Downsizing your life

I remember hanging out with a group of friends.  One, it was very important to have ALL and the LATEST home furnishings, gadgets, and decorations.  Tastefully of course, but to me, a bit over the top at times.  Especially when paying bills was even harder.

Yet another friend in that group always had a home that was like walking into a model home that was for sale.  You could tell someone lived there, but the word minimal sure came to mind.

I think that there are times in our life that we need to downsize or minimalize the excess in our life.  Modern day “downshifting” is about reducing, simplifying, and doing more with less.  It is about the ability to live life in a way that excess is a thing of the past.

Do you need 5 sets of sheets?

Do you need 25 dishes?

Do you need 15 bath towels?

Do you need to purchase paper plates?

Do you need two cars?

Do you need a desktop, laptop, pad, and a smart phone?

Do you need a home phone and a cell phone?

Do you need 20 shirts?

Do you need 5 pairs of shoes?

What if the number was one?  One pair of shoes.  One set of bath towels.  One computer device.  One…  You get the point, you may need more than one, but getting rid of excess allows for other changes.  Without the excess, perhaps you don’t need as much space to live.  Or you could share your space, or…

Start the simplification in some particular areas of your life and don't demand too much of yourself. To do this, ask yourself very self-critically, what do you really need in your life. Do you really need two TVs, two cars, or 20 pairs of shoes?  Are your various acquaintances really valuable?

So far this has been focused on material things.  Let’s expand this to people and relationships.  Wouldn't it perhaps be better to focus quality instead of quantity in terms of friendships?  You would have more time, more quality time to spend with them.  Perhaps the relationships would grow to deeper and more meaningful levels.

Is it possible that you do not need a 14-hour job that takes you to the limit of your capacity (travel time, work time, mental health time, physical stress time) Wouldn't a job with a slightly lower income, but more satisfaction and more time for family, friends, recreation, hobbies, for yourself, be more meaningful and healthier?

I asked you to think about these questions and this idea.  It will not be easy.  And it is something that most people will not have the courage to do.  Perhaps this article was written just for you.  Maybe it was only for one person to get this time. 

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One moment of change at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals