Let it GO! Decluttering (simplifying) your life of (people, places or things) success stories?

NewLIFEstyle4ME

Decluttering and throwing away or giving away the multitudes of "stuff" I have or have had for years (without using) is really helping me so much in this weight loss mind-set. What I'm doing is, ANYTHING I have, that I haven't used in 2 years or more...OUT IT GOES. Now this isn't as easy as it sounds, but as I'm downsizing my body, I'm finding tossing (or giving away) stuff that I may have an abundance of (like candles, perfumes/beauty & hair care products, books and just plain STUFF) is soooooo freeing! A lot of "STUFF" I'm getting rid of is stuff that I thought I could sell and could sell, but that is a TRAP (for me) to getting even more stuff and selling stuff is a bother/troublesome to me. I find that giving away "STUFF" instead of selling it is helping me "snap out of buying more STUFF" and helps me to not bring/buy any more STUFF (which helps me save money and time) and just use and be content with what I already have--I LOVE THAT.

I think collecting/buying more and more or having a lot of STUFF has a direct correlation with being overweight or obese. Just as it takes time and practice to walk in self-control and portion control in my eating, getting rid of stuff and decluttering in general was HARD for me at first, but gets easier and easier as I practice it. Living more simply and more minimalist is immediately rewarding, because my atmosphere become more beautiful and simple and that helps me mentally/spiritually and cleaning is exercise for me as well--it's now becoming FUN and COOL to neater and more organized! I'm NOT talking about anything weird like going overboard in cleaning and decluttering, just changing my lifestyle of having excess in my home AND on/in my body (fat).



Also, de-cluttering my life of toxic people and places (places that encourages/"triggers" me to over indulge in STUFF) is also a LOT like decluttering/simplifying my life of excess and "messy" stuff (junk and even really nice things, but things that I haven't and probably will never use and is just sitting around collecting the dreaded DUST). Cutting off and/or minimizing contact with yucky people who, like clutter...maybe nice and seemingly important to me, but are hindering me in various ways is also soooo freeing. Again, like getting rid of formerly important things, but things that are keeping my life and home filled with "mess/messiness/unnecessary problems and stress", ridding myself of people who are just not good for me to associate with is and can be REALLY difficult--but it's so doable and can and is being done, period. How? as I face the truth AND forsake any and ALL fears of loss of a relationship(s), hurt feelings, etc. I've discovered that like most fears, it isn't nearly as "scary" as I also believed. Also, ridding myself of these folks using REAL love/gentleness/kindness/forgiveness and with total FEARLESSNESS and with a I MEAN BUSINESS attitude is soooo much easier than I thought it would be. Getting rid of (or minimizing contact with ) toxic and troublesome people out of my life is TRULY so very freeing too.

If you have any Let it GO! Decluttering (simplifying) your life of (people, places or things) success stories to share, I think it will/may help encourage and inspire so many people here. Pls. do share!

NicoleVT83

I really enjoyed reading this! Thanks

barbp7

I can definitely identify with your post. Being a clutter-bug has been a lifelong struggle, same as my weight. Don't have any tips yet, but I hope to be going through my clothes closet after a few more pounds. Struggling to decide if I should get rid of the too-big clothes. Hard to let go of anything. Ya never know when ya might need it

barbp7

I know, that's a bad attitude. I will really try to get rid of those too big clothes!!

GemstoneofHeart

Hmm, you might be on to something. About a year ago, I did exactly this. I decluttered so much. I have lost 50 pounds since then.

ladyreva78

I started to radically clean up my life 2 years ago.

- first I got rid of all those books I was never going to read again. (That's a good 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down). Because, let's get honest, they were just collecting dust on my shelves, in my closet, under my bed, piled up against the wall. Pretty much in any free space there were books. I was feeling guilty for neglecting them so badly. So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those pretty clothes from when I was slim and thin. (that's another 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down.) Because, let's get honest, they were just getting moldy in boxes and in the back of my closet. Pretty much in any free space not taken up by books. I was feeling guilty for having failed so badly at taking care of myself that I was 50kg overweight from when I fit into them (a very brief period of my life.) So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those beautiful (and some not so beautiful) collectibles I was given through out my life. (that's another 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down.) Because, let's get honest, they were just collecting dust and chiding me for not honoring them better. Someone went through the trouble of giving them to me, and I considered them more as interlopers that had no place in my life. I was feeling guilty for not loving them better. So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those fantasy mes that were never going to be me. (That's a good 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down). Because, let's get honest, I am never going to be a world class seamstress. Or painter. Or Scrapbooker. Or a weekend skier. I was feeling guilty for all those supplies and all that equipment laying around reminding me of the person I thought I wanted to be. So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those toxic relationships that were slowly killing me (That's several times 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down). Because, let's get honest, I was never going to get anything useful out of those. First and foremost my former boss and employer. Blood sucking leeches that were killing my by the gram. I was feeling guilty for not being the person who could deal with all the crap they kept on throwing at me. So I let them go.

