How To Have Freedom
I moved about a month ago to a smaller house, with fewer rooms and less square footage. It’s also not sitting on 5 acres (so I guess I have to re-write my “About” page!) – in fact, it’s a townhouse, so I don’t even really have a yard.
I’ve sold several cars and there are more up on Craigslist. Plus ATV’s of various shapes and sizes.
We had 4 TV’s w/ cable boxes, now we have 2 (one in the living room and one in my bedroom). Same thing with computers – had a ton of ‘em, now there’s 2 in the house (one for me and one for my husband).
I gave away a truckload (literally) of books to the library, and another truckload of clothes. We filled two dumpsters trashing other stuff (pannini grill? GONE! Gazelle? GONE! etc.) out of the old house.
WHY “DOWNGRADE”?
Many of the things I once wanted – like a 5 acre farm nestled somewhere between oblivion and obscurity – I’ve since moved on from. It’s no longer what I wanted, but I somehow felt “stuck” in it, like,”This is ours now, so we have to take care of it….” And let me tell you, 5 acres is a lot of work!
The day I realized I didn’t necessarily have to stay there forever (DUH!) I starting preparing to move.
Because THAT freedom is the beauty of the “internet marketing lifestyle.” If there’s an internet connection, I’m working. We could live anywhere.
J-REEZY GOES HOMELESS
John Reese sent out an email message today about his own downgrading – he’s reduced his belongings to fit in a single backpack and sold off everything else, including his home!
Funny how people might be thinking the same things about their lives (like he and I were) without even speaking about it, blogging about it, etc. I know a few other folks in the business who are similarly liquidating and freeing themselves from the possessions they no longer need or want.
Maybe you’re thinking about it too?
POSSESSIONS AS RESPONSIBILITIES
I realized my whole family has acquired a lot of crap we don’t love, care for, need or even want anymore. Time to purge, time to pare down to the bare essentials and really simplify.
We have to remember that possessions aren’t a representation of ourselves. We don’t need to display works of literature on our shelves to show or prove we are learned people, or own many cars to display our wealth, etc. We also don’t need to save broken, old, damaged or unloved items “just in case” because this is a scarcity mentality hidden under the veil of being frugal.
The freedom that comes from this business is an incredible freedom. You work as much as you’d like, sometimes more, sometimes less. You earn what you put into it. You live anywhere, you vacation anywhere. You make incredible friends and are given opportunities and experiences you once could have only imagined.
But then sometimes we kill that freedom by burdening ourselves with lots of responsibilities in the way of possessions, or on the form of social and business obligations we really don’t care for but feel like we “have” to do.
THE EMPTY NEST
I decided not to take any of my old furniture with to the new house. Most of it has been beat up on and abused by small children for 7 years and it showing its age.
The day after we moved, I went to a local Ashley Furniture store, purchased everything we’d need for the new, smaller home. They said it would be here Monday (4 days later). It’s been 3 1/2 weeks now, still no furniture.
I could be really pissed. Sometimes when my kids are sitting at the kitchen island eating their dinner and I’m hovering over a counter with no place to sit I kinda am. A dining room table or a couch would be helpful!
But the furniture WILL get here eventually, even if they’re dragging their feet. And my getting upset about it only adds another element to my life that I have to “deal” with – in this case, I’d have to manage the emotion of being upset.
Plus, my family and I have had the benefit of getting by with little more than our clothes, toiletries and dishes to eat from for nearly a month. And that’s not a bad lesson to learn – everything else is really just a comfort.
We’ll really love those couches when they DO get here!
HOW TO HAVE FREEDOM
In order to enjoy the freedom that life gives you, you must not be mired down with unnecessary possessions, unnecessary social or business obligations or unnecessary emotions.
Simply remove those that are not serving you well.
Same goes with your business. Those sites, techniques, email subscriptions or tools that aren’t directly propelling you towards your end goal should be eliminated.
When only the things that are important and functional are in front of you, then you will only focus on and spend your time on the things that are important and functional.
You’ll reach your goals faster, enjoy the things you love and have time to experience the life you really want to live.
What can you eliminate today, personally and professionally?
Did you read John Reese’s email today. He seems to have taken the same thinking to the extreme!
@Ed – Yes, I read John’s email and even talked about it in this post…
How funny. I thought I’d read the whole post! I skimmed though and missed a whole paragraph!
What a great post, Michelle. It really resonated with me, because between 2002-2005, I lost everything, including my health. Downsizing happened. Ironically, in some ways I felt more free during the following years than I ever did when I was stuck in a corporate cubicle. I learned to live on very little, and have no desire to ever be tied down the way I was in that previous life. I’m very happy with my new “live and work anywhere if I want to” lifestyle. Glad to see you are embracing a new freedom, too
This is refreshing to see and strange that here we have had similar discussions, it seems that our lives seem to get too full of noise and we feel refreshed when we have space to breath.
As many others did I got the John Reese email, I tell you what I am really impressed with him. This is going to be an incredible journey for him I’m sure. I wonder how he will change when he settles again?
I did write back to him, though he doesn’t have a clue who I am or I’m sure the many other compelled to congratulate him. Strangely offering him a bed for the night if he passes by – I know, I had no idea why I would do that to someone I do not know personally. I now have thoughts on what it must be like to have a nomadic lifestyle but still hooked into all the activities on the Internet, lonely and physically out of touch in one sense but totally in touch in another.
John was one of the first I remember to say to concentrate on one business and to get rid of all the clutter of previous domains. It seems that paradigm is spreading even now.
Is this all just an urge to get back to a more simple satisfying life?
“Stuff” is all distraction in the end.
Let’s hope more people drop the conspicuous consumption and just be happy within themselves.
My brother bought a couch from Ashley Furniture last January. He was hoping to get it in time for his annual Super Bowl party. The couch wasn’t delivered until March – 5 weeks after the scheduled delivery. He was pissed and vowed never to shop at Ashley Furniture again.
Great post… so often we end up working for things rather than the lifestyle we set out for in the first place. For me… having my family around all the time is the best reward ever
and some of the best times i have had were when we had virtually nothing. Those are the times that make us who we are today.
Michelle,
I enjoyed this post , i know for me holding on to stuff i didn’t need or that is just too much clutter was not allowing for new things, new ideas to come in. Simplify things and give the stuff you no longer need either thru Charity or a yard sale and let new money and things come into your life. I love the freedom I have now working from home and have a lot less clutter come in!
I have done the purge thing three times in my life. Each time it has been good for me. But right now I like my stuff. I want more stuff. If you guys are getting rid of your stuff I will take it.
Great post Michelle. Glad to see you back and in the swing of it again.
I feel I should point out that your posts are not showing up on the front page. Most likely something you are changing. But in case you were not aware.
