I resonate with all of these lessons and have felt the same over the past few years. The thing I am struggling with is teaching my daughter how to live simply. She is 7, an only child and the only grandchild on both sides. We are pretty good at not buying her excessive amounts of stuff but her grandparents not so much. She really struggles with letting go of her things because she feels they hold memories. Despite many conversations about memories living within and how she would feel less overwhelmed with less stuff it's still an ongoing battle to keep her things under control.
If you or anyone in your community have advice on this it would be much appreciated 😊
Oh, I know this struggle very well! My only son is the same - he is very sentimental and has always really struggled to let go of things. That said, as he is getting older he seems to be becoming more ok with it. He is 9 now and when we did a clean out earlier this year I was really surprised by some of the things he was (finally!) ready to part with. So perhaps it is just a matter of time? I have never pushed him too hard to let go of things because I suspect it might actually make the problem worse - he'd develop a scarcity mindset and cling even tighter to them. It's really frustrating when the junk is taking over the house though!
Good point about risk of scarcity mindset. I guess we just keep teaching her through our own actions with our own belongings and hope as she grows and matures she begins to understand the benefits for herself 🤞😊
Katie- You're absolutely right about investment in experience. It's worth every penny and then some. I appreciate this reminder. Hope you're well this week? Cheers, -Thalia
These are all such fabulous tips, Katie! I'm so glad you talked about financial stress because this is a conversation that our culture tends to shy away from, I think to our detriment. My husband and I just began working with a new financial planner and we had to calculate all our discretionary spending for the past year. It made us realize how much we really invested in experiences, and how each and every one of those trips or family outings was worth the money spent on them. (The money spent on Amazon..not so much!)
Great point. Finances when handled well can lead to peace and stability, but noticing discretionary spending is really an important area. I am thankful my husband and I are on the same page in this area.
I loved this. Simplicity helps, and I agreed with so much you said here. I am hoping to visit my friends in Chelsey VIC sometime in the next 12 months. My very close friend (I met her when I taught in China) and her American husband have lived in Australia for a long time now. I’ve never been but hope to see your part of the world. I miss these friends and look forward to a visit. I am in Oregon in the US.
Reading this on day 1 of my first real vacation, where my fiancée and I invested time and money into being able to travel to a whole different country (in my case) and state (in hers) is timely. I love investing in experiences, in time spent, and valuing my time and energy by taking each day as a new opportunity to find beauty. Yet another beautifully simple yet inspiring piece, thank you! 🥰
I resonate with all of these lessons and have felt the same over the past few years. The thing I am struggling with is teaching my daughter how to live simply. She is 7, an only child and the only grandchild on both sides. We are pretty good at not buying her excessive amounts of stuff but her grandparents not so much. She really struggles with letting go of her things because she feels they hold memories. Despite many conversations about memories living within and how she would feel less overwhelmed with less stuff it's still an ongoing battle to keep her things under control.
If you or anyone in your community have advice on this it would be much appreciated 😊
Oh, I know this struggle very well! My only son is the same - he is very sentimental and has always really struggled to let go of things. That said, as he is getting older he seems to be becoming more ok with it. He is 9 now and when we did a clean out earlier this year I was really surprised by some of the things he was (finally!) ready to part with. So perhaps it is just a matter of time? I have never pushed him too hard to let go of things because I suspect it might actually make the problem worse - he'd develop a scarcity mindset and cling even tighter to them. It's really frustrating when the junk is taking over the house though!
Good point about risk of scarcity mindset. I guess we just keep teaching her through our own actions with our own belongings and hope as she grows and matures she begins to understand the benefits for herself 🤞😊
Katie- You're absolutely right about investment in experience. It's worth every penny and then some. I appreciate this reminder. Hope you're well this week? Cheers, -Thalia
I am very well, thanks Thalia! I hope you are too. ❤️
"experiences provide more lasting happiness than material possessions."
Strangely, that thing which so many of us love and dedicate our lives to - a garden - is sort of both.
You are right Anne! And I am so very grateful for our garden. 🌱❤️
Beautifully written!
Thank you so much! 🥰
These are all such fabulous tips, Katie! I'm so glad you talked about financial stress because this is a conversation that our culture tends to shy away from, I think to our detriment. My husband and I just began working with a new financial planner and we had to calculate all our discretionary spending for the past year. It made us realize how much we really invested in experiences, and how each and every one of those trips or family outings was worth the money spent on them. (The money spent on Amazon..not so much!)
Great point. Finances when handled well can lead to peace and stability, but noticing discretionary spending is really an important area. I am thankful my husband and I are on the same page in this area.
I agree with all of this Katie - especially decluttering, nature, and finances, but I put all of them into practice!
I love starting my morning or ending my day with a gratitude practice
Who left the water on again!
I loved this. Simplicity helps, and I agreed with so much you said here. I am hoping to visit my friends in Chelsey VIC sometime in the next 12 months. My very close friend (I met her when I taught in China) and her American husband have lived in Australia for a long time now. I’ve never been but hope to see your part of the world. I miss these friends and look forward to a visit. I am in Oregon in the US.
Reading this on day 1 of my first real vacation, where my fiancée and I invested time and money into being able to travel to a whole different country (in my case) and state (in hers) is timely. I love investing in experiences, in time spent, and valuing my time and energy by taking each day as a new opportunity to find beauty. Yet another beautifully simple yet inspiring piece, thank you! 🥰