Seven years ago I wanted to make a change in my home and life. I was in a new season of stress and exhaustion, spending more time holding onto my things than holding on to my family. Back then, I hadn’t seen encouraging online communities, A Simple Year, or Uncluttered courses with lifetime support.
But looking back, thinking about what motivated me and kept me going— it was my why. I started from a place of stress and exhaustion that helped me see my why. I finally got so uncomfortable with how things were (or were not!) that I set out to make them different—with my why in place. I wanted more time with my family rather than my stuff. I didn’t focus so much on the what to let go of as I focused on why to let go. Connection. Laughter. Togetherness–without the chaos of stuff.
Some of the greatest positive growth in my life has come from a place of discomfort, hurt, and chaos. My why is what helps carry me forward.
Over the years my why has changed, it’s grown wider and deeper in my life. With my why as the primary fuel for my motivation, I thought it would be encouraging to share other whys from one of my favorite course group—the Uncluttered Course.
Uncluttered, is a 12-week online course intentionally designed to help you own less and live more. The course includes videos, live webinars, interviews, weekly challenges, practical tips and articles, accountability and an engaged community. At the start of the course, Joshua (who is personally involved) invites everyone to share their why– an essential piece of Uncluttered.
When you join a group of others sharing their why and encouraging yours, it’s all that much more motivating. It’s the power of community. A community finding their lives under everything they own, together.
Here are 16 why’s in their own words from people who’ve participated in the Uncluttered course.
1. I realized over the holidays while trying to take time off, that I finally needed to make a change. Our stuff is keeping us from enjoying each other and so many other things. Whether I wanted to rest or have some fun, the clutter kept reminding me that I had lots to do.
2. I have three kids 9, 7, and 5, and I recently told my husband that I feel as if I’m wasting half of my life either looking for things that I can’t find because there is stuff everywhere or picking up stuff and trying to make the house look presentable. And I would much prefer to use this time to play with my kids instead, so I’ve decided to dedicate 2018 to the year of minimalism.
3. I want to do this program because I thrive with order. I work hard to organize, but it doesn’t keep long. I want to get off that crazy train and just have less to deal with overall!! My goal is my birthday gift to me- by May to have our home uncluttered!
4. I have spent the last couple of years cleaning out my family’s junk, and now it’s all in my house! Ack! However, I find myself a little too sentimental and it’s hard to get rid of. I’m hoping to work through this AND to work with my kids to downsize their things without forcing them. (that’ll be some trick! ;))
5. I’m a mom of 4 and a wife of a retired veteran, I’ve accumulated so many things over the years. Clutter has been depressing me, and I’m drained in all aspects. I’ve come to the conclusion that less really is more. I’m ready for a new change in my life, and it starts at my core…my home. I’ve joined this group for help with decluttering, ideas, and support. I’m ready for change!
6. Stuff has made its way into my house over the years and never left. Some of it invited and some thrust upon me by well-meaning people. I’m tired of trying to wrangle it into submission with organization. Want to learn how to let it go.
7. My daughter is about to start walking, and it’s got me thinking about what kind of mom I want to be going forward and how I want our home to feel. And I don’t want to waste another minute trying to reorganize things we don’t need, use, or love.
8. I have 38 mugs in my kitchen, and I’m the only one that drinks coffee.
9. We want to downsize to an inner-city home so that my husband can reduce his commuting time. I think this will vastly improve his physical and mental health.
10. I want to be able to answer the door and have people drop by without being embarrassed or ashamed.
11. I want to be able to have company without days/hours of cleaning and stress and fighting with family beforehand.
12. I want to set the example that family is more important than things.
13. I want to be able to park a car in the garage.
14. I want to feel less distracted and more present.
15. I want to own fewer things so that I can focus more on the important people in my life. I don’t want my child to remember me as the cleaning organizing mom.
16. I want to be able to breathe and not feel overwhelmed by stuff and chaos.
The people in Uncluttered make up a beautifully diverse group who are honest, warm, and supportive. Their words are a reminder that shedding our excess isn’t really about the what; it’s all about the why.
It’s about the life underneath all the stuff.
Never underestimate the benefits of removing things you do not need.
Ready to get uncluttered and live more of Your Why?! Registration for the Uncluttered course has begun! Uncluttered is only offered four times per year and registration closes Sunday, January 17, so don’t wait. . Be sure to sign up with my friends and family discount (use code FF25 at checkout for 25% off!) through my affiliate link. Also, you can read how the Uncluttered course has changed lives! It is amaaaazing!
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