 |
| Find all my titles at: amazon - B&N - Smashwords - Kobo |
Minimalism is on the rise. In the aftermaths of the
pandemic, we developed an appreciation for uncluttered living spaces. Besides, clutter
is unhealthy, can cause depression… or harbor ghosts of your past. After
decluttering, you will be healthier, happier, and free to move on with your
life.
Eight years ago, I left a husband and his big house to live
with my cat in a tiny apartment. Since then, I moved again, and each move is an
opportunity to get rid of clutter. And despite the fact that I am a minimalist
at heart, I still have to remind myself to declutter from time to time.
Usually, it’s when I run out of hangers, or I can’t find the top I want to wear
in the impossibly tight closet.
As our body changes, we buy new clothes but keep the old
ones. Just in case? Why? Get rid of the clothes you no longer wear, like old
bras that don’t fit anymore. If you ever lose the weight to fit in those skinny
jeans again, they will be out of style and you’ll want to buy new ones anyway.
Get rid of the shoes that hurt your feet, tired flannel shirts, cropped tops
from another decade, work clothes from a previous job, etc.
As I’m turning in my October release to the publisher, ANGEL
SHIP, Book One of a new sci-fi series with romantic elements titled Blue
Phantom, I thought a few days of decluttering would keep me busy while waiting
for the edits.
 |
| Here is the stunning cover of ANGEL SHIP Find other books in the Azura universe: amazon - B&N - Smashwords - Kobo |
But this is easier said than done. I still have favorite
shirts from two decades ago. I know I can never wear them in public, but I
still love them. I don’t go out very often, and except for maybe four times a
year, I only wear yoga pants, sports bras, and loose tops while typing away at
my computer or going to my Tai-Chi classes.
To make it easier on your soul, start with a smaller space,
like your car. Then you can move to the trash, the broken things, the chipped
mugs and plates, the reminders of unhappy times, the junk drawer, old jewelry.
Trash the unflattering photos and digitalize the good ones. Get rid of expired
medications, expired food in the fridge and kitchen cabinets. Extra kitchen
utensils, bowls, pans, spatulas. Donate, recycle the empty plastic jars, have a
yard sale, sell the good stuff on eBay, etc.
My dilemma is often what do I trash? What do I donate? Sometimes,
it’s difficult to be objective, and I need another pair of eyes. A friend can
give you sound advice in that matter.
As a writer, the same goes with your manuscript. Clarity is
key. You don’t want to confuse the reader with too many characters and
unnecessary details. You can sometimes consolidate two or three secondary characters
into one who will serve the same purpose. Also, if a subplot doesn’t enhance
the main story, get rid of it. Give your characters breathing room, so they can
be free to express their true feelings on the page.
In the meantime, enjoy the last of summer. Almost time to
take out the Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations… Then it will be Christmas
again… then New Year.
Happy Reading! Find all my books at:
amazon - B&N - Smashwords - Kobo
I was a military wife. Every three years, we moved. There were downsides to uprooting the family, but on the upside, it gave me the perfect opportunity to declutter every three years. Right now, I'm cleaning up a novel. Once I'm done, my closet should be next...
ReplyDeleteStrange coincidence. As spring is just around the corner in my part of the world it was time to toss out clothes I hadn't worn in a while. I love decluttering and do it perhaps twice a year at change of seasons.
ReplyDeleteAfter we sold our business, we tried camping (RVing) and loved it. Eventually we sold our house to our daughter and son-in-law, had an estate sale (no, we weren't dead) and packed up the fifth wheel. I had to downsize to a 32' fifth wheel. So I took a skillet, a pan, 2 slacks, 2 shorts, 4 tops, and a sweatshirt. I didn't know if I could do it. But we did and had a great time traveling full time in our camper for 8 years. Yes, you can downsize and enjoy the freedom of losing all the baggage.
ReplyDelete