I couldn’t agree more. I’m always encouraging people to not buy me things for my birthday, because chances are I don’t need (or want) it! I prefer to only have things I can use and I like being able to fit my possessions (besides large furniture) into one car. There’s a genuine freedom in not having “stuff”.
Yep. You nailed it. And I appreciate your candor in expressing the how’s and why’s of your move… I’ve been wondering.
So – check out how this is related, and I’m tagging on to the end of your post where you talked about focusing on important things.
See, most people think that focus is an unwavering, laser-like ability to concentrate on some thing, topic, or action.
That is NOT what focus is; Focus is the ability to artfully and consistently screen out distractions and get back on track.
All that stuff you describe, both possessions and connections unwanted and unneeded, and perhaps even unliked, are distractions. They take away from focus.
And you know what?-those distractions chip away at our quality of life.
I like stuff. I like connections. I have stuff and connections. But frankly, I’ve many times unmercifully shed stuff and cut connections. Ya gotta do what’s right for you; this is not the dress rehearsal for life.
My $0.02.
David
@David – ABSOLUTELY! And what might be a distracting possession for me might be a wonderful addition to your life. To each his own – we just have to, as you beautifully put it, “artfully screen out distractions and get back on track” whatever that means for us as individuals.
Re: the move – there were more reasons than just what was written here – more activities for the kids (and adults, for that matter) and we just got tired of being totally out of the loop and out of civilization. Taking an hour to get to Safeway gets real old after 5 years! And we love the Bay Area, we’re from the Bay area, our family is here and it’s home, in the end.
Hey Michelle!
I couldn’t resist chiming in when I saw you were appreciating the minimalist Lifestyle too. I’ve been at it for a while now (fully hopping from city to city with nowhere to hang my hat) and JR’s email today made me smile bigtime.
There is a guy named Karol Gajda who is really blogging hard about minimalism and was very inspiring to me. In fact the blogopshpere is full of minimalists, it’s been quite the growing trend, although harder to teach to us Americans than usual… We’ve been sold the McMansion vision of happiness since the 1950s.
Perhaps we, as successful internet marketers, should do more to teach this alternate vision to our followers. I know they didn’t ask me for it but more and more I have the desire to share it with them as you have today.
Cheers,
Luke
@Luke – Haven’t seen Karol’s stuff, will take a peek.
I’d totally go the route you did or John did if I didn’t have kids. That’s one of the reasons I love what Leo Babauta writes, as minimalism does look different for parents!
Oh there’s still hope yet… Your kids will surely leave the nest one day!
You can live minimalistic life with kids – I have done it and it produces amazing adults who value themselves and others for who they are not for what they own. And makes them very, very resourceful and bold.
Hey Luke!
Thanks for the mention!
Hey Leslie!
Guess where John got the idea for washing clothes in a bag from?
(I have a video about how to do it on my site.) We’ve been having lots of back and forths over the past few months regarding minimalism/travel. Good times! (I’m almost a year in to selling all my stuff and living out of a backpack.)
Cheers!
Karol
Michelle- What a great post. I too have been purging and rearranging my entire house, not quite as much purging as you have, but it still feels good. I agree – getting rid of the extra clutter gives you freedom!! The extra junk, stuff, emails, etc is just a distraction. Thanks for sharing! Glad you are in your new house and feeling better!
What a great post Michelle, I have been following you for years and never had an opportunity to tell you how grateful I am for you.
I always look forward to your emails, post and videos that you send out. I have learned so much from you over the years and watched you grow into what you are today.
Thanks so much and I pray you will be around for many years to come sharing your thoughts and ideas with us.
Frankie
We don’t own possessions – possessions own us. If you’re in need of anything I have a spare condo that’s just for storage. You’re welcome to any of it!
Interesting…. brings to mind certain phrases like ‘…having sustenance and covering, we shall be content with these things’, ‘do not be loving either the world, or the things in the world…the desire of the eyes, showy display of ones means of life..’ ~ Truth sometimes has a funny way of manifesting itself.
Very true James… both in business and personal affairs we need to keep these principles in mind so we do not become overwhelmed with trivialities… ‘the love of money is the root of injurious things’ and the accumulation of ‘things’ can consume so much of our time. Better to avoid the ‘anxiety… and deceptive power of riches’ and ‘make sure of the more important things’ in life’.
I make it a point of moving every 2-3 years (often countries and continents) and starting pretty much from scratch. I have noticed a very curious phenomenon. My empty space fills up with “stuff” really quickly and within 2-3 years it is overflowing again. The more I give away, the more I receive in one way or another. And also the better stuff I give away – the better stuff I get.
I think that the key is – to give away your stuff with love – it is easy if you can imagine the joy of a person that will receive it, AND to get rid of any fear associated with loosing your “stuff”.
I must say that having an internet business that I can take anywhere with me helps a lot. I always have money coming in no matter if I work or not, so the fear is not necessary.
I love my life
I recently revamped a condo on Kauai, mostly with stuff other people had put up on craigslist because they were moving on to another Life chapter. I’m SO glad I didn’t use Ashley Furniture!
The plan is to eventually make that our primary residence, at which time I’ll likely use craigslist to pass along my current stuff to some Bay Area folks who need it then. Cue Disney’s “Circle of Life”…
Good on you for making the change, and I hope you and your family enjoy the new, simpler lifestyle. And, thanks for the reminder: I definitely need to declutter my email inbox — BIG TIME. I need to get REALLY clear about what’s useful/necessary and what’s a waste of time/energy/money. I’m off to begin that now!
Great Post,
There truly is freedom in living like this, some I’ve met think this is a bohemian or pauper lifestyle. My rule of thumb was if I hadn’t used it,clothes, computers etc in the last year…It was either sold on craigslist or donated.
Being a recent empty nester, I rented out my 5 bedroom house and rented a room in an upscale neighborhood. Everything I need I took with me and everything else was sold or in storage.
Gotta love having an Internet Biz, been able to travel more thru Calif and still service clients..
Again,
Loved the post !!
Wow! You read my mind. I just finished reading “The 4 Hour Work Week” and have been thinking a lot about scaling down my own life. In the book he talks about getting rid of things. Work things, personal things, everything. Great post. Thank you for sharing.
BruceMcc
@ Bruce – now you are in trouble!
Reading 4HWW was how it all started for me!
How odd all this is coming up right now. I have been thinking about doing this very thing. Hold an estate sale, sell the house and start over with something much much smaller and simplify my life. Kids are in college so it should be as much of a challenge.
I’ve been culling my email lists as of the last two weeks and had already unsubcribed from John Reese so I did not receive that email. I have started dropping everyone who only provides affiliate promotions and nothing else. I’ve got a lot more to go.
