We're moving next week to a new house, and I must admit I'm not the most cheerful packer in the world. Where did it all come from? How can one small townhouse contain so much stuff? So, we've been purging diligently, asking tough questions such as, "Do you recognize this? Any idea of its possible function? So why do we have three of them?"
We've also stopped buying things. This isn't easy for either of us. Dave loves to stroll around Target, and is especially weak in the girls' clothing area, where he always finds something Aliyah "absolutely needs." My downfall is a particular second hand store in Leawood, where I feel obligated to drop in at least once a month, and where I always find a great buy that I just can't pass up.
But we've restrained ourselves for the past few weeks. I'd like to say it's because our packing chore has enlightened us to our bloated lifestyle, that we've pledged to commit to the discipline of simplicity. Really, though, we just can't bear the though of packing another item. Yes, our newfound frugality is motivated by laziness.
A few life lessons, though, are boldly asserting themselves, and just won't be ignored, despite our best efforts. Forced creativity is one. Since my shopping moratorium includes the grocery store, I had to figure out just what to do with that half bag of black beans that's been squatting in my pantry lo these 5 months.
Another is that, when I resist the shopping impulse, it eventually cools somewhat. Don't get me wrong. I'll still present myself to Prior Attire shortly after we move. But I won't go every time the urge strikes, because now I know that the urge is not stronger than me.
Life is also easier when I don't spend my precious time with my daughter at the store. We play more, color more, laugh more, relax more. Life is good.
So I'm going to try to continue the discipline even after we move. Right after I buy a new pair of black boots that I just absolutely need.
