Thursday, August 25, 2011

Zen, Minimalism and Getting Rid of Stuff

For the past couple of months, I've been a bit preoccupied with de-cluttering.

I'm not sure why this idea suddenly hit me, but I've become a little obsessive in reading Zen books, Minimalist blogs and websites to do with decluttering.  I have a need to streamline, simplify and get rid of detritus, both physical items and, dare I say it, people.  I just want to have things around me that I love and use.  And nothing else.

It started off well, but then I came to the minimalist's dilemma over sentimental items and clothes.  Most common tip I've come across is that if you haven't worn it/used it in over a year, it's time to recyle, donate or bin it.  Oh, the agony! Will I , won't I?  That's a tough one for me.

I'm still decluttering and sorting, but it made me ponder, what would I never get rid of?  A quick scan around the house revealed, some surprising items that I wouldn't mind not seeing again.  And some very inconspicuous items that I will hold on to forever.


Books...


and more books! I've already carted boxes of them down to our recycling centre for others to hopefully enjoy, but there are some that I just can't part with.


A picture that my mom took with her when she immigrated from Ireland.  It's been around the world more times than I can remember and it's very dear to me.


Are you old enough to know what these are? Tiny, ancient, fragile spools of film, documenting my childhood.  I can't express how precious these are to me. Irreplaceable.

A fabulous, quite old, Japanese doll that my dad bought for me. Poor thing is missing one of her batons!


Mr. Malone. The one childhood toy I still have. Grubby, elderly and just wonderful.
What items will you never, ever part with?  I'd love to hear!
Have to go now, there's a pile of stuff waiting to be sorted through!
~Siobhan xox