Thanks for the post, it’s got me inspired!
Inspiring post Michelle – thank you. I highly recommend Vicki Robin’s website and teleclasses at http://www.YourMoneyOrYourLife.info (yes, she is the author of the seminal book).
In September she’ll be offering these classes:
Conscious Money Speakers Series – Weekly classes with an amazing line up of top speakers in new economy, new money, new frugality, and our money psychology and spirituality.
How Much is Enough of Anything? And How do we Know? In a more is better world – and in a time of economic instability – knowing how much is enough gives you power, peace and security.
went to your Fan page and could not find a link to join ??
Great post Michelle. I really enjoyed that one. I’m not a frequent visitor, but we’ve certainly a few mutual acquaintances. I’ve been doing a bit of an overhaul on my work area for sure anyhow. Less computers..less clutter…more focus. Thanx for sharing…it was a nice read.
Interesting post, in a good way…
I moved into a new place about 5 months ago, and all I’ve managed to do is hang 3 pictures, by a new desk, and my tech. Nice and clean.
I think a lot of people are feeling overwhelmed by everything and sometimes you just to clean out the cobwebs and leave it all behind.
Thanks for this post, and I love your blog!
Well said Michelle. Enjoyed this post. Appreciate your teaching style too. Keep up the great work!
Awesome and amen, sister. I love a good purge.
Ooooo, and the idea of getting rid of everything and fitting the rest into a backpack gives me tingles.
Wow so many of us are in the same boat. After my wife was laid off after 15 years, we were forced to change as well. I didn’t have too, mind you I could have simply taken on another client and life could go on. But I chose my time freedom and a simpler lifestyle instead and I am glad I did. Best move I ever made for my family and I love my wife being home with me and my son best of all. Thanks for sharing.
Smoky Muehlstein SEO/SEM/SMM Specialist
Great post I always believed that possessions are not all there cracked up to be. People and pets are more important than possessions. I might die poor but I be enriched by the people I meet.
Take Care
Michelle,
I love your warm, from the heart way of writing. And I agree with you about possessions. I downsized some six years ago and have been very pleased over my decision. We all need to be more focused on the things that make our lives better. I have owned every “toy” imaginable and it was good to know that I could afford them, but in the end, the joy I get from a life free of possessions has made my life richer. Today, I spend my time traveling in a very comfortable RV and made a good living from my laptop just steps away from my bed and from nature that surrounds me. Bravo on your article!
My husband and I really, really downsized about 5 years ago. We moved from cha cha Buckhead in Atlanta to a cottage that is on Lake Allatoona. Now I own the website for all of the lake’s information. It is freedom to get rid of all of that “stuff’ as George Carlen use to say…but watch out it all seems to creep back in slowly. Purge once a year and it will all work out. Congratulations for finding your freedom!
Free yourself by getting rid of “stuff”, ok. Could it be that you once accumulated this stuff for the very same reason – to feel free? It just happened at that time, perhaps long ago, that you needed to free yourself from lack (of stuff). Now you need to free yourself from “truckloads”. You know what? This, and especially the fact that other jump on this as well as if they were synchronized by invisible hands, reminds me of the socionomics theory by Bob Prechter. It basically says that you start to hate water if you are swamped by it but you love it if you get stuck in a desert … – so no surprise here. But I recommend you check out the socionomics thing because that’s about mood swings in society, exactly what happens here: we are going into a deflation/austerity epoch. Let think about how we can profit from that (I bet you have already figured this out)!!
Take care!
and now it’s time to start working on “not knowing”…;-)
Mtn Jim
Dear Mechelle,
It is refreshing to hear that people are choosing quality over quantity. I’ve always lived simply. I travel with only two carry on bags for my winter holidays of two to three months. It is surprising how little of our possessions we actually use .
Today in yoga class a thought hit me- I must make a list of all the things in my life that give me quality and all the things that take away quality in my life.
It is nearly midnight and I just finished watching the movie “The Bell and the Butterfly”. A movie to awaken ones’ consciousness.
Simplify, Simplify.
Take care,
Arthur
I’ve been reading Tynan’s blog at: http://tynan.net. He’s an internet marketer minimalist that lives/travels in a small RV when he’s in the US. When he travels internationally he just has a backpack.
I just got his book “Life Nomadic” from amazon, which gives details on how to get rid of everything, travel extensively and have a wonderful life of freedom. It’s very inspiring!
If I got rid of my husband, the clutter in my life would disappear instantly…*sigh* How great would that be. Too bad I actually love him just about as much as I am sick of him…
Great article. Thanks for writing.
@CJ – ROFL!!!! I can relate at times, my husband is a man of many hobbies!
You were too kind to let that comment remain on your page. I knew I was taking a huge change writing that way. I’m actually a nice person with a great family, but marriage can definitely add to the clutter if your spouse is not an internet marketer too as thus does not understand my mind or why I am like I am now. I’ve definitely changed a lot since entering this world, and I think the changes are for the better.
I enjoy a streamlined life and would much rather drive somewhere with my hair out and the top down and the sun shining full on my skin than be protected, inside, watching movies all day.
Life is meant to be lived. People are meant to be loved and experienced…and this lifestyle helps me to stay connected to all that is true.
Who would have EVER thought that the internet would help people be more connected to reality?? Craziness…
Thanks again, Michelle. You’re wonderful, and I pray much success for your business.
cj
If I’ve learned any of life’s ultimate truths – it’s that there’s basically two types of people: Accumulators – and Eliminators. And woe to those who partner with their opposite! But it’s not a fixed thing. For some it’s forced changes in life that demand losing all the cr*p in our lives, for others a conscious decision. Others drag it ALL with them to their grave. Less is More!
P.S. Special kudos to Michelle who inspired and gave me the courage to dump sites and domains that just weren’t worth the energy. Even ‘Virtual Internet Real Estate’ can weigh you down..
Hey there…thanks for this. I understand what you are saying. Definitely.
I think what I was trying to get across is that, in my personal experience, there are soooo many more types of people than any title we can choose to put out there. Accumulator. Eliminator. Criticizer (sp??). Faith-er.
Smiler. Crier….they are all in this world with us, and we are at our best when we can interact with everyone. Label-free.
Even labels are clutter, because our minds try to make people neat and tidy and lump them into one place when, in actuality, we are constantly changing. Who I was last year, I am not right now. Yes, my core is intact, but how I interact with my world has changed drastically. It’s more than live and let live.
It’s just…live….
My husband is a great man. A phenomenal man. And he is in the US Army. He works for a huge mind-meld machine. Our government. People in this machine do not think for themselves as a whole. They basically do what they are told to do…even at the highest levels. It’s rare to find an independent thinker in the military or government occupational structure, and as much as I honor his commitment and dedication to our country, I can also see how it is killing his creativity, passion, and uniqueness. That hurts. Each year, his brilliant mind gets a little more lost. I mean…thinking and dreaming might actually be painful to him if he did it too much because reality is that he is not free. Yet.
