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Post by procrastinator on Jan 27, 2012 23:57:43 GMT -5
...buying 10 paintbrushes doesn't make me a painter, buying 30 gourmet spices doesn't make me a chef, and 25 notebooks or a new laptop doesn't make me writer... This resonates with me. This is why I am paying off credit card debt. This is something I battle with daily. You have articulated this beautifully. Thank you! |
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Post by sparkle on Jan 28, 2012 0:22:36 GMT -5
thank you for bumping this up, pro. this is one of the most helpful things I've read here and I needed the reminder. thanks again, betsymarie.
was just reading this again (my third time tonight) and reading the replies I see that I need to thank step, too, for bumping this. you're the best, sidestep.
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Post by 60isolderthanithot on Jan 29, 2012 9:33:33 GMT -5
Betsymarie, I do not know where I was when you first uploaded this thread but WOW! I can sure use the help now, it's absolutely spot on. I found myself going all nostalgic yesterday, so upsetting, filled with memories. I tossed and tossed and still have more to throw out today. I'll copy your message, remind myself of the major points. THANKS for the helping hand.
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Post by crazycatlady on Jan 29, 2012 20:31:12 GMT -5
This is a process. I learn and grow gradually. I consider myself to be "out of squalor". Whether my house is "clean" or not, I am not too embarrassed if someone drops by. I might not like the fact that there are dirty dishes, and clutter on the table, but it will always be recent mess, from the past couple of days. In the past, I would have antique messes that had been there for a long time!
With that said, I often think way more than necessary about decluttering. My current issue is clothing. I have nice clothes that fit, are hand me downs, and need to be dry cleaned. I was keeping them because they fit, someone was nice enough to give them to me, and they look professional and nice. But according to this thread, since I haven't worn them in a year, I can let them go. What a relief! This will give me more space for my current (frequently worn) items! (Thank you, Peach!!!)
Lesson learned: allow for my quirks and oddities. Don't beat myself up over keeping used clothing, or overthinking it, celebrate letting it go.
Regarding the tip to do a little at a time, rather than waiting until it is time to do that chore...this has been so helpful to me. The best part about it is that if you do the tasks in small bites throughout the day, there is so much of it left when it is you planned time to do the chore!
Thanks, BetsyMarie. I plan to print your list out, and write one at a time on the bathroom mirror to re-read and ponder. Hopefully it will be helpful to my family to learn these truths as well.
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Post by gadget on Jan 31, 2012 12:38:11 GMT -5
Thank you for this great post. I don't know how I missed it all these months! I have printed out your list and it is now on my refrigerator. I have done a lot of decluttering. I am now at the "hard" stage. This list will make everything so much easier for me.  |
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Post by immaculata on Feb 1, 2012 6:57:44 GMT -5
Brilliant post. *bookmarks*
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Post by PaperGrace on Apr 23, 2012 9:15:30 GMT -5
 Bump! Needed this today.
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Post by Sunshine on Apr 23, 2012 16:35:31 GMT -5
Thank you for bumping - this is great, and going in my bookmarks.
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Post by Bizzy on May 30, 2012 0:28:35 GMT -5
"...when starting out, focus on restoring function and order at the very basic level for your daily living needs and grow from there, rather than trying to get it to "look" a certain way."
Boy that is just what i needed to hear!
Having just moved and trying to unpack- I find myself wanting places for the pretty pretties-- and spending more time with them than is good right now.
I need to be big into function right now and save the decorating for later.
But it IS nice- after tossing so much before and during moving-- to actually have a vision-- a realistic one- of being able to display and use things I love and used to use- that I put away long ago--because there was no room for them in my old house or because I only wanted to use them " for special times."
Example- I have a lot of pottery-- fiesta ware-- and beautiful handmade ceramic dishes that a Friend made for me years ago-- Those things are now IN the cupboards-- to be used.
I used to use a big green fiesta ware bowl to make pancakes-- mix cakes etc- use as a salad bowl- - make and serve potato salad in-- and I broke it and stopped using those beautiful pieces.
I am using them now. We had split pea soup in lovely handmade soup bowls tonight, my garlic is actually in the garlic holder my friend made-- and my teabags and sugar and coffee- are IN the gorgeous canisters.
On my counters where i can see and use and enjoy them. If something breaks-- oh well.
Of these things( and others) if I find them too hard to take care of - to keep clean- if they are not working for me- slowing me down- or I find I have to be very careful with them-- then out they will go.
Thanks for this great thread!
Bizzy
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Post by procrastinator on Jan 19, 2013 22:46:47 GMT -5
Bump. Because this is an awesome thread.
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Post by europegirl on Jan 20, 2013 8:20:37 GMT -5
Such a great thread! There should be a like/favorite button here and I would press it!  |
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Post by OnTheMend on Jan 20, 2013 8:42:24 GMT -5
I miss BetsyMarie and her wisdom and can-do bite at the time attitude This thread is terrific!  |
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Post by Jannie on Jan 20, 2013 10:42:09 GMT -5
It's a great summary. One thing I must add: If you want to give "good" things away, first ask family and friends, second, find an acceptable place to donate them anonymously. I found clothing and shoe bins and a used book drop-off, all within walking distance of my house. I've noticed people leave canned foods, toys and other things around the containers. "Someone" always takes them. Apparently the local poor and homeless have found these bins. Makes me feel good thinking someone who really "wants" my stuff can find it there. I left off a wooden plant stand once. Gone the next day. My husband hated it because he kept bumping into it with his wheelchair.
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Post by flymomrn on Jan 20, 2013 13:30:16 GMT -5
Love this thread. Bookmarked.
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Blackswan
Banned
Joined: October 2008
Posts: 6,388
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Post by Blackswan on Jul 1, 2013 22:07:13 GMT -5
Nominated for favorites!
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