Have you noticed that everywhere you look you are seeing the challenge to simplify? The truth is, a little peer pressure can be a good thing. Like….
Tsh started this:
Who inspired Emily to lose stuff, gain perspective and dream…
Amy is doing it too, and taking baby steps….
So, what am I doing? I am joining in on the 40 day challenge to remove 40 bags of stuff from my home during the 40 days of Lent. I love the idea of purging, clearing, cleaning, and making my home ready. I think this exercise is great for my girls too. It is a visual expression of how we can prepare our hearts for Easter.
I have given myself the freedom to tackle 40 Bags in 40 Days in my own way. I chose small bags, and did not want to limit myself to one bag per day. For example, on day 4 I hauled out 8 bags of clothing and 2 bags of trash. Some days I can’t tackle even one bag. Our life is crazy, and the point of this challenge or any other is to move forward and simplify. I love making it work for me and my family. Another thing I have learned is that pruning, cleaning, and purging is not a one time only event. It must be a daily ritual.
Other lovelies, who always inspire me, also focusing on simplifying are Terilynne and the Nester.
So what about you? Are you challenged to simplify this season or spring clean? Who has inspired you lately in this area?
Thank you, Stacey! I’m doing that same challenge … and with much the same mindset as you. My aunt is also doing it but she is blogging through her journey. I have been so inspired by what she has written. {www.inthebag-mollianne.blogspot.com}
I have been to Aunt Mollianne’s place and I love her journey! Thanks for sharing that link!
And you dear, always inspire me!
I’m approaching the 40 Bags in 40 Days in similar way as you. Some days, I cannot get to one bag, but others (like yesterday) I can get to three. I’m using Tsh’s Project: Simplify tips to help with filling those 40 bags. My main focus is to rid of excess distractions that add stress or unneeded things to our lives. I’m also aiming to give away or donate most of what we get rid of. What is a distraction or excess to me might fill a need for someone else. (Plus, it’s good to not just trash everything.) I also want to teach our son that no matter how little (or much) we have, we can always find some way to give.
Thanks for sharing more resources!
Oh I love that you are using both challenges together! And your so right, my excess an bless someone else! So true, and it makes me want to face this challenge head on! The result will not only bless my family, but others as well! Great stuff Caroline!
I hope to participate as well- I love getting rid of uneccessary “stuf”!
My biggest mention here though is this- Everyone please be mindful of your purging…
If it can be recycled, do so! If it can be donated, do so! If it can be repurposed, do so!
I’ve seen so many people do this- and just make massive contributions to landfills, etc.
{Okay- I’m done with my Public Service Announcement! 🙂 LOL}
Public service announcements are welcome!!! Great point Rachel! I reminded my girls today what Caroline said, “My excess can bless (others!)”
Thanks for giving us a great reminder!
Good for you! It is such a rewarding feeling to streamline our lives…like we are more in control or maybe less is in control of US!
It really does help to let stuff go – and manage less! I’m seeing this is especially true for my girls. The less they have to manage, the better they manage it!
Thanks for hanging out here today!
this is a great challenge.
i use to be a hoarder but since having children i have so become a purger.
for lent i have given up laziness. for 40 days i’m committed to “loving God with all my strength,” i.e. getting off my lazy keister and not putting off till tomorrow (or next month) what i can and should do today.
Oh Denise that is awesome! “Purger not hoarder!!!” Someone challenged me in this area once. I have 4 girls, and I hold onto clothing like crazy as hand me downs. She said, “Why not let go of what is outgrown – bless another. And trust God to meet your need when you need it.” So I save much less and pass on much more! May God bless you!
Oh I just saw all of these! I need to get in on it! I WANT to get rid of stuff. I feel like my house is over flowing with stuff we don’t use or need. I can’t keep up with all the stuff and dirt. Thanks for sharing the links. I’m going to join you in this, even a little late but I have bags already full of stuff!
Blessings,
Mel
Please feel free to stop by: Trailing After God
You can so start this now Melinda! Go for it! You will be so glad you did! When you have less, it is less to clean and manage – so very true!
What a great idea. Tomorrow I am tackling paper clutter. . could be an interesting day.