As seen in the Dayton Daily News on May 23, 2015.
For Mother’s Day weekend, I got to sit down and read a book without feeling guilty. I also napped when I felt sleepy, hiked with my dog, played cards with my kids and chatted with my husband around a campfire.
We spent the perfect weekend at a campground.
For me to have this perfect weekend, I first had to take this advice from a quote by Ben Stein, “The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want.”
Take a minute now and close your eyes. Think about what a perfect weekend would be for you. What experiences do you want, who would you spend time with, what would make you happy?
Open your eyes and keep that perfect weekend in your mind. Now, walk around your home and look for items you’ve been storing, but no longer need.
If you start looking at your unused items with new eyes and seeing them as things that keep you from enjoying your perfect weekend, it will be easier to part with them.
I’ve had to let go of many things that were important to me; the cradle my five children slept in, the saddle I used throughout my 4-H days and many of my parents’ belongings after they passed.
I was able to let go of these things, because none of them were helping me get to the campground. By keeping only essentials in my home, I have time to enjoy all the simple things I love to do.
During the weekend my youngest daughter said, “I feel like only nice people go camping.” I looked around at our fellow campers and knew why she would think that. Everyone was relaxed and enjoying their family and friends, yet had very few belongings in tow.
What are you holding on to that are now just taking up your time? Many of these things need to be cleaned, maintained, organized and cost money to store. No wonder you never have time to enjoy your perfect weekend.
It’s time you put a stop to storing things and start having perfect weekends. Owning fewer things will allow you to do just that.
Imagine doing what you enjoy in a very relaxed and unhurried manner. Now make it a reality. As you sort through your belongings, ask yourself this question, “How will keeping this item allow me to have my perfect weekend?”
If you see me at the campground, stop by for a visit. I’ll have plenty of time to chat.