- next (together with those toxic relationships) I got rid of the alcohol (that's 1.5 kg I'm not going to lose. That much more life quality not slipping through my fingers). Because, let's get honest, I do not want to divorce from my liver. I happen to like having it detox my body and metabolize fat and carbs. I was feeling guilty for not taking better care of myself. So I let it go.

- next I got rid of foods I do not like. (that's another 35 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down.) Because, let's get honest, I wasn't going to eat them for that little rest of forever granted to me, so I was going to fail again and again at losing and maintaining that loss. I thought I had to eat a certain way to be healthy - a way that wasn't keeping my satiated (mentally and physically). I also got rid of excessive serving sizes and every day desserts (Still have that dessert 2-3 times a week now ). Things that weren't painful to me. I've let them go, and I'm healthier for it. I'm down 35 kg and slowly inching closer to my goal of -50 kg.

By cleaning up my life and figuring out for myself how I wanted to live my life (not how society wanted me to live my life. Or my parents. Or my siblings. Or my friends. Or all those people I know), I finally found the mental reserves to also take care of my health and lose the weight I need to lose to get my health in order.

NewLIFEstyle4ME

ladyreva78 wrote: »

I started to radically clean up my life 2 years ago.

- first I got rid of all those books I was never going to read again. (That's a good 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down). Because, let's get honest, they were just collecting dust on my shelves, in my closet, under my bed, piled up against the wall. Pretty much in any free space there were books. I was feeling guilty for neglecting them so badly. So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those pretty clothes from when I was slim and thin. (that's another 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down.) Because, let's get honest, they were just getting moldy in boxes and in the back of my closet. Pretty much in any free space not taken up by books. I was feeling guilty for having failed so badly at taking care of myself that I was 50kg overweight from when I fit into them (a very brief period of my life.) So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those beautiful (and some not so beautiful) collectibles I was given through out my life. (that's another 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down.) Because, let's get honest, they were just collecting dust and chiding me for not honoring them better. Someone went through the trouble of giving them to me, and I considered them more as interlopers that had no place in my life. I was feeling guilty for not loving them better. So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those fantasy mes that were never going to be me. (That's a good 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down). Because, let's get honest, I am never going to be a world class seamstress. Or painter. Or Scrapbooker. Or a weekend skier. I was feeling guilty for all those supplies and all that equipment laying around reminding me of the person I thought I wanted to be. So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those toxic relationships that were slowly killing me (That's several times 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down). Because, let's get honest, I was never going to get anything useful out of those. First and foremost my former boss and employer. Blood sucking leeches that were killing my by the gram. I was feeling guilty for not being the person who could deal with all the crap they kept on throwing at me. So I let them go.

- next (together with those toxic relationships) I got rid of the alcohol (that's 1.5 kg I'm not going to lose. That much more life quality not slipping through my fingers). Because, let's get honest, I do not want to divorce from my liver. I happen to like having it detox my body and metabolize fat and carbs. I was feeling guilty for not taking better care of myself. So I let it go.

- next I got rid of foods I do not like. (that's another 35 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down.) Because, let's get honest, I wasn't going to eat them for that little rest of forever granted to me, so I was going to fail again and again at losing and maintaining that loss. I thought I had to eat a certain way to be healthy - a way that wasn't keeping my satiated (mentally and physically). I also got rid of excessive serving sizes and every day desserts (Still have that dessert 2-3 times a week now ). Things that weren't painful to me. I've let them go, and I'm healthier for it. I'm down 35 kg and slowly inching closer to my goal of -50 kg.

By cleaning up my life and figuring out for myself how I wanted to live my life (not how society wanted me to live my life. Or my parents. Or my siblings. Or my friends. Or all those people I know), I finally found the mental reserves to also take care of my health and lose the weight I need to lose to get my health in order.

