I recently moved to a smaller house that was a bit nicer and closer to things we could walk to easier. We live in a town with a population of just over 3,000 and I feel we really should minimize the car use if we can.
I'm enjoying having a different use of space in this home. It's made me consider what I need and really use. I didn't think I had a lot, as I had downsized from a large home already when I moved here from a nearby city. But, I still have too much for this house and I need to part with it.
I am struggling with the "always accessible" feeling, because I dearly love my technology and new gadgets. I mean LOVE them. (I can't stress that enough.) But, people should shut off the TV, the cell phones and the computers on a more regular basis. If only to recharge, but also to enjoy the things, and most importantly people, in their lives that are already there. I have already found that the less TV we watch, the more harmony we have in interacting with one another as a family. I try to envision my dad's memories of the TV and the phone being a luxury item in a family of 12.
I also liked Tara's statement on having less including getting rid of meaningless relationships. It sounds harsh, but some of those relationships go along with the "things" we have. What good does it do to have a relationship with jerky contractors who only exist in your life to fix, repair or provide you with more stuff? Or, for example, when I found myself living in suburbia and going to Mom's groups trying to connect with women I did not like in order to find nearby playmates for my children. I remember sitting in a group of women talking about how their big, beautiful houses needed more and how their "husbands were going to let them get work done" and thought, "Really? These are my peers? This is what we're going to get together and talk about?!" I learned quickly my kids did not need that, nor did I. We needed meaningful experiences together doing things we truly enjoy.
What are your thoughts on having less?
Read Tara's post about this here: Have Less, Love More | Do What You Love Journey
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