Simply Simplified.

If you need some info on the actual act of simplifying, read this book! It's a quick read -- you can do it in an evening -- and it is completely realistic to me. The author describes himself as a "minimalist," but doesn't feel the need to live without. He discusses how he got tired of cleaning, rearranging, and moving the same clutter day after day...until he and his wife learned about this lifestyle. His words truly intrigued me. We have become a society that feels the need to define ourselves with STUFF, thinking it will make us happier...when the STUFF is what usually makes our stress levels rise. I mean, do my kids really need 35 Matchbox cars?? Do I really need 35 pairs of shoes -- half of which I seldom to never wear!! As a busy mommy, I always feel overwhelmed by the amount of housework that needs to be done...which I can start only after I have sorted through all the toys, mail, laundry, stuff. So, I'm taking his work to heart. The Hubs and I tackled the basement/man cave this weekend. We sorted everything into 3 piles: Keep, Goodwill, Trash. I am amazed at the difference. I now have 2 huge closets that are not only organized, but I can easily see what I need when I need it. The boys have double the play space...definitely something needed for 2 wild ones!!! (I really wish I had taken some Before and After pics!!) Here's hoping the rest of the house goes as smoothly!