Simplify

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I feel like Spring is such a season of renewal and 'shedding' the winter layers which can mean a lot of different things to various people.

I am personally in the process of completely decluttering my life. And when I say I am getting rid of excess, I mean I'm going for it.  We have already filled over 27+ bags full of material possessions to share with those in need. And approximately 14 additional bags of books & such.  So that's over 41 bags total! Whoa.

I thought letting go of so many of my belongings would feel really refreshing. But, I was surprised to feel a bit saddened to say goodbye. I had so much nostalgia wrapped up in specific outfits that I wore or even shoes. Memories of the time I read 'that book' by 'that tree' in 'that city'.  It's been an interesting experience to say the least.

Have any of you ever read the book 'Seven' by Jen Hatmaker? Seven is this:
A seven-month experimental mutiny against excess, tackling seven areas of overconsumption in the spirit of a fast; a fast from greed, irresponsibility, apathy, and insatiability. Each area boiled down to just seven choices for a month:

Food.
Clothes.
Possessions.
Media.
Waste.
Spending.
Stress.

Only seven foods for a month. Only seven pieces of clothes for a month. Give away seven things we own a day for a month. Eliminate seven forms of media for a month. Adopt seven substantial habits for a greener life. Spend money in only seven places. Practice "seven sacred pauses" a day and observe the Sabbath...a deeply reduced life to find a greatly increased God.

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I just love the concept of Jen's. I think there is something to be said for simplifying our lives. And it's such a cool experiment that not only transforms your external life but, most of all, your internal life. 

I wish we could all commune together over a meal. Because I would LOVE to hear what 'seven things' in each category that you would each give up.

I'll share a few categories and then we can all get back to our relaxing Sundays!

Gosh, only eating 7 foods for an entire month. I will choose the following: Organic Spinach, Organic Salted Almonds, Organic Avocados, Vega Chocolate Peanut Butter Meal Bars, Organic Sweet Potatoes, Organic Millet Grain Free Rye bread & hmmm, this is tough. My last food will be organic broccoli. What would yours be????

And only seven pieces of clothing for a month is rather easy for me. So, I would choose: TOMS shoes, heather grey flats, black skirt, grey skirt, navy sweater, black sweater & grey knit tights. Wala. Easy! Some that are really into fashion - I imagine - would be so challenged by this!

I'll stop there but, I am joining this experiment. And I encourage you to as well! Let me know if you buy the book & journey 7 months without excess! I'd love to hear how both your inner & outer world change.