Introduction (Jessica Butler)

Keeping it simple for me has turned out to be about following my heart. Several years ago I remember feeling chronically overwhelmed and realized that everywhere I looked there was an unfinished idea, a book to read, a task or project to be started or completed. I was sick- again. I was tired. I was overloaded. I took it very seriously and started the process of simplifying both my space and my time in earnest. Up to that point I had been a simplicity dabbler- one who read simplicity books and implemented strategies here and there, not really thinking about the overall picture I was trying to create but definitely intrigued by both the freedom and peace simplicity seemed to offer. I had already gotten rid of several boxes of books, given away knickknacks, unused clothing, duplicate dishes... I wanted at the very least for our *stuff* to fit into our home.

When I began simplifying in earnest I started looking at my time as well as my space. I took out everything extraneous in an attempt to get back to the basics. I cut out nail painting, earrings, bird feeding, extra houseplants suffering from drought in the corner, to name a few. I cut out fiction. I toted boxes and boxes of books to the bookstore to sell, to the library to donate, to the thrift store- to come take it away for me! My clothing dwindled to only clothes I felt good in. My mantra was- there is always more stuff and I can handle what happens if I regret giving this up. As for my time? I can always add it back in if I miss it!

I gave up things I loved. Really loved. I stopped planting flowers. I ripped out unfinished knitting projects. I quit making jam one summer. Anything. Everything that became too much to do, whose flavor was overwhelm rather than inspire, was out. Nothing was too sacred. I was brutal. I was also feeling more spacious.

This blog comes to me at a time when I have begun to feel the slightest bit of overwhelm creeping back into my life. Perhaps it is springtime, a time for new ideas, a time to make room for fresh inspiration. I have been at this process long enough now to know that something probably needs to go. Shake things up. I will start where I always start- my closet, the garage, the bathroom drawers... I trust the de-cluttering process will lead me deeper into my life, pointing out other areas that need loosening up, clearing out. My challenge for April is to find at least one thing that I have been spending my time or my thoughts on that I am doing out of obligation or habit and either find a way to do it joyfully or drop it. Keep it simple. Keep it light.

I look forward to being a part of this community at KISS, following the flow that simplicity takes in each of our lives. You can see what else I am up to at http://musingsofapracticingmomma.blogspot.com/.