Day 1--Making a Start

What have I done on today's journey?

1. I made a list--the reasons I want to simplify.

2. Off the internet...
And, as part of Lent, but it works here too,
I've required myself to be OFF of a particular quite time consuming social media website
for 12 hours straight in the day time, every day
I made a chart to track that I do it
(just 55 minutes to go now...I think I'll make it for day 1)

Then I ran into some opportunities
And felt the pull
Get rid of it or not
All those pyjamas that I haven't worn for AGES
It would be easier if I had someone I could give them to
Or something that could be done with the fabric at least
Worst case scenario--old ladies rip them apart to make up the layers of the cloth-soled shoes they make
But I was told--they aren't making them any more
All I'll be able to do is--dump them in the garbage
Ah...what a waste!
But...what a waste when they sit here cluttering up my closet
Taking time and space and energy

Then...she expressed her frustration with her cell phone
Her old one broke and someone gave her this one
But the ring is too quiet
And the characters are small
I...have an extra cell phone
Not even used that much actually
Before I switched to a smart phone
But you know, I want to keep it
It was really good for texting
And...
Just in case...
Ah, the excuses
All the reasons I get in such a mess

I must break the habit
Break the thinking
Break the ties
The selfishness
The worry
That I won't have enough
That I'll regret...
(Is that what it is? What am I worried about anyway?
What holds me back?)

So...
3. I'm junking the pyjamas (4 sets--we won't yet say this really deals with ALL of the pyjamas in my closet...no, not yet down to minimal, just get rid of the stuff I don't use)

4. I'm giving away the cell phone

5. Random Junking!
I'm going to go around my house, and pile a bunch of other stuff by the door too. Tomorrow someone is coming to help with the cleaning...she'll take it out.

• the pretty papers that wrapped the roses
• the great box that the cherries came in (must be good to story something?)--unless I can find an immediate use for it
• other junk and jars and useless things...let's see what I can find.

6. I started filing the finance pile. And I discovered something great--I had ALREADY significantly cleared out my filing drawers in the fall. There is a place already prepared for them. It's a good thing--there is more than a year's worth. A little more than just filing is needed--a little bit of printing and arranging, but not much...

Celebrate! 
I'm doing it.
I got rid of some stuff today!
I'm going to do this!