If you were to ask me the best decision we made for our family, it would be that we consciously and consistently revise what we own. Minimalism isn't stark white walls and modern furniture, it's a lifestyle in which nothing owns you. Everything belongs. It has meaning, and has a place.
As someone who has struggled with focus and overwhelm, I must admit this method has served me well in managing my priorities. Living abroad and raising children, requires so much presence and loving attention. I'd be lying if I said that has been a full success story, but it's certainly allowed so much weight to be lifted. Minimising daily chores, and reducing the mental noise often cluttering our focus.
Our homes are to be lived in. Furniture to be jumped on, and off of! Forts to be built and reconstructed. I mean it's a tough job when boys have an endless list of uses for our sofas and chairs. The amount of times we bring our sofa's together to create 'the ULTIMATE bouncy castle' is beyond me! Because multifuction is where it's at! hah.
To own things that are too fragile to utilize seems like a misdirected use of care.
In a time where we're being called to revise our value structures, I hope we also begin to design ones around our human nature. Calling us to snuggle a little closer, and recognise the magic of our everyday blessings.