W W Reading your post was like lovely and refreshing stroll thru a super beautiful place filled with wonderful sunshine and fabulous fresh air for/to me! What an eye-opening/thought provoking, delightful and COOL AND FUN post you've shared..I LOVE IT. You've also inspired me to get rid of even more books (that I've already read and won't be reading again--BOOM)!

Thank you ever so VERY much for taking the time and care to reply...YOU ROCK, period.





P.S.

NewLIFEstyle4ME

NicoleVT83 wrote: »

I really enjoyed reading this! Thanks

My pleasure and I'm so GLAD you enjoyed the post. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply.
{{{ HUGS }}}

NewLIFEstyle4ME

barbp7 wrote: »

I can definitely identify with your post. Being a clutter-bug has been a lifelong struggle, same as my weight. Don't have any tips yet, but I hope to be going through my clothes closet after a few more pounds. Struggling to decide if I should get rid of the too-big clothes. Hard to let go of anything. Ya never know when ya might need it

barbp7 wrote: »

I know, that's a bad attitude. I will really try to get rid of those too big clothes!!

{{{{ HUGS }}}}} I so can relate to the "thought/mind-set" of "Hard to let go of anything. Ya never know when ya might need it" . That line of thinking held me "captive" for more years than I care to recall. This "struggle" of letting "stuff" go was for me VERY much akin to this weight loss/healthy living and daily choices lifestyle--wow, some of the exact same "feelings". The super good news is, "practice makes better (not necessarily perfect, but BETTER--boom)" and "what doesn't kill you WILL make you stronger". Once I got rid of my larger clothes, something marvelous happened...the "fear" of holding on to "stuff" got weaker in me and inspired me to "see" how much "stuff" I had that was just not "cool nor fun" to see nor have anymore. That got me going and I'm so GLAD it did. It's strange how letting go of "stuff", old destructive habits, and the things written here on this thread...how "liberating AND uplifting" you and your environment become.

Also, the old saying of "old habits die hard" is (or at the very least--can be) true...if you accept it. Once one gets "sick and tire of being controlled by "stuff/people, places and things" and even our own rotten attitudes and bad habits--BAM! The light comes on and exposes the darkness of clutter, over-indulgences in all kinds of stuff (including but not limited to food/drinks), excess in general becomes a "turn-off" so to speak. It's taken us years to develop and "feed" the mind-sets and lifestyles that we've grown accustomed to (that has gotten us overweight/obese/in debt/living with clutter and mess, etc.) and it will take time (sometimes) to change. Little by little, inch by inch, day by day a little here a little there changes makes for some tremendous changes. Lastly...changes/changing/change is both COOL and FUN--boom!

Thanks so much for your contribution to this thread...you ROCK, period.

jrowden0711

It's funny that I am reading this now. I actually just spent the evening trying on clothes and bagging up the ones that don't fit anymore so I can donate them. I have been maintaining my weight for a bit now and didn't see any reason to keep clothes that were too big and served no purpose. It felt good to declutter my closet and felt like I was accepting this body I have worked for and the person I have become. The only downside is my closet is a bit bare and my winter clothes selection needs beefing up a bit.

ladyreva78

jrowden0711 wrote: »

It's funny that I am reading this now. I actually just spent the evening trying on clothes and bagging up the ones that don't fit anymore so I can donate them. I have been maintaining my weight for a bit now and didn't see any reason to keep clothes that were too big and served no purpose. It felt good to declutter my closet and felt like I was accepting this body I have worked for and the person I have become. The only downside is my closet is a bit bare and my winter clothes selection needs beefing up a bit.

Is that really a downside?

But actually, I feel your pain. My winter clothes are on the edge of being too big. I simply have no intention of replacing them this season. It's bad enough I'll need new spring/summer wear next year. If you need to replace something, take the time to figure out what you have and what you could potentially do without. Then only buy those things you know you won't get around (like those nice cosy woolen sweaters I bought last year. I swear I'm alsways freezing!)

ladyreva78

NewLIFEstyle4ME wrote: »

ladyreva78 wrote: »

I started to radically clean up my life 2 years ago.

