This has been on my mind a lot, as my impending travels will force me to downsize (is that the right term?) quite a lot. Something I'm not used to, really. So I think that will be a welcome challenge. Recently, I've also come to appreciate the power of spending time in nature, and in quiet (or with some music, since that speaks a lot to me). All of which means I resonate with what you write here greatly.
Alas, not enough people see it as "my life, my choice". They willingly give up the choice, in favor of some modest amenities and comforts, only to then complain about being miserable. Guess the "my life, my choice" ethos can also be quite daunting, though, since it implicitly means "my life, my choice, my (potential) fuck-up". People seem to shun responsibility, so I guess that's why it's better to live like it's not your choice. For some, anyway.
I totally get it, people really go for whatever is convenient. It's how most have been programmed to be honest. To not take responsibility for themselves.
Downsizing is such a good thing to do, it's amazing how much energy we give away to the stuff we own and when we let it go, we feel more energised xxxx
Yes, I'm beginning to see that. My grandmother passed recently, and figuring out to do with the (ton of) stuff she left behind, I've come to realize two things:
(a) it's kinda pointless amassing all this stuff, if it's just going to get thrown away, or lose its value once you die;
(b) we give objects their value, and we can take it away just as easily. I think that's how you start downsizing, maybe. Stop attributing so much value to something that is essentially, just stuff.
So yeah, thanks so much for this post. Came at a really good time for at least one member of your audience (and I'm sure more) :)
💙