Because our storage space is so limited and because we face realities about how much we can and should weigh we have to be very deliberate in our purchases. My frying pan was worn out and shedding Teflon so I replaced it - in the past I would have just added to a collection. Brother's water bottle handle broke after a couple years of service so I need to retire it and get him a new one. It's convenient and efficient to have fewer items to care for, wash, fix, put away...I am glad my cupboard's size sets the limit for what I can keep in terms of kitchen items. In the McMansion I had cupboards I never looked in - dusty spaces with an old vase or wine glass that I loathed to clean.
I know a lot of adults who love their toys, gadgets, and gizmos. I want to have less. I have two laptops computers, one from work (can't do much about that) and the other I have had for over five years. I also have a phone - I would LOVE to only have one device. Both my phone and laptop seem to have some life left in them, but they have hardware issues (my screen shorts out in certain positions on the laptop, the CD ROM doesn't shut properly) and software issues (lack of storage space). I hate to spend money, but I want to see if I can mange with one device (tablet with bluetooth accessories) to replace both...one less thing to charge when we are boondocking...? "The things you own end up owning you," as they say in Fight Club. Getting rid of stuff, swaping out things for other things that have utility (I bought a collapsible wagon which has proven to have many uses including as an aid in carrying laundry to/from the facilities), and organizing our ever shrinking hoard is satisfying. Also I have less stuff to take care of so I can focus on the people I want to care for.
The other day, while cleaning my kitchenette I felt like I was playing house like when I was a girl. I felt happy and content with my tiny kitchen and the small collection of utensils that each are used regularly, as opposed to the drawers of shit in my former kitchen where I would lose things continually. I bought a new flipper the other day and I spent an inordinate amount of time picking it out since it was replacing one that had served me well until it broke.
The feeling of shopping and using up all the groceries is a good one. I used to waste so much food! I also used to forget about things in my freezer and pantry. These days we eat what we buy and we clear out the old to make room for the new - it seems much more healthy for my body and mind, as well as the planet.
A friend recently asked me if I missed being able to just get away - I think she meant like have my own personal space when the stress of family gets overwhelming. But I honestly can say that living in tighter quarters has made us a more close-knit group. We have conversations about how we fit together as a group of individuals. These conversations are especially relevant if one of the kids are acting out. We talk about reciprocity and cooperation. The kids are affectionate with us (though they get on each other's nerves sometimes) and we have our fun things to do together: read books, play games, play or listen to music, watch shows, go outside for walks/bike rides, and go to parks and other fun places. Also, I do have my own space. Husband and I have a bedroom with a door that closes, but I have never gone in there for the purpose she implied. I have taken a nap, or slept in on a rare occasion. I have also sat in my room many times to work while the rest of the family are home. The door limits interruptions, but because the door and walls are thin I can still hear when I am needed.
I feel that I am living in the moment, not rushing off to the next thing, obsessively planning, or stressing out about whatever. Life is good, I have so much to be thankful for and I spend time each day counting my blessings.
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