- first I got rid of all those books I was never going to read again. (That's a good 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down). Because, let's get honest, they were just collecting dust on my shelves, in my closet, under my bed, piled up against the wall. Pretty much in any free space there were books. I was feeling guilty for neglecting them so badly. So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those pretty clothes from when I was slim and thin. (that's another 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down.) Because, let's get honest, they were just getting moldy in boxes and in the back of my closet. Pretty much in any free space not taken up by books. I was feeling guilty for having failed so badly at taking care of myself that I was 50kg overweight from when I fit into them (a very brief period of my life.) So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those beautiful (and some not so beautiful) collectibles I was given through out my life. (that's another 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down.) Because, let's get honest, they were just collecting dust and chiding me for not honoring them better. Someone went through the trouble of giving them to me, and I considered them more as interlopers that had no place in my life. I was feeling guilty for not loving them better. So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those fantasy mes that were never going to be me. (That's a good 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down). Because, let's get honest, I am never going to be a world class seamstress. Or painter. Or Scrapbooker. Or a weekend skier. I was feeling guilty for all those supplies and all that equipment laying around reminding me of the person I thought I wanted to be. So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those toxic relationships that were slowly killing me (That's several times 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down). Because, let's get honest, I was never going to get anything useful out of those. First and foremost my former boss and employer. Blood sucking leeches that were killing my by the gram. I was feeling guilty for not being the person who could deal with all the crap they kept on throwing at me. So I let them go.

- next (together with those toxic relationships) I got rid of the alcohol (that's 1.5 kg I'm not going to lose. That much more life quality not slipping through my fingers). Because, let's get honest, I do not want to divorce from my liver. I happen to like having it detox my body and metabolize fat and carbs. I was feeling guilty for not taking better care of myself. So I let it go.

- next I got rid of foods I do not like. (that's another 35 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down.) Because, let's get honest, I wasn't going to eat them for that little rest of forever granted to me, so I was going to fail again and again at losing and maintaining that loss. I thought I had to eat a certain way to be healthy - a way that wasn't keeping my satiated (mentally and physically). I also got rid of excessive serving sizes and every day desserts (Still have that dessert 2-3 times a week now ). Things that weren't painful to me. I've let them go, and I'm healthier for it. I'm down 35 kg and slowly inching closer to my goal of -50 kg.

By cleaning up my life and figuring out for myself how I wanted to live my life (not how society wanted me to live my life. Or my parents. Or my siblings. Or my friends. Or all those people I know), I finally found the mental reserves to also take care of my health and lose the weight I need to lose to get my health in order.

W W Reading your post was like lovely and refreshing stroll thru a super beautiful place filled with wonderful sunshine and fabulous fresh air for/to me! What an eye-opening/thought provoking, delightful and COOL AND FUN post you've shared..I LOVE IT. You've also inspired me to get rid of even more books (that I've already read and won't be reading again--BOOM)!

Thank you ever so VERY much for taking the time and care to reply...YOU ROCK, period.

Thank you

I've been keeping a journal logging my 'decluttering process'. On the first page I listed what my goals were and on the following pages I'm documenting my progress. Sometimes, like the post I wrote, I make a summary to myself to see what I have already achieved. It makes the progress seem more real, especially on days when, mentally, I'm not so well. That job I cut out of my life did a number on me and I'm still working on getting myself back to where I want to be.

Oma827

This is so insightful. I had a list of summer projects. Some spilled over into fall, but they are being checked off one by one. Never thought there was a correlation! Down 105 and letting go of those last roomy polos and casual tops very soon. The interim wardrobe is sparse but workable! 70lbs. to go for goal. Thank you for sharing!

NewLIFEstyle4ME

GemstoneofHeart wrote: »

Hmm, you might be on to something. About a year ago, I did exactly this. I decluttered so much. I have lost 50 pounds since then.

W W! How encouraging your post is--50lbs is an absolutely TREMENDOUS accomplishment--BOOM!
Thank you ever so much for taking the time to post...you ROCK, period.

sgt1372

I'm all for ridding your life of toxic people, if they're not relatives, and limiting your contact as much as possible, if they are. I have no problem doing this.

On the other hand, while I'm not a hoarder, I have a problem getting rid of anything that I paid $ for and still think may be useful even if I haven't used it for years.

I occupy a 2900 sq ft house with 5 bdrms & a 3 car garage all by myself and every room and storage space is full. I also rent a 10x20 storage space that is the same. However, the house is still neat and looks uncluttered.

The fact that the house is already full is what prevents me from buying any more stuff. If it was empty again, like when I first bought it, I would just buy stuff to fill it up again. So, for me, it's best to leave well enough alone.

Not sure what decluttering "places" means unless you're talking about getting rid of excess houses, condos and/or time shares. Fortunately or not, I do not have any real property other than my house and have no need to rid my life of any excess places.

