Wednesday, July 3, 2013

summer intentions | less of this and more of that


Confession:

Okay, so remember a month ago when I posted about wanting to cut down on clutter in the apartment? Well, I still haven't made much progress. Here come the excuses - brace yourselves! I've been either hosting guests (both family & friends) or away for each of the last 4-5 weekends. This doesn't exactly leave me with much energy during weeknights to decide whether or not I can live without my flower-y boxer shorts from high school. Spoiler alert: I can't!

Sometimes when people try to live with less, others tend to focus on what they're doing without, what they're giving up. We're not buying anymore clothes. Spending freeze. Less is more. Give it away! Purge it ALL. This man only owns 55 things. No really, he does. 


But at its core, minimalism is centered on what you gain. It's about having more. For me, the desire to get rid of some stuff and monitor what comes into my apartment comes from wanting more space, physically and mentally. I'm easily distracted - especially by shiny and/or sparkly things - and so leaving room for some empty space in my home leaves me room to think and create. To spread o u t but also to get out. Less stuff in a smaller home means less time spent cleaning/organizing and more time doing. And I don't know about you, but I'd rather be free to gallivant around on an unusually nice day instead of trying to make sense of pile of clothes ready to morph into a blob of some sort. 

In keeping with this theme, I made a list (surprise!) of what I want less of this summer and this lead to another list of what I want more of. Want to see?



Do any of you ever feel that wanting less leads you experience more? What do you want to do more of this summer? Read, swim, craft, travel? I'd love to know.

As always, thanks for reading.

xx Janelle

24 comments:

  1. You've inspired me, as always :) I need to make a less/more list myself now! Thanks Janelle <3

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  2. I want more outdoor time too! I spent an hour reading on the balcony last night and it was amazing, plus walking the dog gets me out more now these days too! However, I want more more more outdoor time, more eating healthy (hard to give up the cookies) and more exercise! I want less time at work and less stress! ... Oh and more money... heehee

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    1. Oh, the cookies! And less stress sounds great. Have you tried yoga? It doesn't really do it for me, but other people seem to like it...

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  3. We always spend as much time outdoors as possible and we do it every year - the kids stuff is unplugged all Summer and we keep a "bucket list" of outdoor activities to keep us busy!

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    1. Great ideas! I'm all for making summer bucket lists too. I should share mine, but I don't want my posts to get too listy - if there is such a thing. Haha.

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  4. Such a wonderful point. After 4 moves in a year and landing in a 600 square foot cottage, we've been forced to simplify IMMENSELY. It's done wonders for our stress level!

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    1. I'm happy to hear that! 4 moves is a lot to go through...

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  5. I want to enjoy more outdoor in the summer. Lately, with the kid, I send her and husband out so I can do stuff in the house. No fair, to me. I also need activity outside. But I am trying to delegate more this year he he he

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  6. I tend to get stuck always doing the things I "have" to do, rather than getting out and doing the things I "want" to do. Bad plan - I will be changing that up this summer!

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  7. I like this idea! I want to have more Bike Rides, and Beaches, and Bathing Suits!

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  8. Perfect goals! :) Simplicity and minimalism are wonderful things.

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  9. yay for "more confidence!"
    I want to travel more this summer!
    :) Liz @ www.rusticpeach.com

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  10. I was just thinking about this same thing yesterday. I don't have a lot of clutter, but there are definitely those things that sit in closets for years without any use. The recent floods in my area had me looking through the house and donating anything I really wasn't using. I doubt I'll miss any of it! Love your "more of" list!

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    1. I'm sorry you were near the floods! Hope you didn't get it bad. I'm sure you won't miss the things you donated either :)

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  11. I REALLY love this, Janelle! This is something that my boyfriend has really helped me with. Getting rid of clutter - both in my home and just in my life! Filling that space with positivity instead of just "things". :) This summer I want less perfectionism and more living in the moment!

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    1. Great goal - I could definitely use less perfectionism too. Thanks for the reminder!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. Your little notes always make my day!