And there is the challenge. It’s not a struggle for us as much as it is a process…of me learning how best to communicate with him and honor his role as my precious (though thorn-in-my-side) lover and husband…and of him learning how to see that, right now, he cannot experience life as I do…because he is not yet free.
The knowledge is not one-sided. He gives me great perspectives that I would not have if we were not married. The vast majority of the world is cluttered. I am…we are…in the minority.
Once he is retired and no longer deploying to war, things will be different. My first post, though short and maybe humorous, was an oversimplification of the truth of our family…that we live two different lives right now and we both have value to offer one another, even when we don’t immediately enjoy what the other is offering.
Thanks, Shawna, for your response. Sorry for my earlier brevity. That was probably unfair to my hubby. I hope I was more clear in this post. Best to you!!
(Wow, Michelle…you really touched something special here…)
cj
One of your best posts yet, Michelle. I’ve been thinking heavily about this the last few months. Free and flexible is the only way to live! The more you own, in many cases, means the more you’re confined to. What good is making a killing online if you still can’t do what you want, when you want? It was interesting to learn how many top marketers had little flexibility, unlike the images they portray.
We’re in a great business with an unparalleled lifestyle opportunity and we should pursue experience. At the end of the day, that’s really all you have. Can’t tell you how many times I look through my photos at everywhere I’ve been and the experiences I’ve had because of being an IM-er. Hard to put a price on being able to pick-up and go at the drop of a hat, too.
The fact that all we need is a laptop and internet connection to make the magic happen is amazing. You were one of the original gangstas that inspired me to kick-ass on the web. Continued prosperity Michelle. You deserve it
Hi Michelle
Agree, agree, and most definitely if you can do it by choice and not out of necessity. Necessity was me a year ago but I see it now as a blessing in disguise.
Best wishes
Anne
What a wonderful read! I have been going through the same process myself. I decided about a year ago that I only want to own the things that I use on a daily bases. Nothing more!
I often look at the beautiful shoe cabinet I bout that holds all the shoes I never wear and wonder why. I think it will be the last piece of furniture to go since it is such a great reminder. Oh, and the wine cabinet too. silly silly things
I have even considered going as far as getting ride of my car. Now that I work from home it just sits in the garage. But maybe that might be going a little to far.
Always remember Less Is More!
Simplified lifestyle is the way to go. I have trimmed down to two vehicles and can pack everything I own into a backpack if I need to. I
my main tool is the laptop and second the iPhone. Good post. Always more to share when trimming down to what works.
There must be something in the air because today I put my car on Craig’s list and packing boxes to give away everything except what will fit into my backpack and one very small suitcase:)
I’ve been a minimalist for years, and 3 years in one place has always been my calling card. Now it’s time to move on again and the only thing that had my stomach churning was putting that ad up to sell my car.
Where to go? Who knows, the wind and road will tell me when I’m there…it’s an adventure and I’m due one. Have passport, will travel.
LET US KNOW WHERE YOU END UP !
I believe everyone should be forced to move ever 2/3 years – the junk thrown out would put all the furniture stores out of business though LOL. I moved into a new townhouse last weekend – not from a farm – but still from a large house which we’d owned for 12 years but after 3 years overseas living either in a tent or a small apartment we came back to and went – why are we paying to house all this junk!
Shopping isn’t a hobby – its an evil vice which force many people to stay in jobs they hate just to pay for it all! If minimalism catchs on in the US I worried for the future of capitalism (but I don’t think it will
)
Interesting post, Michelle. We chatted before – I have the 4 acres with all the quail. Had a great hatch this year with new ones still coming.
The place is a lot of work but it will be more appreciated now since our kids and granddaughters are moving back in. The economy sucks, but we get the benefit of an extended family instead. The girls trade living over a frozen yogurt shop and two blocks from the pool to having fruit trees outside their door, a garden and room to play.
We’ve all had to shed possessions to make room for another family, but all the amusements are not worth one morning snuggle with your grand daughter. I’m sure your new, closer and more personal relationships be equally valuable.
Now that you’ve offloaded your possessions and down sized your accommodation you likely reduce your income needs, also. Many people not unlike yourself start to invest in passive energy systems, composting toilets, self replicating food gardens, passive architecture, and tap into the massive alternate trading economies around the world. Rich people in Hong Kong grow organic food for themselves and start trading for organic meats, etc. I have lived out of a suitcase for the past 7 years traveling throughout China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand teaching English to children from poor families. I worked as I went but thanks the internet I don’t need to work any more so I can do it for free. The conditions are primitive but the results are astounding. Do you know that an average of 3 children a day are killed in each of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam from unexploded cluster munitions from the Vietnam war and post war retribution by Nixon. Then there’s the 10 or so permanently disabled. Just do the math 1972 to 2010 = 38 years X 365 = 13870 X 3 deaths a day = 41,610 x 3 for the three countries = 124,830. They died but there’s 10 who were and are still being permanently disabled; again the math 13870 X 10 X 3 = 416,100. Then there’s the children of the 2 Million slaughtered by Pol Pot who was installed by the Thais and funded and trained by the CIA. The war that was a started by JFK and the lie by Lyndon Johnson about the US ship being attacked and perpetuated by Nixon. And when they were defeated by mutiny in field, what did they, your government elected by your parents, do? They carpet bombed all three countries with cluster munitions from B52s 3 miles up. If you go there today it’s like stepping back to that time, the feeling in the air the atmosphere of the panic of barely surviving. The apathy of a war 30 years past still prevalent. Sorry to be so down tone but I’ve been there, lived there recently, and well, your talk of downsizing is absurd! Princess Diana was assassinated just before she was about to force the US Pentagon to clean up their war garbage across the world. She was a true Fairy Tale Princess but the BIG BAD BOOGIE MAN took her out just before we ALL got to live happily ever after! Who wants to come with me?
Wow, there must be something going around. A week ago I threw everything in storage, moved out of my apartment and moved to Asia for a while. I’m writing this from a hotel room Lanzhou, China.
For any of you digital nomads thinking of relocating to Lanzhou China (that is if you could find it) just a couple words of warning – No Facebook, No Google, No Wikipedia. But the internet is surprisingly fast and you can get great Chinese food for two for about a buck!
@ Chris – and don’t forget about “No Dropbox” too
I get your drift. Posessions can posess you. But I don’t know if that counts for books, or for paintings, or for a grand piano [ if music is important ], or for any tools of any trade whatever you have a passion for.