NewLIFEstyle4ME

sgt1372 wrote: »

I'm all for ridding your life of toxic people, if they're not relatives, and limiting your contact as much as possible, if they are. I have no problem doing this.

On the other hand, while I'm not a hoarder, I have a problem getting rid of anything that I paid $ for and still think may be useful even if I haven't used it for years.

I occupy a 2900 sq ft house with 5 bdrms & a 3 car garage all by myself and every room and storage space is full. I also rent a 10x20 storage space that is the same. However, the house is still neat and looks uncluttered.

The fact that the house is already full is what prevents me from buying any more stuff. If it was empty again, like when I first bought it, I would just buy stuff to fill it up again. So, for me, it's best to leave well enough alone.

Not sure what decluttering "places" means unless you're talking about getting rid of excess houses, condos and/or time shares. Fortunately or not, I do not have any real property other than my house and have no need to rid my life of any excess places.

I understand and here's to cheering you on your endeavors
When I said "places", what I meant is places that spark-trigger-pamper y/our impulses or as I like to call it..."inordinate affections". Example. I really like Lush perfumes and products. I have plenty already, so when I'm at the mall--I simply don't go in there. Why? Because I'm "training/humbling" myself to absolutely love and embrace self-control and being content with such things as I have. Lush is not the enemy...my greed and/or discontentment is. Once I run out of something from Lush, then I restock my supply--until then, I just look at it as "simplifying" my life by avoiding "places" like that--that's what I mean. Another example would be simply avoiding places that I haven't mastered the "gift" of self-control YET. There will be a day (perhaps sooner or later) where I'm at ease going, but for now...not now, much like my eating. I'm eating whatever I want, but when I reach my cal limit and still want more...it's not now, perhaps later/tomorrow, perhaps not at all.



P.S. THANK YOU for taking the time to share and post on this thread...you rock!

go10More

Thanks for the great ideas!

try2again

This doesn't surprise me at all. Clutter has been clearly linked to depression, and it's hard for us to make good choices & be motivated to take care of ourselves when we are depressed.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/high-octane-women/201203/why-mess-causes-stress-8-reasons-8-remedies

kingleahnidas

Yep. All this. I began my foray into minimalism around the same time I started my weight loss journey. Over 110 pounds and many bags of stuff gone.

NewLIFEstyle4ME

jrowden0711 wrote: »

It's funny that I am reading this now. I actually just spent the evening trying on clothes and bagging up the ones that don't fit anymore so I can donate them. I have been maintaining my weight for a bit now and didn't see any reason to keep clothes that were too big and served no purpose. It felt good to declutter my closet and felt like I was accepting this body I have worked for and the person I have become. The only downside is my closet is a bit bare and my winter clothes selection needs beefing up a bit.

Donating clothes (especially nice ones, maybe even with the tags still on them) to homeless shelters, places for abused women and even just plain giving things away to neighbors, family, friends is so rewarding. At first, it hurts (helped me understand the old saying "give until it hurts" new meaning), but then it (giving stuff and/or throwing "EXCESS" stuff away) does something wonderful in and to me...breaks the chain(s) (stronghold) of resistance to/from so many other things and issues in my life that were "holding me back or hindering me in one form or another from either moving on or just simply changing for the better--wow.

Also, for those of us that don't care to be "bothered" with selling their stuff, consignment shops are another option too--for the nicer items that are just "hanging around" and collecting dust.

How uplifting and powerful you are to realize and know that you are "accepting" your new body and embracing the transformation/change in your lifestyle. How very cool--how FUN! Congrats on your victories and thank you so very much for taking the same to share on this thread--you ROCK, period.

Nmarine1996

I am ridding myself of toxic people!! This include guys who have bad intentions, fake "friends" and toxic family members!!

NewLIFEstyle4ME

ladyreva78 wrote: »

NewLIFEstyle4ME wrote: »

ladyreva78 wrote: »

I started to radically clean up my life 2 years ago.

