A new year 2023

photo by Doxa Photography

Someone asked me the other day if I was happier because I lived small and minimally and if I hoped others could be happy like me if they also lived small and with fewer things. I was emphatic in my answer that NO, living small doesn’t make me happy.

Living smaller and attempting to only have what we essentially need contributes to a sense of calm and control amidst the demands of motherhood and the chaos of the modern world. Living small helps simplify our belongings and prioritizes our time. But if this year has taught me anything it is that happiness is not a given. Mental health is complicated and while you can make a beautiful calm home it doesn’t mean that your mind and body are healthy. This year I’ve gone back to therapy and have been prioritizing my physical health in ways I previously ignored (with much more to do).

I think what I am getting at is that a small and edited home is one part of a fulfilling life. Editing, decluttering and then maintaining fewer things is absolutely part of the recipe for a good life. Our things should bring us joy but not own us. AND we need to look after our mental and physical health and focus on our relationships.

My hope for everyone is a fulfilling and happy life and if your home is feeling small and cluttered I hope you will take some time to let go of things that aren’t serving you anymore. I hope you let go of the guilt of letting things go regardless of what you spent on them or who gave them to you. I hope your home becomes a place you love that is calming and has just the right amount of things for you.

For me, I am going to keep editing our things, especially our closets which always seem to fill to the brim. I am going to be working with the kids to understand that “things” don’t make us happy and having too many “things” means they are constantly cleaning their room. And I’ve registered for a half marathon. I haven’t run one since before Theo was born. I did the math and that is 10 years ago!! I registered so I can’t back out. I’m also going to book another therapy appointment and work on my never enough-ness.

Wishing you a gentle, calm and hopeful 2023. Thanks as always for being here!