All these material goodies are totally ok. Nothing wrong with it. As long as they don’t live you.
simply wonderful.
i wuz beginning to wonder as to when even the *big wigs* would actually *get* what the *real* internet lifestyle is all about
)) very refreshing indeed…
i mean, how much *stuff* does one really need??!!??
nothing against having gear, but a lot is exactly that…BAGGAGE!!!
It is amazing how one’s values change when you have attained/achieved certain goals.
It is a cycle that one goes through. There is nothing wrong to want quantity – get it then to swop it for quality. In fact, it is normal
Awesome read. So true and so helpful. I will start working on these tips right away.
Hi Michelle
Understand were you’re coming from, I am in the process of doing the same thing. I have 5 arces with an orchid that I have planted over the last 3 years and now I find I am a slave to the 5 arces and have no time to enjoy life, so I have bought a block of land in a small coastal town (close to were I live because I love the area) and I will be starting to build in 12 months, so within two years I will be out of here and able to enjoy the things I like to do.
when the boat (of our life) fills with many and useless things, then, is sure,.. it will sink..!!
Great post. We are going through much the same thing… in the opposite direction. We got tired of trying to raise seven children in the middle of a big city in the midst of turmoil and violence. As a pediatric trauma nurse, 12 hours each night watching kids come in as the walking wounded (and worse!) it was destroying me.
Now we have been living in a tiny little house in rural Idaho where I made a career switch to a small rural hospital. We love every minute of it… even though we had to get rid of more than 50% of our possessions and the other 50% isn’t here yet! (two more weeks until hubster can get it up here). I totally get the whole “I am going to love my couch” thing! We’re eating with plates in our laps now, too… have been since mid-May.
But it has been such a great thing. My kids, my husband… nothing else in life truly matters.
In the UK downsizing tends to occur at a later stage in life, when the kids have flown the nest and the large garden becomes a millstone. I guess people here generally have smaller disposable incomes, and don’t acquire so much stuff.
As a nutritionist I have many clients who try to “downsize” their bodies when they realize their mortality and try to turn back the clock. If only people would grasp this point a little earlier in life and stop maxing their meals.
I wish you well in your new home.
Petra
That’s amazing!
I have a yearly “decluttering” session where I throw away lots of stuff so I can imagine that it must feel very liberating.
What John Reese did is even more gutsy.
The only thing I can’t seem to part with are some of my books, but nowadays you get to have a digital library and we have things like the Cloud.
I think it all comes down to what you really want anyhow.. most people think they want all the flash cars and big mansions and flash jewellery but at the end of the day that’s just the image they aspire to.. and not actually what they want..
I have a lot of close friends who do have the very flash sporty cars (porches, mercs, audi tt, bmw) and the huge houses but in all honesty it’s not what I want. I’ll probably upgrade my house in the next year or two but its not the mansion or flash car i’m after it’s just the extra space as the kids are growing up.
Steve
Hi Michelle,
I loved this post and your choice in life! Well done and well written!
The way of thinking that you describe is very similar to what we “digital nomads” or “location independent” people have – we know we can run a business from anywere with an internet connection…and we do it.
In a hope of inspiring others to take the step (and yes, you can do this as a family with kids too, no excuses), I want to recommend 2 of the websites that works as an inspiration for me and many others:
http://locationindependent.com/
http://chrisguillebeau.com/3×5/about-the-project/
Best of luck with all the adventures you’ll embark upon!
Cheers,
Tess
Amen! What a wonderful piece..almost a manifesto. I have been preaching the simplifcation sermon here at my house–a house with 3 generations of stuff keepers. I will share with all of them and will stress how freedom could be enhanced.
Funny I should read this post today – I’m about to head back to Canada, sell up, pack up and settle in Europe after 10 years living happily in Montreal. I’m Canadian and proud to be but I have a European heritage, I know that as I move towards retirement years I would be better in Europe nearer to friends, enjoying the architecture and European culture and I have an elderly mum in the UK.
However I am not going to be in one place, I’m going to be between the UK, Prague (where I will be teaching in on the MBA programmes at Tiffin and at UNYP ), Leiden (I just spent the past 2 months teaching on the MBA program at Webster University and just fell in love with Leiden) and…wherever….. running an internet based business helping people to start and grow their own business.
So I too will be getting rid of a vast number of possessions – that I feel somewhat persecuted by in a way. I still have a load in storage in the UK since going out to Canada – mainly books that I can’t live without (hmmm….).
@Gillian – That’s why I love my Kindle / iPad. The books come with me. There’s something about having them on a shelf to admire, but in the end, it’s not a quality of life issue, you know? I let most of them go.
I was living in New York City when 9/11 happened. That was my first realization that I did not need 99% of the stuff I had. Less than a month after 9/11 I moved to New Orleans. I was very very very slow to accumulate a home full of stuff. It was when I moved to New Orleans I started living on just the basics. My biggest problem was “OTHER PEOPLE” who kept telling me, you have to have this or that or do this or that.
My biggest fight with people was I refused to buy anything I could not pay with cash. To this day I only have one credit card for emergencys only. It seems like I was having the same fight over and over again about my lifestyle. These same people complained over and over and over about their bills and lack of money. Hate to say this because it speaks to the type of people I was associating with but they all had horrible credit.
Several years later Katrina hit New Orleans. I moved back to New York. I have a two bedroom condo which is 60% empty. I have four empty closets!!! People shake their heads but most have come to accept my lack of material stuff. Most theorize it’s my life experience of 9/11 and Katrina. They are right. My friends and co-workers died during 9/11 and Katrina. My views on material stuff changed plenty. My most valuable possession is freedom.
Great post Michelle! It’s weird that a particular issue such as down-sizing or in my case a real need to de-clutter my mind, my PC, my subscriptions come to the fore at the same time…
I am currently like the proverbial rabbit in the headlights – paralysed/fascinated by the headlights coming straight towards me unable, it seems, to take the sensible decision to get out of the way fast and go somewhere safe and sensible…..The de-cluttering process will hopefully cure some of the paralysis/confusion/frustration I feel right now and help me focus on just one way to work for myself in this field without being convinced that everything that appears in the inbox is worth investigating….just in case……know what I mean?
Michelle,
Some people never have the opportunity or the luxury of experiencing what you and your family are going through by choice.
We have all heard the sad stories of people being thrown out of their homes and losing everything they have worked so hard to acquire, but not by choice but by the system. When one makes this same choice out of expediency, then you know there is something else going on. John Reese has done it and now so has Michelle MacPhearson. I call it a wake up call to life.
In their personal way, how many other people are doing it too? I am doing it, not out of shear boredom with so many things that clutter my thoughts and life, but because there are troubles with a 30 year old business which my wife and I own that is going south. We will see if we can save it, but it has made me think about many things that I thought were important to me. Our kids are grown and gone and my wife and I are discovering that we need much less.
