the new energy buzz a-happening...  The creative juices are flowing, to be sure, despite all the boxes and dust needed sifting.  Can't imagine what it will be like without the clutter!  

See you when I emerge from the piles. Encouragement is happily accepted...  Better yet, feel like joining me?  Check out the Reduce Clutter; Create Space challenge and declutter with this brave group.

Your Personal Reflection:  What does your creative or personal space look like?  Is it time for a revamp?

No More...Someday

So the Reduce Clutter; Create Space theme for September is...the dreaded basement.  We've cleaned out the basement a few times over the last year and still keep finding things that are in desperate need of a new life.

Our de-clutter bug went crazy yesterday as we pulled furniture pieces out of the dark and into our driveway.  We started with the intention to post things on Craig's List, but soon felt a deeper desire to just give these special items away to friends who might have the interest.  Within an hour of dusting them off, two separate neighbors picked up all the items you see here.  (There's still more!)

This unfinished piece of furniture will now find a home in a new babies room.  My husband, Chris, made several of these years ago when he was creating lots of whimsical furniture.  He held onto this one thinking he'd finish it...someday.  Well...we are done with someday.  We now know that when we are ready to make another piece of furniture, the inspiration, the materials and the motivation will find us when the time is right.  No more holding onto things for the someday that may never come.

This piece was a custom made supply cabinet that Chris created for my old home office.  That office is now Kestan's room and it just won't fit anywhere else.

This was my first and only welded project.  It was fun to make and I spent a lot of time mosaic tiling each shelf.  However, we really never found a place for it in our home and it has spent the last 5 years in the basement!

My friend and neighbor, Carol, stopped by yesterday and fell in love with it.  She is now using it in her beautiful Art in the Attic - her home studio where she teaches art to kids.  I saw it this morning and it looks so happy and vibrant with its new life.

It felt great giving our things to friends and to see their excitement was definitely worth it.  And we feel really energized from having more space cleared out.  There is still more of the basement to conquer.  Next, we'll go through our stacks of art and smaller items. Then, as the seasons come, we plan on sifting through our holiday things.  We just don't want stuff anymore.  If it's collecting dust then it just doesn't seem to be serving its intended purpose.

I am finding that clearing space is getting easier.  The hardest part for me is letting go of hand-made and nostalgic items.  What do I do with that beautiful antique table from my grandma?  I love it but I don't have space for it.  Do I put it back in the basement to store for that...someday?  Or do I give it new life by gifting it to someone else?  And the question I continue to ask myself when deciding which pieces to keep and which ones to let go of:  What purpose does this still serve in my life?   

I really do love the items I've let go of.  And yes, as I saw them drive off, there was a part of me that thought, "Ooh, do I really want to give that away?  Oh wait...just kidding...I want it back.  Come back with my stuff!"  But really, feeling the positive energy and knowing there is more open space in my home is a great reminder that letting go is the right thing to do.  

So goodbye stuff!  Enjoy your new life.  Now...off to see what other treasures I can find that are ready to see the light. 

Your Personal Reflection:  What are you holding on to for that...someday?  What purpose do your things serve in your life?  What are you ready to let go of?  

Being OK with S p a c e

Many of us have taken the challenge this year to reduce clutter to create s p a c e for the things that matter most in life.  For the first 6 months I've focused primarily on reducing physical clutter.  It has been exhilarating, frustrating, overwhelming, relieving and wonderful.  Some days I feel like I've made a lot of progress, and some days I just want people to come over and take everything out of my basement. (Anyone interested?)

My husband has been out of town for the last 5 days taking a photography workshop in Utah.  So I decided that while he was gone Kestan and I would have our own mini-vacation in town.  I relinquished most household duties and we've enjoyed eating out, picnics in the park, swimming, a visit to the zoo, the farmer's market, and get-togethers with friends and family.

We've also enjoyed a lot of downtime at home.  And letting go of our daily routine has freed up some much needed s p a c e to do nothing.  Like playing in the park without a time restraint.  Or stopping in the middle of folding clothes to build a fort out of fresh sheets.  Or deciding that spices were just as interesting as blocks, so why not build a little town with them on the kitchen floor?  

