Things I have learned in my first 30 years:

I turn the big 3-0 later this year (November 20^th to be exact), so I have decided to post something I have learned in my first 30 years every couple of weeks, so that by my big birthday I will have posted 30 thoughts on turning 30 – or lessons I’ve learned in my first 30 years.  The topics will range from food to spiritual lessons to things I’ve learned from being a Mom, etc.  I’ve jotted down a few topics I want to share, but I don’t have 30 yet.  I figure I will by November.  Anyways, here is numero uno:

1.    Living with less is really living more.

I’ve been on a de-cluttering/minimalism kick this year (of course we’re only a month and a half into this year).  I blogged about this briefly a couple of weeks ago.  I am nowhere near where I want to be with minimalizing /de-cluttering my home and my life, but I am working on it and the progress I have made is encouraging.   Joshua Becker has a great post on “The Heart Impact of Living with Less” today on his blog – Becoming Minimalist.

Here are a few inspiring quotes that motivate me in this new lifestyle of living with less.

·         “Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul.” – Democritus

·         “Owning less is far more beneficial than organizing more.”

·         “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” – Kahlil Gibran

·         “Minimalism – the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it – requires a conscience choice. It is a counter-cultural lifestyle that begins with the decision to pursue it.” – Joshua Becker

Basically, I feel like amassing less things will help me shift my focus to what really matters in life – faith and family and friends.  People matter – not things. 

I have always been a little bit of a shopaholic.  In high school and college I would spend every dollar I made at Old Navy or Banana Republic or Abercrombie or Starbucks – you name it.  I always thought, if I could just buy that one item I wanted then I would be happy.  I didn’t really think my happiness was dependant on these things, but I lived my life like I did.  I never got myself into debt over shopping, but I did not build up my savings during my early twenties either.  Andrew, on the other hand, saved every dollar he ever made,  Andrew's tendency to save truly served us well in our early years of marriage, because we actually had a rainy day fund, which most young couples don't have. 

Now, I am trying very hard to think through all of my purchases, and to only buy what I need.  I used to go to Target to purchase "groceries" and come out with a few clothing items for myself and Autumn.  I have been pretty good at avoiding unnecessary spending so far except for at the grocery store.  I still buy way too much food at the grocery store.  I plan to clean out my fridge, pantry, and freezer this weekend.  I think if I can clean it out good (throw away everything we don’t/won’t use or that has expired) that I will be reminded of my waste, which will further motivate me to spend less at the grocery store. 

Another reason, I think this lifestyle choice is going to "stick" is that I have "taken over" managing our finances.  In other words - Andrew has delegated the task of paying all of the bills to me.  Seeing exactly how much money comes in and where it goes is motivation for me to spend less.

I feel very committed to making this a lifestyle for my family and to teach my children to live a life with less.  I think Autumn will benefit from this as she grows up.  Of course, Autumn is not exactly living with less now – she has more clothes than any baby I have ever seen.  I plan to go through her closet and dresser another weekend.  A little bit at a time and I will get where I am going eventually.

I hope to post some before and after pictures of my kitchen and Autumn’s room soon.