My immediate gut reaction has been to question whether I really want to go on with all the complicated nonsense that is required to run a business. Like you, we have had it all – The homes, the private schools – the kids first cars – the exotic trips to everywhere together with all the rest – a “been there done that mentality.” And yet there is a voice inside of me that is asking are you satisfied?
Lately I am discovering that I have never been more satisfied than I am right now despite all the present day problems and decisions we are being forced to make. I feel that a weight is being lifted off my shoulders. My thought processes are much clearer and my focus is as sharp as a razor. At 63 years old, I don’t know what the future holds, but I find it terribly exciting and thought provoking. Ideas are racing through my head and my creative juices are flowing like never before. I have learned from my mistakes and what I want now is very different than what I wanted 25 years ago. Maybe this is the joy that comes with age. Eliminating so many responsibilities is like losing 60 lbs.
Good luck to you, I wish you well.
Carl H.
Wow, thanks for sharing. I found this post VERY interesting! I have a good friend that I worked with that started having great success with his online business. He quit the day job we shared and started working from home and grew his business even faster. He has since sold him home and nearly everything he owned. Then took his family of 4 and moved to Costa Rica… for now. When they have lived their for a year, they’ll decide where they want to live next. They home school their kids. Honestly, I thought he kind of went crazy. But I am noticing this trend. Interestingly enough, we just put an offer an a more expensive home yesterday that will double our square footage and acreage – still about a tenth of your 5 acre lot though.
I do this mostly for my wife though. I spent two years on an LDS mission in South Africa. I’ve lived among some of the poorest people on earth and I can never forget how happy they were. It reminds me of the Forest Gump line, “He said I wouldn’t have to worry about money anymore. That was nice because, y’know, it’s one less thing.”
Recently I’ve been partnering with some people and it’s been stressing me out. I stick with it because of the HOPE that it will pay off. I’m not enjoying it anymore and I don’t get to work on my own sites. This post helps and I think I have a better idea on how to proceed with it now. Thanks again!
BTW, where can I find the John Reese article you mentioned? I’d be curious to read it.
Does everyone just follow the lead or something in Internet Marketing. Maybe when I become successful in the IM lifestyle I will understand. Right now I really can’t this makes absolutely no sense unless your going broke or something.
Michelle,
Thanks for saying (and doing!) what a lot of us are thinking. Most of us just have too much “stuff” and IT keeps us from really developing who we really are!
Great post and even more, great thought!
Wow…. impressive and inspiring.
cheers
Great post Michelle! Thanks for writing about this. Yes, we are thinking the same thing! Should we all consciously realize the time (a non renewable resource for the human being) lost in taking care of the unnecessary and focus only on the truly “essentiasl” of well being, freedom and happiness would power our lives and consequently, the world would be a better place to live in, as “we are the world”.
Take care.
Lately hubby and I have been talking about how much we would love to buy a home in Jamaica and one day move there. I was just telling someone the other day because they were like WHAT? and I said I can work anywhere there is a good Internet connection so that is all I need. It’s actually really exciting to know we will do that one day and even if it might be some time down the road we have been clearing unnecessary things out of the home. The front of the garage is packed full of items for charity like a full sized couch, dining room table/chairs, pictures…the list goes on. There is still a ton to go through but I’m ready to move on from all of it. Now if we currently lived somewhere I could walk or bike to a grocery store, I would give up my new truck in a heart beat!
As for business, I do have a lot to clear out and I’m working on that.
Amazing post!
I love the concept of going minimalist and JR’s post today about ditching everything except what he could stick in his rucksack was inspiring. Great to read about your experience too! Not quite sure how to part with my books though! I can read them on my iPad but the hefty presence of a bookcase laden with books feels like the heart of a house to me
I love this philosophy. I live it already. I have my macbook, and my 3G iPhone ( although I can barely stand to touch it, now that the new one is out.) Have some clothes, suitcase is packed with essentials. ( I would love to say “I’ve got a fast horse, tied with it’s nose to the border”, but I’m in Vancouver, I’m not stepping one foot north of where I am, and the only thing I could use a horse for is food. Excellent post, thanks.
Hi Michelle,
I was wondering the oher day what you have been up to and now I know! What a great post ( and great comments as well ). It’s time for me to get serious about getting rid of a bunch of stuff and your post has given me that little push I needed to get busy and just do it. Hope to hear more from you soon.
I am two weeks ahead of you all. A couple of weeks ago, I told my VAs to stop doing tasks that I saw no return on. It brought their work time down by 2/3rds and now we have more time for more money making tasks.
In addition, every weekend (we clean the house ever Saturday and involve the kids, it is very good for raising responsible children), I think I could do with a smaller house. Now my house isn’t that big, but it is big enough that I would prefer to clean the smaller apartment that we used to have, and I miss it. Then I try to think why we wanted a bigger house, and I still can’t think of better reasons for it now. But the colors I chose to decorate it with and the open space it has is very relaxing and enjoyable. I guess that is a good reason.
But every year, we go through the house and get rid of everything we don’t use anymore and throw a big yard sale. Whatever, we don’t sell we bring to a consignment shop, pawn shop, or charity (in that order).
The process takes about two days, though. One day going through the house and prepping everything, then the next is the sale and dropping everything off. It is best to go through the house and prep the same day, that way you don’t second guess getting rid of something.
The end of the day feels really good.
The bad thing is that afterward, the kids are like “what new toys can we get now”! And then it all starts all over again.
Michelle, Thank you for a great post! I am mired daily in emails from lists that I belong to that “maybe” might help me in business later. Good reminder to clear the decks and help me keep focused. As a CM member, I am moving forward through the boot camp and have yet to enjoy the Internet lifestyle. Looking forward to these types of choices. Would love to be a nomad.
I’m thinkin’ you might be thinking about renting/buying an art studio for a space for material creativity (and marital harmony)!
Great move, I did the same thing about 15yrs ago, moving from New York to Pennsylvania, semi in the middle of nowhere, and never looked back. I have a 1700 square foot townhouse, a good size for townhouses, and I don’t have to beat up my son to shovel, the association does that. Children move on to their own lives, as it should be. Not having to shovel in the winter, and not having to mow a large lawn, is fine with me. The only thing I miss is that it was near the ocean. However, I am still close enough to visit if I want to.
Has to be the way to go. Personal growth is so much more wholistically healthy than the old ‘American Dream’ as we in the UK knew it. Nothing wrong with wealth, but *Freedom is not dependent on it in my experience.
Thanks for introducing this topic.
Great Post. We all reach that time when we decide what do i want. If you havent travelled much . The urge to see the world will hit every one. Now we are In the time when we can work any where and do anything on the net and live free. Its sweet. Congratulations on the epiphany. Visit every waterslide in the world. That would be awsome.
