Those of you who have been reading my posts about getting out of debt and giving up the shield of possessions probably think that I have been a hunt for nirvana and have been meditating by some stream feeling the spirits tell me to reject consumerism and embrace pure simple living. Although I have been thinking a lot, I have been just living life.

As an observer, I am observing those around me, what seems to matter to them and the joy they derive from it, or the stress they derive from it. I am watching my children grow and observing what matters to them. I am reading other blogs by wonderful grounded, simple women who are trying to get back to basics. And I am reading books about canning, gardening, organics, and nutrition, that remind me of my childhood in the country; a time of simple living.

I realize now that simple living is such a backwards concept to what most think of as the perfect American suburban lifestyle.

A concept where: Less is More, Fewer is Fuller, and Love is Felt Not Had — really resonates with me.

When I was single, living in an efficiency apartment in the city I had to carry everything I purchased. Because there was only me, I knew every posession I owned. Now with a two story home with a finished basement, I have too much stuff to remember and I feel out of control. Out of sight out of mind. I don’t even use half of what I own on a regular basis.

Knowing that I had possessions stored away, color coded, filed, ordered and organized used to make me feel worth something. “I owned something of worth.” I was probably a bit of a hoarder. Now, seeing my cabinets, drawers, pantry, bins, shelves, and storage area overflowing with stuff makes me feel heavy, stressed, burdened and dirty. I want to feel fresh, clean, efficient, and unhindered.

So, what have I been doing about it. I am a person of action. If there is something to be done, don’t delay, just do it! (Oh, wait isn’t that Nike?) I decided to donate (or sell) all the items in my household we don’t use. That means, I am going through all of our belongings, in every nook and cranny, (even on our walls and on our floors), critically and ruthlessly assessing them and asking:

• Is this item essential to our well-being as a family?
• Is there no other simpler, greener, healthier substitute?
• Does this item bring our family joy?

If the answer is “yes” to all three questions, the item stays. If the answer is “no” to any question, the item is donated. (You ask, what if the item is essential but doesn’t bring you joy? We will have to find a substitute item that serves the essential function but does bring our family joy.)

I started by sorting the kids toys. I plan to sort through our spice rack, freezers, fridge, and pantry, kitchen items, storage room, linen closets, vanities, CDs, DVDs, papers, clothing, and books.

Before I was afraid of throwing things away because it was like I was throwing money in the trash. Now I realize that the money is already spent and I am not getting it back. I am not reaping any benefit because I am not using the stuff I bought. In fact, I am feeling weighed down by all the stuff. So the stuff should go out of my home and find a new home with someone who needs it.

Do you feel weighed down by possessions? Do you feel clutter is surrounding you? Are you making your way toward a simpler life? Do you have any tips for me as I start to purge my unused, forgotten, and unwanted possessions? Leave a comment and share your thoughts on getting back to basics.

Here are some articles about simple living that inspired me:

:: Simple Mom’s Back to Basics series

:: Organizing Your Way Minimalism Our Way

:: Future House Farm And We’re Back – I am just drooling over their garden…in very suburban confines I might add.