A truly inspirational and thought-provoking post. Thank you!!

@BB, I think the lesson, for anyone, is what Louisa said was the key for her: “getting to know and accept myself.” The specifics are her own, from her own life, and one of the things I most enjoy about the article is that she recognizes this.

Rather than assuming that because the author has a different life from you, there is nothing valuable in the article, consider looking at your own life and personality, learning to “know and accept” it, and see what simplifications might work with you, and not against. The longer you see your life specifics as a barrier, the longer it will be before you can find a way to contentment.

I too have asked my mom to start getting rid of some of her stuff on her own. She was forced to when my parents downsized a few years ago, but she still has closets full of stuff that she doesn’t want to part with, and her children will be left to sort through it all when she is gone.

I see, yet another yard sale happening soon.

Thank you for voicing what I’ve always felt about journals. “In theory, I respect the value of documentation, but in practice I’m just not that invested in my journals. On the rare occasion when I dip into one, I usually feel morose.” That’s EXACTLY HOW I FEEL! I journaled religiously throughout childhood & college, but stopped, because I HATE reading them later! When I’m in the moment, I think I’ll want to remember that moment forever, but then I never actually do want to go back and revisit it. Nor do I want anyone else to read them – too embarrassing. But I feel “wrong” getting rid of the journals, so I just cart them around, unopened, and afraid someone is going to read them. But now I’ve read your post and have a solution!

I found that I no longer have to think about it, organize it, move it, maintain it, or anything.

I have found the idea of simplicity very freeing. How needs all that STUFF anyway? Not me either!!

Thank you for writing an essay that helps me refocus!

@Jessica. I feel the same way even though both my parents are in their mid-50′s. I walk into their house and see what I’ll have to be dealing with in 20 years. They refuse to see the amount of stuff they have accumulated. My mother is extremely attached to “things” which represent the people they came from. I probably make it worse by telling her that I’m not keeping any of it (except my favorite china pattern and some of her jewelry which is at least small).

For those of you interested in finding a way to release your stuff, I highly recommend flylady.net. She’ll help you get rid of those old prom dresses.

I loved your post. The idea of access versus owning is a great notion, and one I will try personally to apply more.

I had a thought about the photo dilemma – why not buy a digital photo frame, and upload a bunch of the family photos that make you most happy? Sure, you’ll have to dust it, but a digital photo frame that cycles through 50 or so photos will attract less dust than the regular frames needed to display 50 photos.

I look forward to reading more from you!

“Stuff entails decisions” – oh yes, and I remember when I found out myself. The proverbial light bulb.

Sadly, my mother is a pack rat. Thankfully her problem only extends to paper/photos. I was horrified after seeing Hoarders where people were attached to food, animals, etc. I see how the paper drains her energy. How every weekend is devoted to obsessively thinking about what to do with the paper or feeling guilty because she does not feel like tackling it. These things have momentum, if you’re not careful, your home will not be the ideal serene oasis but rather an emotional time suck.

Now, my only question is – how did you get your spouse to agree? That is one of my biggest battles – if something is broken, it is trash. Trying to pretend something isn’t broken doesn’t make it work and it won’t miracleously, spontaneously repair itself no matter how long it sits….

Freecycle.com is another great way to release working items that you no longer need.

I remember a wise woman, saying to me on one occasion. I live simply so that others may simply live. If we were all to take this simple approach to having and owning items. All would have an equal chance to share the wealth of our world.

Let’s hear more about the experience in Mexico.

Best wishes from Ireland.

I always appreciate reminders that stuff=decisions=stress.

“Surprisingly, in some ways it’s been more of a challenge living simply and economically here in Mexico than in our California life. But that’s another story…”

Are you planning to write about this? I’d love to hear more…

Cheers,
Renee