Wow. This seems to be a trend that is growing. I am planning by early next year (after I finish paying debts, etc…) to sell everything I have, get a little bus (Westfalia), a laptop (of course) and see the country. I’ve always wanted to do this and always made excuses in the past why I couldn’t. I can’t wait to start me journey and maybe I’m looking forward to meeting new people and experiences.
Maybe I’ll be able to meet some you.
In itself, I found your post inspiring on a personal level. But coming from an internet marketer, it does raise an integrity issue which I often grapple with myself. Internet marketing is very much about pushing others into amassing possessions (much of it future clutter), or teaching other marketers how to do so. And, so, as internet marketers, we are fueling capitalistic consumerism, with all its loathsome social, environmental and other effects.
This is by no means meant as a personal attack. I am genuinely interested in knowing how your reconcile internet marketing and your enthusiasm for minimalism.
@ Lalo – I don’t think “Internet marketing is very much about pushing others into amassing possessions.”
Don’t see how internet marketers conflict with minimalist – can you elucidate Lalo ? I think a large number of internetters are likely to be minimalists because they want to be fairly location independent.
Everything happens for a reason….Builds strength in character!
Shit, in the late 1980′s, I was living out of my car. I never gave up
trying to catch the wind! Just learned to run faster. In 1999, I became
a co-founder of Cutera. Sometimes its necessary to go backwards before you go forward.
Good Luck!
We all have to much stuff. We want more and more.
are we trying to keep up with the Jones?? lol
Terry
Killer post – loved it! Thanks Michelle – nice to hear this perspective from a rich, successful (money, life, fame, friends, family) online professional!
Cheers, Jon
Great post! At first I thought you took a hit due to the economy.
Living simply truly reduces the physical clutter along with the mental and emotional ties related to them.
You are always an inspiration and a constant reminder to keeping it real.
Hope your furniture arrives soon! ;o)
Peas in a pod. Downsized last year … which was easy for me because I was always rather low maintenance, a quality versus quantity person (resulted in relatively limited consumer possessions), and a bit of a roamer.
Tamara
p.s. See you in CM
Great post. I enjoyed John Reese’s take on it too. To be honest though, I’d just like to accumulate a bit of excess stuff first please before I see the error of my ways and purge it all away.
Michelle:
Your message struck home I have been many things over my 75 years but none of them were called organized.
I signed up for your free software but was so overwhealmed with the hundreds of emails in my box the honey do’s, and everything else that I never got started.
Now you have made it more cleari I need change my email like I have changed mt life.
I found myself divorced after 30 yrs of marriage that got rid of evaeything except my tools (I have a lot of them) and an old motorhome, in my full time travels i found a new wife who is the best thing that ever happened to me.
We live in Lake Havasu City, AZ took our last $10.000.00 and bought a Mfg. Home in a park and are remodeling with those tools as we can afford to. Our total income is SS times two.
I need to learn how to make that online income work and I think you are the one who can to help me (not as a gift) but as a guide.
I get emails from every flake and genuine GURU out there and I can’t sort out who is who, who is realy trying to help and who only wants what ever portion of my income I decide I can part with.
on your lead I am today and probably tomorrow I am going to UNSUBSCRIBE from all of them but you.
I will go back and review everything of yours that I have saved.
and when I have reviewed it I will ask again for kelp sorting it out.
I need to create an income method that I can teach my wife so it will continue when I can’t
Thanks Art
How true! I too downsized 2 years ago from the trappings of a large home and large yard to a townhome. I love to watch the grounds folks care for the grass and landscape and thing to myself, that used to be me! All that responsibility felt like a ball and chain!
As a Professional Organizer for the past 5 years, I watch clients become panic-ed by the thought of letting go of junk, and they spend hours just shifting stuff from one spot to another, so emotionally attached to their stuff. Seeing this every day has changed how I view possessions. It’s just stuff!
I love this quote: “Some of the best things in life aren’t things”
Great post!
You know it is amazing to me that you point this out just exactly as I am also thinking the same things. Years ago I read a book that had a chapter detailing a simple truth: Once you pass a certain point, the things you have OWN YOU, and not the other way around.
I wish I recalled the title of the book, but that must have been 25 years ago now. One thing for sure is that I was in no way wise enough to grasp that concept at the time.
I have had a series of tremendous setbacks recently that resulted in the loss of a great deal of the posessions in my life… and I am recently realizing that with, oh, I don’t know… say 1/3rd what I had, I am STILL drowning in stuff I neither need nor want.
Your advice is awesome, and I plan to follow suit ASAP.
Thanks!
What a wonderful read! I have been going through the same process myself. I decided about a year ago that I only want to own the things that I use on a daily bases. Nothing more!
Funny timing on your very appropriate post.
I’ve been slowly doing the same thing over the past 9 months. I think the realization of how “material” all of our material goods really are is a significant alteration in the typical mindset. In the process of getting things set so I can spend a month in Europe in September and looking at a couple of “mini-retirements” next year for even longer periods (thanks to Tim Ferriss and the 4 Hour Work Week)
-John
What a great post! You have inspired me to get rid of all the unnecessary junk that I will never use. I have a feeling it will be liberating
Its a simple thing o remember…we can’t take it with us when we’re gone. Leaving certain personal stuff for family is one thing, a fortune is another. End of the day, we all want freedom in different ways but how we get it or alter our ideas, mindsets, etc to get it is another
Some very interesting thoughts on this subject – as I am probably older than most on here, I realised years ago that I had to keep downsizing and decluttering, because as I decluttered I seemed to accumulate more, so then I had to get rid of the ‘more’. And now being much older I have to keep it in my head that I won’t always be here and someone else will have to declutter for me when I go – that’s a thought enough to keep me on track. Downsizing and decluttering doesn’t always come easy to everyone, it’s a skill you have to acquire as some of us a hoarders by nature.
I think Chris has found a good solution and it is something I have thought of myself, but the chosen place would be Thailand. Good luck to all you downsizers anyway, and recycle recycle recycle.
Excellent post. My wife of 28 years and I are doing something very similar! We’re selling our home and everything in it except a few prized possessions (antique furniture piece from wife’s grandmother and a few art pieces), and moving to Kauai. We’re not buying a house there – that’s too tied down. We’re just renting a beautiful, small, condo.
That is, indeed, the purpose of the Internet consulting lifestyle. Work anywhere, anytime. And fire the clients who treat you like an employee, because the time you save gets you other clients that appreciate your work.
Hopefully you now live in Santa Cruz. There, all you’ll need is sunscreen
Good for you Michelle.
