Well . . spring is approaching and I find myself needing to clear out the clutter in my life. It started with a major overhaul of my closet . . . and now it has spread to other parts of my life and home as well.
A few months ago, I decided to start couponing - hard core - and got a big binder complete with clear pocket sheets where coupons could be inserted. Next thing I know, there are coupons everywhere in my house. I would work several hours a week - sometimes even purchasing an extra paper or two - and then scan the papers for "THE BIG DEALS" like you see on Extreme Couponing on television. Guess what??? They are few and far between and the next thing you know - my life is run by little slips of paper ALL OVER THE HOUSE, THE CAR AND IN MY HEAD!!! What was the advantage of all this stress? Maybe 10% of my grocery bill, IF I'm lucky. I think my hourly rate is more than that . . .
A message from my pastor several weeks ago encouraged me to "clear out the clutter" that isn't necessary in your life. That is what I am trying to do now. I am over 50 - and it seems more and more I see people my age with illness and death. I want my remaining years to be good with as little stress as I can manage. I want to be here for my family - and I want to be happy and help my family be happy. I tried to pass off my "COUPON BOOK" to a family member - but this person declined and that's ok. I'm not ready to throw it away just yet. We will see if I am able to make some progress toward minimizing clutter and stress in my life. Stay tuned! : )
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I have found that the coupon thing is a full time job if you want to save like the people do on TV. Not only that, some of their tactics are not all that Kosher to me. They spend 20-30 hours a week couponing! then they spend 6 hours sometimes doing 6 different buggies of purchases. It is way too hard to keep all that stuff separated and watch to see if you are being charged correctly, etc. I still clip to save on what I buy but I will not buy 12 razors that I don't need (after buying 12 papers to get the coupons) and then use the savings to purchase something. Way too much time and brain power. Like you, I would like to simplify as much as possible. I am also cutting down on "stuff". We don't own the stuff. The stuff owns us. We have to dust it, wash it, clean under it, make a place for it, etc. We don't need nearly as much as we think we do.
ReplyDeleteClearing clutter, I believe, will be a lifetime endeavor! I too, live in clutter. I blame on the fact that if I put something away or out of sight, it never gets done... BUT, do I in a secret way, delight in my piles? On counter tops, in corners, on tables???
ReplyDeleteI would rather focus on common sense and gracious living! Let us embrace that and RUN!