Have you ever blown on a dandelion head and watched the seeds float away – a wish carried away by the wind?
2016 has been the year of dispersing the clutter in our lives. After 15 years in our present home, we found time and energy to sort through clothing, to lighten the load in the garage, and to take action on the notion of a paper-free office. De-cluttering is empowering, slightly addictive, and eventually fun. We have marveled at things discovered at the bottom of a drawer. We’ve been slightly aghast at the amount of money we spent on STUFF during the busiest times of our work and home lives.
When I jumped off the hamster wheel and stepped away from the rat race, I found time to re-evaluate priorities and reconsider what happiness looks like for me. Along with 3 million other human beings I picked up a copy of New York Times best seller the life-changing magic of tidying up by Marie Kondo. I read it and I re-read it and then I applied it to life. Spoiler alert, “the best way to choose what to keep and what to throw away is to ask yourself, does it spark joy?”
This year my holiday wish list is shorter than it has been in a long time. I want to celebrate with family and friends, of course, and to partake of holiday traditions.
2016, the foundation Frank and I laid for our down-sizing years, taught us about the unexpected freedom that comes with tidying up.
My holiday wish list…my dandelion wishes:
- Music, saved to the cloud or discovered on a new radio station, to enjoy with Frank.
- Self-care by way of healthy and soothing experiences.
- Travel to old and new places, including ringing in the new year at the coast with Frank and Daisy.
- Time to spend with friends and family.
- A good bottle of wine and a bit of fancy food.
“Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.”
