What do I value? What is important to me? How do I want to spend my time? What makes me happy? These seem like questions that should not be difficult to answer after 40 years. How many times in my life have I muttered the words, "I wish I was the kind of person who..."
- watched less TV.
- was part of a book club.
- had more girl friends.
- did yoga and meditated.
- cooked simple healthy meals.
- loved my job.
- had an organized house.
- was a gardener.
- spent more time outside
- camped and hiked frequently.
- had pet rabbits.
- played an instrument.
- could leave my work at work.
- lived only in the present.
- could manage my finances and be debt free.
- was good at home remodeling/repair.
- made my own bread.
- liked to run.
- played tennis.
- was o.k. with conflict
- was a morning person.
- still spoke French
- had time to improve my photography.
- valued experiences over things.
- lived in a university town.
- traveled extensively.
- was more patient with myself and those around me.
- was more proficient with technology.
The list could go on and on. What I've come to realize is that I do have some control over this list. I don't have to wish to be any way...I could actually choose to become who I want to be. But before I can do that, I have to make some changes. I have to discover which of the things on my 40 year long list are still important to me. Which things will enhance my life and that of my family by bringing me joy and making me a stronger more content person.
Thus, my urge to simplify my physical world, in the hope that cleaning out and organizing my literal environment will help me clear my metaphorical space, enlighten my mind and make clear my path to contentment.
Wish me luck...and God bless my family because, like it or not, they are on this journey with me. They just don't know it yet!
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