top of page
Search

Just Give It Away!


Today's Growth Quote: "Either find a way, or make one!" -Hannibal

The last couple of days have been rough, and I’m not really even sure why. I’m blaming it on time change. The kids have been waking up at around 4 every morning, we’ve had full schedules, and I’ve not been feeling my best. Dishes and laundry piled up. The house looks chaotic. And I’m not really sure where that odd smell is coming from…


There’s no way for every day to be sunshine and roses, although it has been quite sunny! My attitude has been lacking. Honestly, the clutter is really getting to me. We got back from Mr. Sim’s dental appointment (about $1000 of work is needed), and I felt overwhelmed with the mess.


After doing the dishes and scoring some free food from the dining hall closing down for the winter, I got out a big crate, took it into the kids’ quarters, and sat them down. I explained that I don’t want so much of our lives to be spent picking up toys, clothes, books, etc. I asked if they were frustrated with how frequently I ask them to tidy up (um, yeah). I told them that I was going to leave the crate there while I started on lunch, and asked that they fill it up with things that they would prefer not to clean up in the future. Then I walked away.


10 minutes later, Minionette #1 dragged the crate to the kitchen and told me it was ready to go! I was surprised that they actually filled it up! Several larger toys, some trash, small trinkets, all tossed in without tears. They were excited to donate their finds!


Here's the weird part. I looked at what was in that crate, and a huge part of me wanted to go through and pull some things out. That stuffed animal was a gift for Minionette #1's first Christmas! Doesn't Minion know that the G.I. Joe case is a collectible? I know that none of the kiddos ever actually played with that big bead toy, but it's so cute and maybe the next addition will! Here I was, emotionally attached to the relics that represent little pieces of their childhood to me.


I was caught off guard by the emotion I felt. It's similar to the twinges of pain that I feel when I box up little clothes that have become too small somehow. It's a reminder to me, a slap in the face, actually, that time is marching on and my kids are growing up. Somehow, I've been tricking myself into believing that by keeping these little relics. I'm keeping my kids small. How crazy does that sound when I actually type it out?


* Deep breath. *


Perhaps, if we are able to simplify our lives by simplifying our stuff, I will be able to spend more time soaking in the moments of my children being so small. Instead of getting after them to pick up those 500 books on the floor for the hundredth time that day, I'll get on the floor with them and read the 20 we have out in the basket. Instead of folding the third load of laundry that day, I'll play dress up with them. Instead of trying not to scream when I step on that toy cookie cutter, I'll help press a little hand down on a real one while we make cookies together.


It's the moments that are gone that I'm truly mourning. Not the meaningless crate full of plastic and paper. It's time to just give it away to create more space for us to build the lives that we really want to live.


Getting rid of the clutter isn’t going to make everything better. However, I truly believe that the state of the home is a reflection of the mind. As my home because more organized, less cluttered, and more homey, my mind calms, my blood pressure drops, and I can feel my body relaxing.


I also think we need to give kids more credit. They completely understood where I was coming from, and they joyfully got rid of their items to have more time playing with each other and with me. I’m going to go follow their lead and clean off this crazy desk of ours!

I hope your day is filled with peace, space, and joy!

69 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All
Home: Blog2

Subscribe

Home: GetSubscribers_Widget

CONTACT

Your details were sent successfully!

Home: Contact
bottom of page