Last year's commitment to buying only replacements as a way of decreasing spending proved to be an eye-opening focus worthy of carrying forward. Now I'm working on a sort of master list of "necessities", which can be used as a list of things to keep in good working order...and to stick to in terms of replacements, as necessary.
As I've worked on this post, I've thought about how it can feel like I spend more time thinking + writing about "things" now that I'm intentionally thinking about simplicity than before. More thought, however, leads me to the conclusion that that is not really the case. :) Intentionally thinking about "things" is different from being dissatisfied with or wanting different things.
As I've worked on this post, I've thought about how it can feel like I spend more time thinking + writing about "things" now that I'm intentionally thinking about simplicity than before. More thought, however, leads me to the conclusion that that is not really the case. :) Intentionally thinking about "things" is different from being dissatisfied with or wanting different things.
I'm hoping that this master list will enhance my sense of "enough". I can use it to see that we already have everything we need...and do not need more.
As I'm going room by room in the everyday zero-waste department noting the things we don't need, I thought this might be a good time to make note of what we do "need" + enjoy. I put "necessities" + "need" in quotation marks, because we could surely get by without many of these items...but life is so much for comfortable with them. :)
As I'm going room by room in the everyday zero-waste department noting the things we don't need, I thought this might be a good time to make note of what we do "need" + enjoy. I put "necessities" + "need" in quotation marks, because we could surely get by without many of these items...but life is so much for comfortable with them. :)
Living room master list:
Seating :: Enough for the people who live here. (Extras can be brought from other rooms.)
Place for feet :: For comfort + also to perch a computer on for collective watching.
Lighting :: Enough to read by.
Curtains :: Only for privacy, because...sunlight!
Blankets :: During cold weather, we keep the heat lowered in order to save gas + money.
Clock :: A small one helps me stay on schedule.
also:
A few things that lend themselves toward style :: A little goes a long way. Currently I have about ten small things spaced out on shelves + hung above the mantle that communicate a vibe I love.
Candle :: The flicker + scent add so much joy + coziness in the colder months.
Ceiling fan :: An essential (if possible) for me. It cools so much in the summer allowing us to keep the air conditioning lower (saving both electricity + money).
Books :: A few of my favorites + a spot for a few library books = enough for me. Mr. Tribe + Jo each have a shelf full of books here.
optional:
Rug :: I sold our Craigslist, wool rug six months ago + am still considering whether we want to replacement it.
It may seem like I'd add a bookshelf to our master list, but I don't think it's a necessity. In our last home, we stacked our books on the floor in a nonfunctioning fireplace. We had a small mantle for candles + small objects. Since I don't have a lot of books anymore, I would think creatively before purchasing bookshelves.
Honorable mention: versatility...the pictures above were taken last month (on a good library day!). Here is what our living room looks like today. :)
Seating :: Enough for the people who live here. (Extras can be brought from other rooms.)
Place for feet :: For comfort + also to perch a computer on for collective watching.
Lighting :: Enough to read by.
Curtains :: Only for privacy, because...sunlight!
Blankets :: During cold weather, we keep the heat lowered in order to save gas + money.
Clock :: A small one helps me stay on schedule.
also:
A few things that lend themselves toward style :: A little goes a long way. Currently I have about ten small things spaced out on shelves + hung above the mantle that communicate a vibe I love.
Candle :: The flicker + scent add so much joy + coziness in the colder months.
Ceiling fan :: An essential (if possible) for me. It cools so much in the summer allowing us to keep the air conditioning lower (saving both electricity + money).
Books :: A few of my favorites + a spot for a few library books = enough for me. Mr. Tribe + Jo each have a shelf full of books here.
optional:
Rug :: I sold our Craigslist, wool rug six months ago + am still considering whether we want to replacement it.
It may seem like I'd add a bookshelf to our master list, but I don't think it's a necessity. In our last home, we stacked our books on the floor in a nonfunctioning fireplace. We had a small mantle for candles + small objects. Since I don't have a lot of books anymore, I would think creatively before purchasing bookshelves.
Honorable mention: versatility...the pictures above were taken last month (on a good library day!). Here is what our living room looks like today. :)
Love,
Jane
Jane
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