When we lived in the Adirondack Mountains for seven years, we learned to enjoy the free things in life. Living on one salary with a growing family and trying to get out of all debt made us stop and think about the free things in life that bring joy.
Nature.
Taking a walk outside, lounging in the sun, or swimming in the lake with or without the kids became a daily retreat, which didn't cost me a penny.
The Library.
I love to read, but I don't like to buy books unless I am at the thrift shop or a yard sale. The kids and I visit the library about every two weeks. They can each choose a movie, too. I am still not sure why, but I love the atmosphere of the library. Maybe I should have been a librarian, because I love to organize, too.
Hiking.
Trying to do something with your loved one that doesn't cost any money is quite the challenge. This weekend, John and I went walking around Lynchburg's famous Black Water Creek Trails. It gave us about an hour and a half to enjoy the woods again, while having uninterrupted conversation. Since we decided to spend the whole day away, we did hire a babysitter and made an event of the whole day. Truth is it did cost us money, but a cup of coffee (in our own thermos, of course) after the hike would have been enough.
Simplifying is an ongoing discipline for me. I don't simplify one day and then mark it on it on my calendar until next year.
Simplifying is a must for a healthy home. Decluttering a drawer or your schedule are ways to make room for mental rest.
Today I dropped one activity from my weekly schedule. Look for the one activity that isn't really producing joy or fruit in your life and get rid of it. If you feel a sense of relief, you probably picked the right one.
Also, I sorted out all of my dresser drawers. Getting rid of what isn't being worn and refolding the clothes that will stay helps me see what I have, so that when I shop, I can truly know what I need.
When I take the time to simplify, I feel the stress leaving and my home seems more peaceful.
One of the best tips I have used is the idea of spring cleaning throughout your week and not leaving it for spring when you'd rather be outdoors gardening anyway. Add one task to your weekly schedule, whether it be clean one kitchen drawer out the same day you clean your kitchen or windex windows that are in the room you are cleaning, instead of setting out a whole day just to do the windows.
If you have any ideas to share, please post. If you need help getting starting check out: www.marthastewart.com/article/spring-cleaning-checklist
Happy Cleaning!
