A story of Redemption rather than a story of Perfection.

In 2018-2019, I experienced major heartbreak and darkness. It was shocking. My family and I are still feeling the impact many months later. There has continued to be a ripple effect of new-normals that have been painful, alongside re-injuries that happen when dealing with relationships and human beings. The details may stay muted, but in time, everyone will know a fuller story.

I share this pain, not for sympathy, but because I want to offer a glimpse of how I've gone through the pain and disappointment. Life does not necessarily turn out how we would like it to be. When we do a 5 or 10 year plan, there is so much that is out of our control and variables we will never see. The plot twists, diagnoses, betrayals, side-conversations, broken friendships, misunderstandings, weight of the world and I could go on.

But as I am learning, I'd rather see a story of redemption rather than a story of perfection. I'd rather replace the habit of mindlessly consuming with the practice of creating. I'd rather contribute beauty to this world than give out bitterness.

The Courage to Let Go begins with the Willingness to Walk-Away
The Problem is Never the Things rather the Problem is our Attachment to Things

Letting Go Series :: Questions to Ask

How do we learn to live confidently without the material things we’ve convinced ourselves we need? 

How do we live a more intentional and rewarding life? 

How do we learn to reset our priorities? 

How do we transform the way we look at ourselves? 

How do we get what we want out of life?

~ The Minimalists

How would life look if we walk gently into our next right thing with kindness toward others and also ourselves?

How about we pay attention to what brings life and what drains life?

What are we grateful for and what makes up our days? 

What if we pay attention to what we're learning?

What do we hope for?

What are our most important decisions to be made?

~ Adapted from Emily P. Freeman's "A Simple Way to Journal in 2021" Email

                            

Letting Go Series :: STUFF

I wrote this list in 2017.

In the Fall of 2014 I read "7: A Mutiny Against Excess" by Jen Hatmaker and Jesus opened my eyes wide open to my obsession with stuff, documenting life and emotional attachments to things. I longed to be rid of so many of my attachments that were holding me back and keeping me from God's leading. DISTRACTIONS REALLY. In 2015 and 2016 I remember reading about The Minimalists and their perspective on "stuff" and what brings us "value" in this life. It intrigued me and helped motivate me to let go of many possessions. In 2017 I read Marie Kondo's books and then later went through "Soul Simplicity" by Courtney Carver and "The More of Less" by Joshua Becker as well as in 2018 "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning" by Margareta Magnusson. I had worked to get rid of a lot of stuff I had been holding onto for 20+ years including childhood items. In 2019 we moved and literally, got rid of half of our house (it was a vision of mine to do that and with moving, we finally did it)...but it was very hard. "Our possessions possess us. This is how we let go. If a thing stops adding value, sell it. If it doesn't sell in a week, lower the price. If it doesn't sell in 30 days, donate it. If a donation place doesn't accept, recycle it. If it can't be recycled, trash it (as a last resort). Once we let go, we're able to move on."

More essays, podcasts, and resources at Minimalists.com.