Liberation by Elimination

As a by-product of preparing for an around-the-world trip we have been reducing and simplifying our lives.  In the last ten days we have sold or moved to storage most of our earthly possessions.  One of the boys came in to our bedroom this morning and said, "Your bedroom echoes."  Yes, it is that empty.  I'm sitting on the floor typing this.  We have our family computer on a card table.  We eat on folding metal chairs.  We have friends over to watch soccer on TV tonight (go RSL!) and we have one chair.

But you know what?  I don't miss the things.  I don't miss our headboard.  It hurts my neck when I lean against it and try to read.  I don't miss our footboard.  It hurts when I bump my shins into it.  I usually do that once a year.  I don't miss our bed frame.  It squeaks and creaks every time we roll over.  I don't miss the big dresser.  It only holds things I use once a year and collects junk the rest of the year.  All of the big pieces of furniture are gone.  The house is alarmingly empty.  I guess this is our unplanned way of easing into the "life of the hobo."

This morning I told Elaine that I liked the feeling of not having so much stuff and hoped we could live like this, with less when we return from our trip.  I wasn't sure how she would react.  I was surprised when she agreed with me enthusiastically.  The feeling is hard to describe but we both feel it.  It is kind of like being released or liberated from an obligation.  We had drawers and felt obligated to fill them.  We had a bed and felt obligated to have a head board and a foot board.  Without so many things I feel liberated.  I don't have to take care of these things any longer because they don't consume any space or place in my life.  Of course, some options in life are now somewhat limited because we have fewer things and I'm totally OK with it.  I am liberated to fill my life with other things and people that matter more.  We have made conscious decisions what to keep and allow into our lives.  Maybe that's the secret:  consciously deciding what to keep and allow into our lives.

Whether you are traveling around the world or not I think everyone could enjoy the feeling of liberation and freedom that comes from eliminating things you really don't need and consciously considering what to keep and allow in your life.