Are you happy with what you have?

Are you happy with what you have? If not, why do you think this is?

More often than not we feel we need to upgrade, to trade up, to expand and get more... But does it make us happier? More content with life?

Not necessarily. I even dare to say the opposite is true. 

Many people have reported, that downsizing and getting rid of stuff gives a feeling of freedom. It's not just regained space in your closet or guest room (that might have been "dump-it-all-and-shut-the-door" room). Something changes inside us, and opens up towards new things in life.

I read about an interesting tradition Native Americans have: when they wanted to pray for their Gods for something new to come into their lives, they also had to determine to let go of equal number of [spiritual] things. I think it's a beautiful approach, that works for all of us. 

So back to mundane things: let's start the Spring Cleaning early and get rid of unnecessarily things in our household - and in our lives, if we can. Let's take out that old cabinet that is taking space in the basement, and let's also agree to let go of negative thoughts we might have when someone is cutting right in front of you on the highway, for example. 

Let's clear up our personal space  - physically and spiritually - and let the changes in. 

Less stuff around us can help us make the house show ready if it is for sale, and ease up the move. It might also help us fall back in love with the house, and find that it actually has plenty of space. But that's a side effect. Main reason, we can find a long lost peace, when we have less stuff to carry for, to clean, repair, and store, and nag each other about.

We all heard the saying that "we hoard things just in case, for tough times". And it is true! Thing is, tough times are NOW. With economy, jobs, housing market affecting us and our income - now is the time to dig into our piles and use what we've got. If we don't use the old table to build a bookshelf as planned NOW, do you think we wiil be apt to do it later, when things improve?

When all unnecessary things are out the door, you might remember a long lost interest in a hobby you once had, or suddenly have more time to catch up on work stuff. Or maybe go out more and meet new friends? Or just sit back and enjoy a quite moment, looking at the tree tops you see out your window or off your porch?

Let's try it. I'm in!