making way for new things | no. 12
There are 4 plastic tubs of fabric yardage and scraps in my basement. A bookshelf of a hundred books I haven’t read yet. A loom sits under my bed from last year and I haven’t learned how to use it. Homeschool materials, activities, and curriculum wait to be “scheduled in” to our homeschool routine.
It’s so easy for me to become interested in hobbies and projects only to have the materials become unused and overwhelming - a reminder of what I didn’t accomplish. I know I’m not the only one.
As this year draws to a close, I’d love for us to make way for new things and make our old passions (if they’re still our passions) more exciting and accessible so we actually do them. I want to make way for simplicity, creativity, and slow moments with family and friends. While you read these challenges for the new year, remember I’m preaching to myself as well.
Letting Go
First, allow things to leave your life if they don’t fit your lifestyle anymore. This could be that project kit you never opened, the books you’ve been “meaning to read” for 5 years, the clothes for when you “lose 5 more pounds",” or the pantry food you wanted to like but you think it’s gross and never cook it.
When you come across these items, don’t be ashamed or down on yourself for letting them go. It doesn’t represent failure. These items represent a life that isn’t yours. Keeping things only to have them remind you of what you aren’t, don’t have, or didn’t do, is not beneficial. You’re helping yourself by letting these things go. Give them to a friend, a donation center, or if it’s in really bad shape, the trash can.
Paring Down
Sometimes we get into a passion or hobby and without realizing it, accumulate 5,000 pieces or accessories to make that hobby better. In reality, these extra pieces become distractions, keeping you from the passion you first had. If there are hobbies, interests, or passions in your home that have become a hoard of “someday” accessories, pare down the hoard by only keeping what you plan on making, creating, or using up in the next few months.
Once you’ve used up your supply, you can buy more fabric/notions/yarn/hardware/etc. Keeping an abundance on hand may feel like you are prepared for anything, but what you’re really doing is giving yourself an excuse to hoard things you’ll never use in the name of your creative passion.
This same principle goes for movies, books, clothing, homeschool/craft supplies, kids’ toys, and more.
Make Way for the New
As humans, we grow and change on a regular basis. That’s normal and perfectly good! Hopefully, we are growing into better versions of ourselves, but regardless, there are times when our passions and interests change.
Once you’ve decluttered and removed all the irrelevant items, don’t be afraid to highlight the new interests and projects that you want to pursue. This is not a license to hoard new items, but rather to focus with clarity on a few things that matter to you.
Remember to keep the items for each hobby minimal. You don’t need everything to start into an interest. Go slowly and see what works for you. 9/10 times, the basics get you further than new options, gadgets, and supplies will. Only keep on hand what you’ll use up or use frequently.
Set Your Priorities
For a final thought, set your priorities for the year. Do you want to have more family time? More connection with friends? More time for projects? Would you like to learn a new skill, be more adventurous, or do less?
Whatever your desires are, make them a priority. Make sure time is set aside for the things you want (or don’t want) to do. If you think winging it will work, trust me, you’ll end up overcommitted and overwhelmed. By setting your priorities, you’ll know when you say yes and when to say no to the things that pop up next year.
I hope you have a wonderfully intentional and satisfying new year!