by Bernadette A. Sahm

These past few months we have been “editing” our homes. We are at the age where most people call it “downsizing”, but I don’t like the sound of that, it sounds like living with less or less of a life. That is not the case here at all. We are becoming tired of any clutter and find more joy in open spaces, emptier walls and enjoying taking the time to “edit” what we currently own.

All those collectible items, that we once just had to have, now feel like space takers and dust collectors and things that need to be managed. We are enjoying the “editing” process where we have gifted household items and clothing. We began the process with a dumpster out front for trash, we burned old papers and documents. Multiple trips to Goodwill and clothing drop off bins, we had family in to take what they could use. We gave much away, and we donated so much too. It feels good and it feels so freeing.

Just like in nature and with seasonal changes, it is time to let the dead things go.

We like the emptier closets and managing our favorite things, where less just feels better. So many things just didn’t make the cut anymore. I was hanging on to certain furniture items from Eathan Allen. Items that were re-upholstered and well made. When my husband said, “we have had them for over thirty years, I think we have gotten our money’s worth out of them.” He was 100% correct. It was time to purge and time to edit them out. It was time for someone else to enjoy them just as we had done.

There is joy in both the gifting and joy in managing less stuff. It’s been a process and time consuming, but well worth the efforts. What can you get rid of that no longer serves you, what can you remove to create open space and free yourself?

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer

#editing #purging #letgo #lessismore “freeing

by Bernadette A. Sahm

There was a time when I was a “people pleaser” and a “yes” girl but not anymore. Today I absolutely delight in saying “no” “no thank you” and “that’s not for me.” When I go with my gut, I instantly feel better. This past July I decided to leave my job and almost immediately the pain in my knee ceased and my stomach issues went away. The job was making me sick. The stress of it was wearing on my body. The demands being made were unattainable and unrealistic. It was time for me to say “good-bye” and I did. Not one day since my departure have, I missed the job and all the work and effort that went with it.

If I go to a movie or a restaurant and it isn’t going well or not up to my expectations, I have no desire to stay as I will politely leave. I have been offered jobs with great compensation packages and kindly stated, “thank you so much but no thanks.” Life is short and whatever time I have left is more valuable than agreeing to say “yes” just to please someone else when I know deep down inside it is not what I want, and isn’t right for me.

And when I do respond with “yes” I am all in and passionate about what I agree to doing. A halfhearted “yes” is not where I want to be, my ‘no” response is with love and respect. Thank you kindly for thinking of me but I will pass.

Earlier this weekend I received a phone call with interest in me for an Executive Director position. I did not seek out this position but was truly honored to be considered. I am not 100% sure what I want at this stage of my life, but I am 100% certain of what I don’t want. Peace is the goal, period. I want to feel good physically, mentally and emotionally. I want my spirit to soar and to shine. The only thing I know for sure is that responding with my gut reaction is always the best way to maintain my highest and best self.

So here is to the wisdom in knowing, when to say “yes” and when to say “thanks, but no thanks, that’s just not for me” Young people often believe there is power in a positive “yes” response, even when they know deep down inside it isn’t right. Maturity teaches us that “no” is a much better answer when it aligns with our true self…

Bernadette on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bernadetteamoyer