on editing (ruthlessly)

leave it to the warmer spring season to help get me out of my funk and into a new groove.  i have been watching the TED talks again, and like before, i have been tremendously inspired.  just as it is aways refreshing to re-read a good book, especially those old ones you have dog-earrred and highlighted, it is wonderful to re-watch a video that made an impact on your life.  these videos talks have planted seeds of happiness and inspiration in me and have thwarted change towards becoming a better version of myself.  

especially the one on this channel by graham hill i watched a few months back.  it's short and to the point.  it helped me de-clutter our space and made living simply easier than we had hoped. 

this morning i came to work feeling a bit rejuvenated.  not rejuvenated in the sense that i was well rested, because in that regard i fell into the "inadequately prepared" category.  but i was refreshed the sense that i felt very assured that andrew and i are making the right choice.  we are doing the best possible thing for our family by having me stay home for the next few years.  i am so very happy for that this calming feeling has settled into place.

whenever i start something new, editing another part of my life seems inevitable.  it is only natural to get ready for the new by eliminating something to make room.  when i feel like life is swelling up around me, editing is the only way for me to breathe.  editing becomes an essential part of my transitional processes, and is therefore extremely cathartic.  it allows me the time and patients to physically rid my life of unneeded things, thereby magically allowing me more mental space to reflect and grow.  the physical, emotional, and intellectual are all intermingled into one confusing dance that seems to always land on its' feet. 

to prepare for my new role as a stay at home mama of two little ones, i feel like our life, particularly our home, could use a bit of ruthless editing.  we have already downsized a ton since moving to a tiny condo, but i feel like there is more work to do.  there are still old shirts collecting dust in my closet and multiple sets of mixing bowls i have yet to use since the big move.  there are too many things that end up getting in the way without everyday use and they need to find a new home.  or so i feel. 

i don't want the silly item for the occasional use, such as that random santa jar, wasting our precious space any longer.  i want it gone.  i want less clutter and more open space.  i want less stuff and more money saved.  i want a more productive life filled with wild and fruitful experiences rather than objects that hold little meaning and evenings spent on the couch.  because that is a poor habit to form.  and those trips to target raid the end aisles for deals.  yeah, that needs to stop.  so goodwill, you will be my bestie over the course of the next few weeks as i begin this long process of editing.  it will take a lot of time and breaks for tea, but it will be nice clearing out the old,  making way for a fresh, new perspective. 

if you have not watched any of these TED talks, i strongly encourage it.  who does not enjoy a video that is both uplifting and informational, centering on the key to happiness?  each talk is wonderful in it's own right and deserves a good bowl of ice cream to go along side.  i promise you will not be let down. 

oh, and watch this one, too.