“Do not trouble yourself much to get new things, whether clothes or friends… Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts.” Henry David Thoreau, Walden
I moved to Pittsburgh almost a year ago (gosh, has it already been that long?!), but it was my first ever out of state move. And even though I moved to a much smaller space–from an 1100 square foot single-family house to a 768 square foot rowhouse–as I exhaustedly unpacked box after box, I realized that I still had way too much stuff. While I have been gravitating toward a life of less over the years–I’m constantly donating unwanted stuff to charity— it wasn’t until this move that I knew I finally had to kick it into high gear.
I am striving toward a life of less in all of my possessions, only keeping what I feel is essential and of quality or beauty and removing any excess, from furniture to shoes to dishes to holiday decorations.
Minimalism seems to be the newest term, but it’s also known as Voluntary Simplicity (or just Simplicity), Simple Living and Urban Homesteading. Spiritually, it is seen in Zen Buddhism and Monasticism in the relinquishing of worldly goods and possessions.
Several books (and blogs–specifically Miss Minimalist and Rowdy Kittens) have guided me along this life path; perhaps you’ve been thinking about this yourself?
~Maria, living with LOTS less and LOVING it!
Great post, Maria! Will have to read/look at the things you’ve mentioned. Every time I pare down, I realize there’s so much more I could do without…
LAV
try these:
Possum Living by Dolly Freed
Urban Hermit by Sam MacDonald
Farm City by Novella Carpenter
all funny AND inspirational.
JoAnn.
Thanks, JoAnn! These sound wonderful!
~Maria
I’ve attempted to walk down the same path myself, and I’ve found another resource that you may find useful:
http://unclutterer.com/
Good luck!
I’m right there with you! Love this post :)
I love your blog. Looking forward to future posts. I cannot believe it has been a year! Congrats! J
Thanks, Anthony, for the web site. And Angie & Jayne, for your kind words. :)
~Maria
I am very envious, and would love to do it but just cant seem to kick it into gear yet, but one day i will!!!!!
Loved the move one mans wilderness PBS, where he became not only a minimalist but lived off the land too.
one day i hope to do the same but havent been able to convince wife and kids.
Love ya Maria
Nick (miss u guys in MI)
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