My Internet has been down the last several days so I didn't have the computer to fill up my time.  And having this downtime has allowed me a chance to focus more on what it means to have s p a c e.  We can create physical space in our homes by donating boxes of old books and clothes, but what about our daily schedule?  How often do we fill up our day so full that we find ourselves running around until crashing in bed at some ungodly hour, just to get up early the next morning to do it all over again? 

Sometimes I find that clearing the closets, cupboards and basement shelves are the easy part.  The hard part is to keep from filling the empty spaces again.  I actually find great joy in looking at empty shelves, just as I love days with no plans.  In fact, I "schedule" days that stay blank on my calendar.  Sometimes I even encourage my husband to take our one-and-only car to work so that I don't get tempted to go do something.  That way Kestan and I can move slowly throughout our day, with no plans, and with s p a c e to explore around our home.  These are my favorite days.

But then there are days where I feel stir crazy, like my hair is standing on end, and I have a lot of s p a c e that I don't know what to do with.  I think, "What should we do?"  Why is it that we feel this need to do something, anything, to fill up the s p a c e?  

Now that I'm getting close to my last month of pregnancy I feel really moved to create even more s p a c e.  So I'm going to continue being more conscious when those feelings of needing to fill the s p a c e come up.  I want to be OK with s p a c e.  I want to have more time where I don't know what to do with myself.  I am going to practice embracing more being time rather than so much doing.  Less agenda.  Less schedule.  Less expectations.  Less thinking about what's next.  More unplanned days.  More time at home.  More spontaneous, creative play.  More s p a c e.

I know I don't need to do something, make something, go somewhere, be somebody, or fill up my days to feel important and productive.  I know what's important for me now is to be in the s p a c e, because it's in the s p a c e that I appreciate these special little moments - like simply playing in the park.  It's in this s p a c e where I learn the most.  It's where I'm the most present.  Feeling the stillness that s p a c e brings (along with the discomfort and agitation) is where I need to be.  And being OK with no plans, no agenda, and no time-restraints is what this little guy is teaching me.  Not only is he teaching me it's OK, but that doing nothing and letting our time spontaneously unfold is more fun than I could have ever imagined.

Your Personal Reflection:  How can you create more s p a c e in your day so that you move at a pleasant pace - one that is balanced with more downtime?   What are some things you can let go of to create more s p a c e in your daily schedule?  How can you keep from filling up your s p a c e and simply enjoy being there?  What do you learn when you allow yourself to embrace doing nothing?

Reduce Clutter, One Small Change, & another giveaway!

Back in December I gave myself the challenge to de-clutter something in my home everyday.  The transformation I experienced that month lead me to wanting more space and less clutter.  So I set my intentions for a new year, and launched the year-long challenge - Reduce Clutter; Create Space.

In six-months time, I donated big items and boxes to charity, avoided buying art supplies and used what I had - including recycled materials and old wood, remembered my cloth bags more often, found creative uses for brown paper bags when I forgot, cleared out my closets and gave away tons of clothes, repurposed sweaters and junk mail, started my first garden, cleaned out and organized my kitchen, got more creative in cooking healthy recipes, slowed way down to enjoy more quality family time, chose to stop trying to fit in so I can live my most authentic life, found time for yoga classes again, cut cable, reduced our grocery budget, interviewed these amazing reduce clutter explorers, launched three e-courses inspiring others to create the lives they love from the Inside Out, and joined the One Small Change challenge.  Whoa...it's been quite a year so far...big breath in, big breath out....

The closets continue to get cleared and revamped - I mean how many games does one small family need?

We are finding new ways to use the things we have, rather than going out and buying more.

Our garden continues to gift us with so much abundance and I love that I don't have to buy much produce at the grocery store this summer.  We are eating extremely well and it has been such a wonderful luxury since we made the decision to spend less on food.

All the vegetables you see here were picked just last night (along with a beautiful ripe watermelon!)

A few weekends ago our old pipes were clogged and we couldn't use the kitchen sink for a few days.  Instead we, I mean my husband, washed all of the dishes outside.  Although it was a hassle it kind of felt like camping.  And what I learned from that weekend is it's easier (after a while) when you live more simply.  It taught me to be much more mindful about how many dishes I use in a day.  You really start to become aware of it when you have to wash everything by hand!

So rather than reach for yet another cup, I am trying to use one drinking glass, one plate, and one bowl for the day.  I still need more practice at it, but it's my One Small Change that I'd like to implement for August.  I continue to be reminded that using less means more time and s p a c e for the things I enjoy most - so less dishes to wash or load means more time painting, playing, knitting, being fully present...

Although my reduce clutter challenge started out on a physical level, I can see that from clearing the physical clutter, my mental and emotional clutter are releasing as well.  I am seeing greater clearing in my home (with much more to go) and I am seeing much greater clearing and BIG changes going on inside myself.

I believe that Reduce Clutter; Create Space and One Small Change go hand-in-hand.  The more we can clear and let go, the more s p a c e we create.  The more s p a c e we enjoy, the more stillness we experience.  The more stillness we have, the more aware and mindful we become to make one small change at a time.  With each small change we are giving the greatest gift back to ourselves, to our families, to our community and to our world.  

I feel completely blessed to have charted down a new path to live a greener, simpler life.  Reducing clutter and making small changes along the way have brought more health, happiness, connection and a greater sense of peace in my life (along with challenges and resistance to be sure!)  And to honor the blessings I am experiencing (like another life growing inside me) it seems like another great time to... 

celebrate with a giveaway!

Leave a comment here, by Tuesday, August 17th, and you'll be entered to win a spot in my January e-course, Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery.

Your Personal Reflection:  What is one small change you can make this month to bring goodness into your life?

(It's never too late to join the Reduce Clutter; Create Space or One Small Change challenges!  See the list of reduce clutter participants here.)

Want more inspiration to make change?  Read this article about a couple that gave up everything but 100 personal items.  And you have to check out the Happy Janssen's and their amazing life on the road.

Instead of Watching TV...

I finished my first quilt that I started over two years ago!  Letting go of TV has definitely given me more space for the things I never seem to find time for.  

Sure, you would think that 110 degree temperatures wouldn't really inspire the desire to quilt.  But the heat can't seem to stop my sudden creative momentum and the urge to complete what I've started.

Instead of hearing judges critique dancers, artists and chefs on their reality shows, I have enjoyed hearing the cicadas in the background, while playing with my needle and thread.  The stillness and rhythmic nature that comes from stitching has invited my mind to quiet some, much like meditation.

For this quilt, I used Amy Butler fabric and the pattern is known as a Wonky Scrap Quilt.  I learned the technique at a cool local quilt shop, but found an on-line tutorial for those of you interested in giving it a try.  It is so fun and easy.  (And hopefully won't take you two years!)

My quilt is complete.

It has been washed...

 and is ready to find its permanent home.

I walk into my bedroom room and smile.

Other things that are happening since giving up TV:

I'm getting more sleep.

I'm having great evening talks with my husband, rather than laying side-by-side while zoning out to some mindless show.

I've started the outline for my book.  I took a class recently on how to write, publish and market my first book.  The teacher offered great practical advice, like getting a calendar and putting down your start and completion dates.  I have to say that I'm not sure I'll stick to her guidelines on how to complete your book in 6-weeks,  considering I'm also switching gears to prepare for the birth of my second son, but I'm using my TV-less evenings to finally give this big dream some attention.

Rather than crashing on the couch to watch others accomplish their dreams, I'm feeling more creatively alive and inspired to do less, create more, and enjoy BEING in the space of the present moment.

And, that feels really good.

Your Personal Reflection:  What is one thing you've wanted to complete or try but just haven't had the time for?  Now think of some of the activities, like TV, that take up your time and energy.  What is one activity you can let go of so that you can find some much needed time to finish a creative project or start something new?  Can you start today?

What Are You Hungry For?

