Clutter & Children..
For me the combination and meaning of the two are ANXIETY! I have struggled with anxiety my whole life. Now as an adult I am better about how to use it to my advantage.I remember as a new mom I always asked other moms, "what do you do will all the toys? I just can't have them everywhere in my home." Lots laughed and said something along the lines as, "Welcome to parenthood." or "You will get used to it. The new normal." In the back of my mind I kept thinking.. No, there has got to be a way. And BAM here I am writing this blog!
My children are 2 & 1 and we already have TOO MUCH STUFF!
If we keep this up, can you imagine what our home and playroom will look like?
It honestly is sickening to think about.
If you haven't noticed I have been OBSESSED with The Minimalists!
A good friend of mine introduced me to them at the best time in my life. I have been going through something I have never done before.. downgrading! All my life I have always wanted the newest thing, the bigger house, the bigger car, etc. I was always feeding the greediness in me. One day, I woke up and realized where I was and how I wasn't happy. Even when I have everything I have ever wanted and dreamed about. I was not happy with it all! I starting thinking back on my life to see where it all went wrong and I pin pointed a few different instances on where I had gone wrong. I am so grateful for where I am but in all honesty I know what we are doing as a family is only going to benefit our family in the best most amazing ways!
Why should we let go of materialistic gifts?
- It is in the way.
- Less clutter, more space.
- Kids are watching us, if we need the newest phone, TV, clothing etc.. Children too become to need or long for the newest toy, game, etc. Practice what you preach! (My BIGGEST weakness that I have been working on.)
- Happier more productive life.
- Material things will not make your child a better person.
Read this short essay on Letting Go of Physical Gifts! If you need more insight on this topic. http://www.theminimalists.com/gifts/ because our family is and will be living this for the rest of our lives. My children of course may head a different direction if they choose but that will not stop me from teaching and showing them my beliefs.
That essay and this podcast is so eye opening. So to all our family and friends, if you are reading this, please gift us experiences. Whether that be a night on the town, a mini trip, staycation, or something as simple as having us over for a meal. Time with you is all we need. In fact we love you more than any gift you could ever give us! Life is short. We want to get out and spend time with those who mean the world to us. We love you all and thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Santa has Christmas covered this year and every year after that. Give our girls experiences and their parents will love you even more than we already do. If you do happen to purchase them something, please do not be offended if we donate it after it has been played with. We say these things in the nicest way.
"The rules of parents are but three.. Love, limit, and let them be."
Love Always,
The Moyes Family