- first I got rid of all those books I was never going to read again. (That's a good 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down). Because, let's get honest, they were just collecting dust on my shelves, in my closet, under my bed, piled up against the wall. Pretty much in any free space there were books. I was feeling guilty for neglecting them so badly. So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those pretty clothes from when I was slim and thin. (that's another 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down.) Because, let's get honest, they were just getting moldy in boxes and in the back of my closet. Pretty much in any free space not taken up by books. I was feeling guilty for having failed so badly at taking care of myself that I was 50kg overweight from when I fit into them (a very brief period of my life.) So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those beautiful (and some not so beautiful) collectibles I was given through out my life. (that's another 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down.) Because, let's get honest, they were just collecting dust and chiding me for not honoring them better. Someone went through the trouble of giving them to me, and I considered them more as interlopers that had no place in my life. I was feeling guilty for not loving them better. So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those fantasy mes that were never going to be me. (That's a good 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down). Because, let's get honest, I am never going to be a world class seamstress. Or painter. Or Scrapbooker. Or a weekend skier. I was feeling guilty for all those supplies and all that equipment laying around reminding me of the person I thought I wanted to be. So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those toxic relationships that were slowly killing me (That's several times 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down). Because, let's get honest, I was never going to get anything useful out of those. First and foremost my former boss and employer. Blood sucking leeches that were killing my by the gram. I was feeling guilty for not being the person who could deal with all the crap they kept on throwing at me. So I let them go.

- next (together with those toxic relationships) I got rid of the alcohol (that's 1.5 kg I'm not going to lose. That much more life quality not slipping through my fingers). Because, let's get honest, I do not want to divorce from my liver. I happen to like having it detox my body and metabolize fat and carbs. I was feeling guilty for not taking better care of myself. So I let it go.

- next I got rid of foods I do not like. (that's another 35 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down.) Because, let's get honest, I wasn't going to eat them for that little rest of forever granted to me, so I was going to fail again and again at losing and maintaining that loss. I thought I had to eat a certain way to be healthy - a way that wasn't keeping my satiated (mentally and physically). I also got rid of excessive serving sizes and every day desserts (Still have that dessert 2-3 times a week now ). Things that weren't painful to me. I've let them go, and I'm healthier for it. I'm down 35 kg and slowly inching closer to my goal of -50 kg.

By cleaning up my life and figuring out for myself how I wanted to live my life (not how society wanted me to live my life. Or my parents. Or my siblings. Or my friends. Or all those people I know), I finally found the mental reserves to also take care of my health and lose the weight I need to lose to get my health in order.

W W Reading your post was like lovely and refreshing stroll thru a super beautiful place filled with wonderful sunshine and fabulous fresh air for/to me! What an eye-opening/thought provoking, delightful and COOL AND FUN post you've shared..I LOVE IT. You've also inspired me to get rid of even more books (that I've already read and won't be reading again--BOOM)!

Thank you ever so VERY much for taking the time and care to reply...YOU ROCK, period.

Thank you

I've been keeping a journal logging my 'decluttering process'. On the first page I listed what my goals were and on the following pages I'm documenting my progress. Sometimes, like the post I wrote, I make a summary to myself to see what I have already achieved. It makes the progress seem more real, especially on days when, mentally, I'm not so well. That job I cut out of my life did a number on me and I'm still working on getting myself back to where I want to be.

My absolute pleasure and THANK you for your major league contribution/input to me and this thread. Your post(s) helped me so much and I used to "journal" stuff years ago (before it was called "journaling" like it is called today ). I remember how absolutely therapeutic and enlightening writing/journaling was for me and I do so appreciate your bringing this to my memory (reminding me of this excellent "tool") and I'm looking forward to doing this myself. You're an absolute darling of a person and again, you ROCK!

Orphia

Since April 2015 when I started at MFP, I've lost 80 lbs and kept it off for 20 months. In that time, I've thrown out loads of old crap.

While I was losing weight, I had the pleasure of "shopping" in my wardrobe for skinnier clothes that fit me again.

I now fit all my favourite skinny clothes, and I've thrown out all my fat clothes. So many bags of clothes donated to the op shop!

I've also done a lot of spring-cleaning and de-cluttered the whole house, because I've become very active, and much less lazy.

NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis calorie-burning for the win!)

I've thrown out loads of books, and worn-out linen, and kitchen crap. The house feels so much nicer to live in.

I think my decluttering inspired my husband, as he's done a lot himself with his things since I started.

I love this thread, it's a refreshing topic!

PAFC84

The life-changing magic of tidying up by Marie Kondo is a really good read IMO, a little touchy feely in places (literally).

sweetsloth

ladyreva78 wrote: »

I started to radically clean up my life 2 years ago.

