Use It - Discard, don’t Store It

Embrace Restraint for Productivity & Sustainability

From Clutter to Clarity

Our lives are surrounded by Things. Unused possessions, digital tools, apps, outdated appliances, multiple devices, clothes, shoes, household chachkies and toys galore – the list is endless. Human beings easily form an attachment to stuff. It defines them, fashions their personality, presents their worth to the world and layers on the much needed sheen to their innate nature. The way we are have been insidiously nurtured by the materialistic, worldly society that values stuff over sustenance.

The majority of us succumb to the latest trends, spurred by enticing advertising, social media allure, lured by bargains and the promise dished out by glamorous role models. Even as we race down this covetous path, safe in the knowledge that we are keeping up with our peers, our storage spaces are overflowing, we spend more time looking for stuff, rather than enjoy them. In doing so, has morphed another breed of de-clutter and organizing experts who promise to swoop in and help us “clear up” our Lives.

An average American home stocks 300,000 items of which almost 80% remains unused. If that staggering statistic is not overwhelming enough, more than 40 % of the average household are swamped in clutter. Let’s step back and absorb this for a minute.

The Art of Living Life to the Fullest

It is time to adopt the simple but effective mantra: use what you own or let it go. In other words, declutter your Life and the Planet. As I evaluate and embrace this concept, I recognize the philosophy is more far reaching. Not mere physically decluttering of physical spaces and possessions, but also utilizing time effectively. There are tools that can weave minimalist philosophy, productivity and sustainability living. We can also take it a step further and encircle eco conscious living.

Let’s examine what this means in our everyday Life:

·         A commitment to discard or repurpose items which are actively contributing in every area of your home and work. The “maybe” rule does not apply here.

·         Community sharing – rental, borrow or gift-cycling items instead of buying them , especially for larger events

·         Why your closet should not be a Storage Unit – review regularly every season. Apply the “one in, two out rule”.

·         Apply it digitally too – download only the productivity tools you use – one unified app beats multiple, scattered tools.

·         The guiding principle is to remember that physical and mental clutter drains focus and energy: minimalism helps sharpen clarity and productivity.

·         Such a Lifestyle creates a larger awareness about the Environment, Planet. That less waste and lower carbon footprint accounts for a more sustained and aligned lifestyle.

Evolve a system, create a Universe

Eventually this filters to all aspects of our Life, questioning our purchases, witling down our shopping habits. Becoming comfortable with white spaces, and the concept of own less, live more.  Once we escape the myth inculcated by Modern society that the good Life is found in accumulating things – we realize that happiness cannot be purchased at a Department Store.  Instead we need to value relationships and experiences and derive happiness from them. It is a freedom from the passion to possess.

Dear Readers, are you drawn to a more abundant life? What’s the one item you have been meaning to use instead of store? Could you give away one item a week? Do share your own tips and stories. This is a call to seek happiness elsewhere. A reminder to be grateful and seek an abundant life even as we step off the treadmill of consumerism. Let’s create a movement.

We are stronger together