Truth isn't always beauty, but the hunger for it is. -Nadine Gordimer 

Ok...the last two weeks have been weird for me.  I've felt strange, confused, frustrated, overjoyed, excited, agitated and at peace.  Here's what I've noticed most...giving up TV and reducing our grocery and entertainment budget has brought up a new set of reflections for me, like - What does it mean to feel deprived of something?  Where does this lack come from?  And probably the toughest one of all...What am I hungry for?

The more mindful I become of what I spend and how I spend it - both what I spend financially and how I spend my time - the more I'm starting to recognize my patterns of fulfilling a hunger that can't be fed by the external world.  When I come from a place of lack, and feel like I can't have something because I don't have enough money or I can't do something because I don't have enough time, then I find myself wallowing in a place of deprivation. 

The definition of deprive is to keep from possessing or enjoying.  Why would I intentionally keep myself from enjoying my life?  I know that I can live fully in the experiences of my life despite any amount of money or time I may have.  Living in a place of deprivation is now my past.  I believe that I can choose grace, gratitude and abundance over lack, not having enough and deprivation.

So as I recognize these tendencies, I will continue practicing mindful spending - how I spend my money and how I spend my time.  I will watch my mind that tries to talk me into spending money on things I don't need, just so that it can fulfill its old way of being.  I will refrain from spending more time on the computer now that my TV is shut off.   I will stop limiting my inner self.  And when I feel like I'm slipping to a place of feeding feelings of lack, I'll continue to ask the question, "What is it that I'm truly hungry for?"

Your Personal Reflection:  What are you hungry for?

Surround Yourself with Love

Everything in our life is a symbol.  Take a moment to look around your home and notice the symbols in your life.  What images are you drawn to?  What colors?  What textures?  Are there particular shapes, images, or symbols that you see throughout your surroundings?  

One image that I'm particularly drawn to is the heart.  As I look around my own home I notice we have heart symbols in almost every room - and I still can't get enough.  In fact, one of my favorite things to do is find rocks that look like hearts.

This is just one of many heart rocks I discovered on my hikes in Colorado.  

I was inspired when my friend and fellow blogger, Megan, visited me a few weeks ago. We pulled out the paints and played.  Since I'm hyperaware these days of abundance and gratitude, I'm especially drawn to making heart symbols.  Megan had the idea of creating a heart "pillow" and I wanted to share this project with you!

Continuing with my dedication to One Small Change, I like looking for new ways to use brown paper bags.  (See another fun idea here.)  

Supplies for Recycled Heart "Pillows"

*brown paper bags

*paints and brushes

*crayons 

(any other medium you like)

*water

* glue or hot glue gun

*scissors

*sponges and other textured stuff

*optional:  friends to create with you!

Step 1:  Cut two hearts the same size

Step 2:  Crinkle the hearts in your hand

This gives the hearts great texture for painting, as well as adds depth.

Step 3:  Take a sponge or brush and paint a background color on each heart.

Step 4:  Now the fun really begins.  Add your personality to your heart and play with lines, swirls, and doodles.  If you have trouble getting started, take the side of a crayon and rub it over the surface of your heart.  Play like a child would - without thinking about what you're doing.  Just explore lines and shapes and have fun. You'll surprise yourself if you stop worrying about the final outcome and simply enjoy the process of playing with your supplies!

Step 5:  When you are finished designing both sides of your heart, staple, glue or hot glue the sides together. (Of course make sure your colorful creations are facing out on both sides.)  Stop half-way through gluing and stuff some crinkled paper scraps inside your heart "pillow".  (Idea:  Stuff if with a journal entry listing all the things you are grateful for in your life!)  Finish sealing the heart.

Step 6: Find a special place to display your heart symbol in your home. 

 (Idea:  Take some fun photos of you with your heart and email them to me!  I'll make sure to post them on my blog.)

On another note: For those of you following Reduce Clutter; Create Space 2010; the theme for July is mementos.  It's time to clear and organize your old photos, books, letters and special things you've stored up over the years.  Good luck and let's continue helping each other create the lives we love!

Your Personal Reflection:  Slow down enough to notice the symbols in your life.  What do you see?