- first I got rid of all those books I was never going to read again. (That's a good 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down). Because, let's get honest, they were just collecting dust on my shelves, in my closet, under my bed, piled up against the wall. Pretty much in any free space there were books. I was feeling guilty for neglecting them so badly. So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those pretty clothes from when I was slim and thin. (that's another 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down.) Because, let's get honest, they were just getting moldy in boxes and in the back of my closet. Pretty much in any free space not taken up by books. I was feeling guilty for having failed so badly at taking care of myself that I was 50kg overweight from when I fit into them (a very brief period of my life.) So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those beautiful (and some not so beautiful) collectibles I was given through out my life. (that's another 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down.) Because, let's get honest, they were just collecting dust and chiding me for not honoring them better. Someone went through the trouble of giving them to me, and I considered them more as interlopers that had no place in my life. I was feeling guilty for not loving them better. So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those fantasy mes that were never going to be me. (That's a good 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down). Because, let's get honest, I am never going to be a world class seamstress. Or painter. Or Scrapbooker. Or a weekend skier. I was feeling guilty for all those supplies and all that equipment laying around reminding me of the person I thought I wanted to be. So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those toxic relationships that were slowly killing me (That's several times 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down). Because, let's get honest, I was never going to get anything useful out of those. First and foremost my former boss and employer. Blood sucking leeches that were killing my by the gram. I was feeling guilty for not being the person who could deal with all the crap they kept on throwing at me. So I let them go.

- next (together with those toxic relationships) I got rid of the alcohol (that's 1.5 kg I'm not going to lose. That much more life quality not slipping through my fingers). Because, let's get honest, I do not want to divorce from my liver. I happen to like having it detox my body and metabolize fat and carbs. I was feeling guilty for not taking better care of myself. So I let it go.

- next I got rid of foods I do not like. (that's another 35 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down.) Because, let's get honest, I wasn't going to eat them for that little rest of forever granted to me, so I was going to fail again and again at losing and maintaining that loss. I thought I had to eat a certain way to be healthy - a way that wasn't keeping my satiated (mentally and physically). I also got rid of excessive serving sizes and every day desserts (Still have that dessert 2-3 times a week now ). Things that weren't painful to me. I've let them go, and I'm healthier for it. I'm down 35 kg and slowly inching closer to my goal of -50 kg.

By cleaning up my life and figuring out for myself how I wanted to live my life (not how society wanted me to live my life. Or my parents. Or my siblings. Or my friends. Or all those people I know), I finally found the mental reserves to also take care of my health and lose the weight I need to lose to get my health in order.

If I could awesome this more than once, I would. Inspiring and really enjoyed how you wrote this. Thank you. This was the boost I needed as I've been a super procrastinator.

ladyreva78

sweetsloth wrote: »

ladyreva78 wrote: »

I started to radically clean up my life 2 years ago.

- first I got rid of all those books I was never going to read again. (That's a good 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down). Because, let's get honest, they were just collecting dust on my shelves, in my closet, under my bed, piled up against the wall. Pretty much in any free space there were books. I was feeling guilty for neglecting them so badly. So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those pretty clothes from when I was slim and thin. (that's another 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down.) Because, let's get honest, they were just getting moldy in boxes and in the back of my closet. Pretty much in any free space not taken up by books. I was feeling guilty for having failed so badly at taking care of myself that I was 50kg overweight from when I fit into them (a very brief period of my life.) So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those beautiful (and some not so beautiful) collectibles I was given through out my life. (that's another 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down.) Because, let's get honest, they were just collecting dust and chiding me for not honoring them better. Someone went through the trouble of giving them to me, and I considered them more as interlopers that had no place in my life. I was feeling guilty for not loving them better. So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those fantasy mes that were never going to be me. (That's a good 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down). Because, let's get honest, I am never going to be a world class seamstress. Or painter. Or Scrapbooker. Or a weekend skier. I was feeling guilty for all those supplies and all that equipment laying around reminding me of the person I thought I wanted to be. So I let them go.

- next I got rid of all those toxic relationships that were slowly killing me (That's several times 50 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down). Because, let's get honest, I was never going to get anything useful out of those. First and foremost my former boss and employer. Blood sucking leeches that were killing my by the gram. I was feeling guilty for not being the person who could deal with all the crap they kept on throwing at me. So I let them go.

- next (together with those toxic relationships) I got rid of the alcohol (that's 1.5 kg I'm not going to lose. That much more life quality not slipping through my fingers). Because, let's get honest, I do not want to divorce from my liver. I happen to like having it detox my body and metabolize fat and carbs. I was feeling guilty for not taking better care of myself. So I let it go.

