LIGHTENING YOUR LIFE: QUESTIONS TO ASK

Having a lighter life: What are some questions to ask to ‘lighten your life’?  

Does your work serve you or at the very least do you like it?  If not, what work would you like to be doing?  How would you determine what you would like to be doing to earn income?

Do you like where you live?  What criteria would you use to decide where you would like to live?

Do you feel the possessions you have serve you or are useful?

What changes are you making?  What changes would you like to make?  How would you decide what to change and when?

I hope that everyone is in work that they love and that they live where they can have great experiences and are around great people.  I also hope that you have ‘lightened your life’ by purging everything that doesn’t serve you with material possessions being a great place to start.

Another short list of ways to organize: http://www.stretcher.com/stories/00/000522L.cfm?STT

I have always found that taking action with tasks (like going through your stuff) and by answering the above questions can move us all in the right direction.

I would like to know the changes you have made and/or planning to make—you may inspire others to do the same.  Please respond with a post or a direct email.

If I can offer support or answer questions, please contact me directly at lisa@lisaturnbull.com

HAVING A LIGHTER LIFE-THE BIG PURGE

Having a lighter-life: Two weeks after the first big move and donating the majority of what I own has not brought the euphoric feeling I have been waiting for, yet.  But there is some satisfaction to sit in a room and be able to see most of what you own in one place.  I have another small load of items going this week for donation and then there is not much else to get rid of or donate; I think?  In making a decision to make myself available for a ‘drama-free’ relo for new employment; I am at least ready for that—anyone listening?

One of the things I realized is that I had many many ‘just in case’ items and donating those was at least one car load.  To read more about those ‘just in case’ items: http://www.theminimalists.com/in-case/

I am in a very small space spending my days networking and working out my notice with my current employer.  Interviewing and looking for that ‘sign’ to know where to go next with my new paired down life.  When there is less to manage there is more time to live life.  http://www.theminimalists.com/happen/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theminimalists%2FHztx+%28The+Minimalists%29

Next is the nitty gritty---I will need to get more creative about how to create more room or find another criteria for lightening what I still have, when you think you have eliminated any thing extra; you haven’t.

HAVING A LIGHTER LIFE: CLOTHING AND OTHER STUFF IN OUR CLOSETS

Having a lighter-life: Clothing and other stuff in our closets.  This is my favorite place to organize and go through stuff.  I have always looked forward to changing my clothing for the seasons and more importantly get rid of the pieces I don’t love or fit or….  Since I have already donated 3 wardrobe boxes packed with clothing, accessories, shoes and multiple shopping bags full of items throughout the year.  I have gone from multiple closets to one small one. 

This is some of the criteria I used to limit my closet:

-If it doesn’t service me by helping me look my best---it is gone(and we all know what looks good—if you have questions, ask an honest buddy) I held on to many things that didn’t fit well but I liked—now they are gone.

-Pay attention to what colors, styles and structure of items you like or wear often and that is a good indicator of your personal style.  Don’t follow trends—I am a personal fan of black and white and bottoms with pockets.

-If something isn’t in good shape (like shoes scuffed, missing buttons, sticking zippers…) it is a sign to let it go.

-Because I do not want to spend more time and money taking care of clothing/accessories…anything that needs dry cleaning and in some cases hand washing is gone.

-Use good hangers and take care of your things. (no wire hangers!)

If possible, please donate to charities directly that offer items to the clients they serve (homeless shelters esp.)

This may help you: http://www.oprah.com/home/Small-Closet-Organization-Bedroom-Closet-Storage-Ideas

HAVING A LIGHTER LIFE: KITCHEN AND HEALTHY EATING/WEIGHT LOSS

Having a lighter-life: Kitchen and healthy eating with the hopes of weight loss 

As someone that can actually cook; I have gathered things for cooking over the years that I have really had to think about.  But going back to one of my earlier blogs—since I am moving, I am looking at space in my car and it is scarce so this is an area where a great deal is going or gone.  I am still struggling with nice heavy silverware that looks hand-made; a really cool bowl from a museum, a bowl that my grandmother used for fruit that can be microwaved and go in the dishwasher….  Do you have kitchen items that you can’t replace?

I know that most items can be purchased when I get to my next home but it is the hassle to do so.  I know it doesn’t sound like much but I have already taken one load, in my car, for short term storage and now another and maybe another? 

The corporate apartments or extended stay hotels, I have looked at, all have the basics needed so I don’t need much but not much adds up.

I found this short article with easy steps:

http://www.allyou.com/budget-home/organizing-cleaning/streamline-your-kitchen

And I have read and been told that lightening my life will bring the feeling of lightness and can bring better habits and weight loss.  The kitchen has a direct effect of this; so I will let you know when the weight loss starts.