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[feline groovy]

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@Snicks1 wrote:

@feline groovy, I would agree with almost all of this. Although I have never really understood the "bring you joy" theory, in anything, other than people. lol

I dislike clutter a lot, so I don't have every surface covered in "decor". Less decor also makes for easier, faster cleaning, which, while it's a necessary daily evil, it also doesn't bring me joy. 

Anyway, thanks for posting the article, I found it interesting to read,

Have a good weekend.

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@Snicks1: 

Thank you, glad it was thought-provoking, and I hope you're enjoying the weekend. 

Clutter stresses me out too, and I feel the same way about decor and cleaning.  Less stuff makes everything simpler and easier.

[feline groovy]

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@butterfly123 wrote:

@feline groovy

May I add a thought about home?

Learning to unplug electronics 2 hours before bed.

IPod, IPad, computer....

Thoughts?

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Of course, @butterfly123; your contributions are always welcome. 

That's a great tip, and one that health experts recommend (especially due to the blue light emitted).

I've been trying to read (the 'old-fashioned' way) and/or listen to music everyday before bed instead of being on my laptop. Hoping I can increase my success rate - with this evening exempt, LOL.

[feline groovy]

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@Sweet_Serenity wrote:

Excellent topic! I'm a minimalist every part of my life. Including clothes, makeup, jewelry and my home decor. Realize "less is more" not for everyone. My lifestyle choices help keep me sane.

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Totally get that, @Sweet_Serenity, and would hair to the list. 

[Mominohio]

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@on the bay wrote:

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@feline groovy wrote:

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@on the bay wrote:

@feline groovy-

That has some helpful advice.

I don't totally agree with her last statement. The things we do vs what we have. I think both can be important to us.

Your signature line-so true!

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@on the bay:

I get your point and mostly agree.  But also concur with the researchers that have found that it's experiences (more that things) that make us most content.

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@feline groovy-

I agree with that too I think of all the times I am with those I love and care for, and nothing can take the place of that.

But I can also enjoy some stuff

I get what they are saying though.

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For me, certain special things ("the stuff") in my home  seen/used every day (a piece of furniture, my great grandmother's rolling pin) bring back those memories and connect me to those people more often and in a stronger way than when I don't see those things.

I think people here who say things like they don't want some belongings that were someone's because they weren't that special to even the person who owned them, don't understand it isn't about having a lot of things, or that they are valuable, but a few treasured things that really mean something to you, because of the way they were shared by those in the past. 

Some people need nothing from their past, and I personally find that sad. 

Some people can part with nothing from their past, and that becomes sad too. 

There is a balance that is loving and comforting, and special and honors and preserves the past, without encumbering the present.

I feel really bad when people keep nothing of their family history because those on down the line will have no documentation to help them understand and connect (photos, letters, documents of importance etc.). Unless you are totally leaving your past behind (and I know there are people who need to do that), it seems selfish to me to not want to pass down (even to cousins or nieces and nephews when you have no children of your own) some of that history.

And to do that, someone sometimes has to hold on to it for awhile, even when they aren't interested in it much for themselves. I appreciate people who don't just toss the past away, but take the time to sort through it and get special things into the hands of those who will be following us.

[151949]

@Mominohio ITA . I treasure some of the things I own just because when I hold them in my hand I see my Mom or grandma standing at the stove using that spoon or fork or I can see my Mom dusting that nick nack , and holding it, looking at it. I know it meant something to her , and her only.She had a little Fenton figure of a girl in a long dress, holding flowers. Looks like a bridesmaid. Anyway, my Dad gave it to her to keep as a momento when he proposed to her. Sometimes when she would pick it up to dust it I would see her just hold onto it for a moment & close her eyes. I know she went to that memory. Now I have that figurine and it takes me back to the memory of her holding it so lovingly.

[Bird mama]

@feline groovy  I'm probably weird, clutter affects my ability to think.  It's funny we are getting ready to pilot a remote working arrangement at my employer.  I've been watching people pack up years of clutter - blankets, shoe collections, etc.  They are purging old paperwork.

I've been at the company 37 years.  I have a half filled 3 inch, 3 ring binder and a gray pocket folder that has paper in it.

That's it.  

[feline groovy]

@Bird mama:  pretty sure that's not uncommon; seems like clutter clogging a home environment can also crowd one's mind. As well as emotions.  Kinda like streamlining one's surroundings can streamline one's life and even one's attitude.  

Props to you for your longevity and efficiancy. I hope that working from home at least part-time is easier for you.  Bet your feathery babies will enjoy having Mom around more.  8)

[Bird mama]

@feline groovy  I'm retiring on April 1st and look forward to being around the house, especially for my eldest Poppi.  He's slowing down and I've been seeing changes for the past 3-6 months.  The opportunity to be with him even 3 days a week between now and my retirement makes me feel better.  I worry about Presto (youngest sparrow).  She has always had one of her kind in the house.  She's been kind of making friends with Grayson the pigeon over the past year.  When I watch TV and post here in the office upstairs I will catch her running around on the floor with Grayson (he can't fly).  

[feline groovy]

@Bird mama:  Kudos to you, and how nice that your new life will start in the springtime, the season of rebirth.  Must be so cute to see the two youngest chasing each other; sounds like a positive development. Sending good vibes to the three kids, and I hope that Poppi stays as healthy as possible.

[on the bay]

@Bird mama-

I would love to come visit you and your sweet meangerie!

It all sounds so wonderful

One of my favorite pets was a rare green opal parakeet.

His name was Caesar and he looked just like this-

He would sit on my shoulder while I was lying down and snuggle up to my cheek and kiss me and kind of gurggle.

He would kind of do a dance up and down when he was excited about something.

He said "kiss me, I love you" and Merry Chris!

He was so sweet.