I just finished cutting 2 acres of lawn so i can imagine what 5 acres was like. I’m also thinking of moving closer to civilization so the kids have more to do but I fear I will miss the country.
“You buy furniture. You tell yourself, this is the last sofa I will ever need in my life. Buy the sofa, then for a couple years you’re satisfied that no matter what goes wrong, at least you’ve got your sofa issue handled. Then the right set of dishes. Then the perfect bed. The drapes. The rug. Then you’re trapped in your lovely nest, and the things you used to own, now they own you.”
~Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club, Chapter 5
Life is about more than possessions and maintenance.
Good on you Michelle!
I’m always amazed by how many words it takes people to say that they have simply Decluttered thier lives.
It’s about time that people in our society find out that less is more. The reality is what your neighbors think about what you have or don’t have doesn’t matter as long as you are happy with what you have.
10 years ago I owned three acres on the lake with a 7 bedroom 3300 sq foot house and all the toys. Now everything I own fits into my car.
Lol, and the back seat is empty.
I’ve alo discovered extended stay motels that have everything I need and I move to a new area frequently. No fuss, no muss and lots of time to do the things I want to do.
Hi Michelle,
Very true and I especially liked the point about how we have to expend mental and physical energy to then look after all the crap we accumulate, it’s crazy!
The frustrating thing is that I’ve been here before and even when you get rid of it all you find yourself slowly getting sucked back in. In 1984 I sold everything I had (which wasn’t much) apart from some clothes and a camera, bought a rucksack and took off travelling. I was gone for two years and managed to get right around the world only working when I had to.
But you know what the really interesting thing was…even though I thought I’d got rid of all my ‘stuff’ at the end of that two years I’d got rid of most of what I set off with in my rucksack. I realised that I needed very little and the sense of freedom I gained was fantastic. I even sold my camera as the responsibility of looking after it and always thinking about getting some good pictures was preventing me from enjoying the moment.
If you can get you head around the fact that the only thing that is real is where you are, what you have and what you are doing right now, then you see the pointlessness of all that ‘stuff’.
I know that’s taking it to extremes but I really did feel so free at the end of those two years so to me it’s a great illustration of what you’re talking about.
I can’t do that now as I’ve got the kids, etc, but the principle is sound and we would all feel better if we thought about this on occasions. It’s the effect on our minds that makes the difference.
Thanks, great article.
Steve
Hi Michelle,
Thank you for such a lovely honest blog post – I feel so great that I am not alone – I too have been on a journey of “lightening my load” and the freedom is amazing.
Email me if you would like me to send you the post I wrote about this a few months ago – thanks
Clodagh
I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for this post. I had a relatively big house and it came with big bills and maintenance. I spent my vacations doing gardening and yard work which was fun at the time but got old fast. Once you simplify you realize these things.
Plus, the bay area rocks … good for you and your family!
Amen. I did the same thing after my husband passed away. I’m not quite there yet but my goal is that all I hold dear should be able to fit in the back of a truck.
Your post shows humility primary factor for a happy life in our troubled century. The phrase “just need an Internet connection” is the soul of professional who came up with the advent of the Internet, and never forget that after reaching the top of financial success, there is no other way forward to go down.
Very good post, Michelle. I met someone in passing that also took this type of thinking to the extreme. I went camping a week at Dixie Caverns Campground in Salem, VA. I met a man who actually lived there year round in his tent. He wasn’t homeless. As a matter of fact he was very well-to-do. The only possession he really had other than his tent was his Saab. That is the way he just chose to live. He even told me how he hosted his family thanksgiving dinner there the year before. During the weekend, I got to meet some of his family. It was a unique experience.
Hi Michelle,
Good for you. That is awesome. I remember how depressed I was after my wife and I purchased our first refrigerator. I was depressed because I knew from this time on…. I could no longer throw things in the car and go.
Yip, I was now a big possession owner and the only way to move was going to be renting uHauls or hiring moving people.
I still hate stuff. I once heard: “The more stuff that you have, the more you have to worry about”.
Don’t get me wrong Michelle, I love my Mac computer, I love the paintings that I have painted. But really, what do we need?
You have just experienced a great life lesson and looks like you passed with flying colors.
What part of the Bay area are you in?
Hope your furniture has arrived by now and you are in a very comfortable seat reading this post.
Best,
Rob
@Rob – We’re in Petaluma now an loving it! Unfortunately, no furniture yet!
Hi Michelle
Great post and it just goes to show how our priorities change over time. For me I am still trying to get to the stage of being self sufficient away from the JOB.
Once I am I will be reflecting on your thoughts above.
When we moved from our home to another country the first order of business was to declutter. Turns out we didn’t need all the junk that we had accumulated.
I’d like to purge my wife and kids, or is that going too far?
Thanks for the post. I’m downgrading ATM it’s painful but in some ways refreshing.
Dan
Hey Michelle, Every now and then I have a throw out. There’s something so liberating about it. I tend to be one of those who throws out and sometimes wonder whatever happened to such an item down the road a little. Being without furniture for your family however is a whole other thing huh! But you have the right attitude, why sweat the small stuff when so much worse could be our lot.
Great post – we already live in a smallish house (2 adults & 2 kids). When ever we start thinking the house is too small, we spend some time in our caravan…. then our house seems much bigger. Simplicity and “making do” really do help us to appreciate all we have.
Really great article…I had to cut out a lot of stuff a year ago when I went back to school and it was really cleansing.
This works with adwords as well. I did a video blog a little while ago about this.
Michelle, fantastic share
Cheers,
Mukul
Hey Michelle, this is fantastic post.
that old saying money doesn’t bring happiness is true but only those can say who have experienced it and made a conscious choice about it. It seems like a normal growth process for everyone to want things we don’t have and once you have them you often realize you don’t want them any longer.
its great to see you have developed higher values in life! Its a an excellent example to all your students and people who’s life’s you influence! thank you!
Great post Michelle. Besides being an expert IM, you seem to find well your way into the hot topic of sustainability, since smaller houses need less energy, and less things in your life will end up by freeing you for more productive ventures. As they say, a rich person is not one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.
Excellent post!
Definitely food for thought. This post is timely for me (followed it over from Lynn Terry’s blog). I just today cleaned out my walk in closet and ‘stuff’ in the house. Came away with 8 bags of clothes, 2 garbage bags and 1 box of stuff. I’ve also got a HUGE desk in my living room that I currently work from but I’ve been threatening again and again to get rid of and just work from a good laptop.
I think the most ‘stuff’ you have in your house too the more distracted you are as it has to be kept in it’s ‘place’ or drive you crazy being out and messy. Anyway, I’ve decided: I’m getting rid of this massive desk. At the very least I’m going to use the ‘other’ desk which is half the size and work my way down from there.
Thanks for the inspiring post!