Comments on: Discovering Needs Through Elimination

By: Anita Ehmsen

Anita Ehmsen — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:27:50 +0000

Your words ring true here. I have never doubled-back to the Goodwill or ran to the recycle bin for the stuff that I have gotten rid of. And I doubt that I would. The first clue to me I had too much stuff was when I was married and we lived in an apt for a year while we built a huge new house. And a year later, when we separated (ok, he left me) most of the boxes were still in storage and I hadn't missed them. But even then, I kept the stuff. Wasn't quite ready topart with it. After moving it now 3 times in 6 years, it is being pared down- way down. And it feels good. And I have to say, giving my wedding dress away on Freecycle was about 40 pounds of my back. Anita Ehmsen´s last blog post..It's not just a sketch anymore- it's CONCRETE!

By: hank

hank — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:25:03 +0000

I’m in the same both with MrsMicah too here it sounds. I find if I don’t have that daily interaction with people, whether through work, blogs, email, etc, I find myself feeling like I’ve missed something for the day.

@ the same time though, I see your point about missing moments as they pass by WHILE doing something. It’s nice to be ‘away’ from it all, but keeping the notebook by your side to jot down notes is always a good idea. I even go so far as to keep a handheld voice recorder in my car to verbalize the things I’m bound to forget 10 mins later.

By: melissa @ the inspired room

melissa @ the inspired room — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:03:33 +0000

Hi Emily! Thanks so much for you kind comments today.

This was another great post….great insight. Even though I am not looking forward to the possibility of having to move for my husband’s job, in a way I AM looking forward to it maybe happening because it will give me another opportunity to be more authentic. To get rid of more stuff I don’t need and only buy a house that is “enough” and not too much. I’m with you, I am really wanting to get real with what I need and eliminate everything I don’t.

Happy day (and I hope you’ll come back and share a creative budget friendly idea for hiding uglies or less than lovelies around the house…Monday you can link if you have any ideas to share!)

By: Mrs. Micah

Mrs. Micah — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:25:05 +0000

Thought not unpacking it or leaving it with my parents, I’ve discovered that I don’t need “stuff.” But I do need daily communication…whether through twitter or forums or blogs or real life. If I’m alone for a day without the internet or other people, it’s sad. Maybe a day, if I have a book. But I don’t like not talking with people.

By: Sara

Sara — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:37:02 +0000

The way you describe the process reminds me of sculpture. Every time you get rid of an unnecessary item or habit, you’re chipping away at a block of stone. The more you chip away, the closer you are to having something truly beautiful.

By: My First (and Last) Garage Sale at Travels With Toni

My First (and Last) Garage Sale at Travels With Toni — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:48:36 +0000

[...] Speaking of writers, I know I’ve mentioned Emily’s blog “Remodeling This Life” on Bring the Family, but a recent one she wrote really summed up how it feels to know you are a writer, whether or not you do so as your profession or business. Check it out here. [...]