- next I got rid of foods I do not like. (that's another 35 kg out of my life. That much less weighting me down.) Because, let's get honest, I wasn't going to eat them for that little rest of forever granted to me, so I was going to fail again and again at losing and maintaining that loss. I thought I had to eat a certain way to be healthy - a way that wasn't keeping my satiated (mentally and physically). I also got rid of excessive serving sizes and every day desserts (Still have that dessert 2-3 times a week now ). Things that weren't painful to me. I've let them go, and I'm healthier for it. I'm down 35 kg and slowly inching closer to my goal of -50 kg.

By cleaning up my life and figuring out for myself how I wanted to live my life (not how society wanted me to live my life. Or my parents. Or my siblings. Or my friends. Or all those people I know), I finally found the mental reserves to also take care of my health and lose the weight I need to lose to get my health in order.

If I could awesome this more than once, I would. Inspiring and really enjoyed how you wrote this. Thank you. This was the boost I needed as I've been a super procrastinator.

Thank you

But I'm a bit confused... I thought sloths, no matter how sweet, were born procrastinators

NewLIFEstyle4ME

Oma827 wrote: »

This is so insightful. I had a list of summer projects. Some spilled over into fall, but they are being checked off one by one. Never thought there was a correlation! Down 105 and letting go of those last roomy polos and casual tops very soon. The interim wardrobe is sparse but workable! 70lbs. to go for goal. Thank you for sharing!

Congrats on the HUGE accomplishment of forever ridding your body of 105lbs--that's just wayyyy COOL, period. Checking off goals one by one is so much more wise, less stressful and doable as well, which makes it easier and encouraging! Sparse and workable (wardrobes and living space(s) looks and feels so much less overwhelming and thus makes choices and y/our atmosphere so much neater, cleaner and less burdensome--I love it! Living a more simplified/uncluttered/minimalized lifestyle makes life and daily choices much more uncomplicated and FUN!

Here's to cheering you on in accomplishing your goal of those 70lbs AND thank you ever so much for replying to this thread, you're terrific, period.

2baninja

In Feb. I moved from a large 2 bedroom 1/2 house, down to a small 1 bedroom, I had jeans that I haven't been able to wear for up to 20 years, I always thought I'd lose the weight to fit into them again, I had moved with them twice before, when I moved this last time I decided, out they go, I donated them all, I kept one size down that if I lost 20 # they would fit, all others left, shirts that I've had for years, "they don't fit, but they are soo cute..." gone, anything I hadn't used in a year- gone. I've done 1-2 more mini declutter's since them, I have 3 boxes of stuff that if I don't get into within a year of moving - gone. It's great having so much less stuff, 6 months after I moved, I started eating better, I'm down 17 #....

25agirard

I always have trouble getting rid of stuff because of all the reasons mentioned-someone gave it to me, i paid money for it, it reminds me of..., etc. Just yesterday I kind of freaked out because my girls' rooms had too much "stuff" and the thought of xmas coming terrified me! I told them they each had to pick at least 5 books to donate and they started really getting into it and chose over 100 books that I brought today to a pediatrician's office that had asked for books they could give to clients as part of a program they're doing! 100 books!! I wanted to say "no, not that one! I got you that one for....." but I didn't. It made my girls so happy that they might make some other kids happy. One of my daughters would hug each book and say something like "I really loved this one so much, but I know the story now and it will make another kid so happy!" and she would place it in the bag. Now that they are out--and one of their closets is cleared out--I'm inspired to keep going. I have bins of clothes that "used to fit me and hopefully will again someday" and I am just going to toss them all into donations. I don't need them, and if I am able to drop the weight again I'll just cross that awesome bridge when I get there! Thanks for the inspiration....I'm going home to attack my own closet today!
I also have one toxic friend that I am not going to continue to allow myself to put any energy towards.....and somehow just hearing someone else say it...even though I knew it was true,...almost gives me permission to let her go.

Angieve1

I actually started doing this one room at a time, and IT FEEL SOOOOOOO GOOOOD!!!!!! I never seen my house so clean and declutter in my life.

NewLIFEstyle4ME

go10More wrote: »

Thanks for the great ideas!

You are so very welcomed and I too am thanking and so very grateful to/for all those who've replied. Wow, such ideas and encouragement/inspiration/HELP I've been given here~YAY and {{{ Hugs and High Fives }}} to EVERYONE that replied...y'all ROCK, period.