Day 31: You'll Never Use Shoe Boxes Again

Am I the only one with this disaster? Or does everyone do the 'where are those shoes' tantrum as they hunt through the boxes? Or worse, find a pair you had forgotten you had?
 

For ever I had left my shoes in their boxes and placed them in the growing shoe box pile at the bottom of my wardrobe. Often they would have a rest after a long day or night out before they made it back to their box. In summary IT WAS A MESS!!
 
I know from visiting my friends that this is a common issue and is definitely not solved by buying 'see-through shoe boxes' for a crazy price that just make the mess look pretty.
 

Lets solve the problem - GET RID OF THE BOXES

Actually, don't even bring them home. Leave them at the store!
 

Here's what we did.
 
We found a small closet that was contained various house stuff we rarely used. It was at the end of our hall way and was the perfect depth for shoes (30-40cm / 12-16 inches). So we gutted the closet (took out all the shelves and fixtures), repainted it and then put in heaps of shelves to fit the shoes (some high for heels, some low for flats and at the bottom it was tall enough for my longest boots).
 
Now, I simply put on clothes, open the shoe closet and find the perfect pair. No mess, no boxes and no waste.
 
You could do the very same at the bottom of your wardrobe by making selves....or find a wall inside your walk in robe and put in the shelves.
 
The main thing is to get rid of the clutter, make it easier to find your shoes so you don't need to buy more... as you will realise you have enough or discover you need to add something to your wish-list.
 

Other clever ideas

 

What went out - 1 item

I found a box perfect for a birthday gift for my friend...so out it goes.
 
 

What came in - 1 items

I bought myself a tea strainer...yes it was an impulse buy.

INSIGHTS

(1) I need to put more effort into my wish-list 
(2) Spending time with friends beats shopping every time 

TOTAL: OUT - 621   IN - 49

 

Day 6: Incoming!

Here I am being all clever about nothing coming INTO the home. No shopping, no buying and no gathering of 'stuff'. When all of a sudden BAM!! A Christmas package arrives from the US. Too funny. Of course no big deal right?! Right?! RIGHT!?? 

It was a present for each of us from Jerry's sister plus one for the family. Beautifully and heartfully selected. Four wonderful gifts were opened and received. All of them keepers: gorgeous salad spoons with olive oak handles, a lovely bracelet each for Sammi and I with 'made from love' on the insert, and a Waterford crystal tree ornament. Just beautiful.

So in response I HAD to get rid of more than arrived. So I went straight to the SHOE CLOSET and out went 3 pairs. Ok, I admit it one pair was just one thong (second on broke) and a second pair of thongs that I just don't wear, and a pair of heals that are broken in parts. Feels good...but I am nervous about culling my shoes further. I need to sit down....LOL.

I also browsed the linen cupboard and found two table cloths that are just not us any more. Gone-ski.

What went out - 5 items

I got to this quickly as I wanted to go to bed early - 3 pairs of shoes and 2 table cloths.

What came in - 4 items

Some yummy Christmas presents. All of them are keepers and we love them. Let's see if this is still true in 12 months time.  

 

Insights

(1) It is what comes in that makes all the difference. The opposite applies to money, it is what goes out that makes all the difference. Interesting...we are flipping the equation.

 

TOTAL: OUT - 163   IN - 4

Day 1: The jewel of denial

Already it feels weird sharing the truth of this journey but I trust it is a good thing. Owning something that is not functional is kinda hard, however I know each person reading this is happy for me for various reasons... perhaps for some of their own reasons.
I consider this day a big success.... 37 items left the building. Elvis would be proud.   
 

What went out - 37 items

Today, as I wrote this blog in bed, I decided the first thing I looked at would be culled. It was my jewellery stand. So many earrings, many I love and many I have never worn. Yay... this was a great choice.
 
I went through it one by one and in no time over 30 pairs of earrings were in the gone-ski pile. How crazy it is to have earrings I have never ever worn and yet keep for no real reason.
 
Now I only have those pieces I love, that celebrate me and my expression of myself.  You know the ones.... the ones you love that look great!!
 

What came in - 0 items

Nothing! Oh yeah...doing the happy dance.
Basically because we didn't go anywhere or do anything other than chillax after a magical morning at Terrigal Haven watching the sun come up for new year.
 
Oh, um, er...actually, a confession... (blushing now), we went to Guzman Y Gomez for Mexican food. Not really something coming into my life, but a retail impulse that wasn't necessary. We had plenty of healthy food in our fridge and instead of coming home and enjoying love infused gourmet delights, I suggested Mexican food. Going to watch this impulse from now on. 
 

Insights

(1) Jewellery is a funny thing. It is a shiny, sparkly item that is in nearly every retail fashion outlet and does it's best to catch our impulsive eye. I have some beautiful pieces that I love. I really don't need any more.   
 
 (2) Today I spent time with people I love, connecting, sharing and enjoying their essence in a deeper way than I have in the past. This is what fills me up.
 
(3) There is so much in my heart waiting to be expressed. Shifting the energy to the outward flow of my hearts value is going to give me more than anything I could bring into my life.  

TOTAL: OUT - 37   IN - 0