Desires of My Heart: January 2020

Fun FriYAY

Making the best out of Bug’s second sick day. Sushi with some of my favorites:)

Just another little project to eliminate the things that don’t spark joy anymore. This table had turned into a junk collector the past year or so. Best solution... get rid of it! Clean corner now brings me more JOY! And T was able to work out some of his anger management in the process... bonus joy lol

Stylin’ and Profilin’

Check out T’s new fancy wheels and tires! Looks sharp just like him;)

Fwd: 10 Things Minimalists Don’t Do

#GOALS

10 Things Minimalists Don't Do

Note: This is a guest post from Melissa of Melissa Camara Wilkins.

You might think that minimalists are all about white walls and clutter-free countertops, but that's not the whole story. Minimalists know that having less stuff offers more space for focus, gratitude, and meaningful work.
Whether your own desk is clear or your bookshelves are overstuffed, consider trying out these ten things that minimalists don't do.
1. They don't lose sleep over keeping up with trends.
When it comes to stuff, minimalists aim to own just enough. They might invest in fewer, higher quality pieces, but they're not spending a lot of time and energy shopping for those shoes/tote bags/coffee table baubles everyone else is after, the ones that will be outdated and disposed of before the season is over.
That's not to say that minimalists don't pay attention to style—they just tend to invest more in their own personal style, not the style dictated by consumer trends. Instead of trying to fit in, minimalists focus on who they are and what's right for them.
2. They don't succumb to decision fatigue before noon.
Energy spent on inconsequential decisions—what to wear, what to eat for breakfast, where to look for the keys that are missing yet again—adds up fast. We all have a limited amount of decision-making power each day, and using it on details takes away from our ability to be decisive when it really matters.
When you pare down your wardrobe, your kitchen, or your clutter, you cut out unnecessary options. You can save your decision-making power for creative projects, for your relationships, and for productive work. By eliminating the unnecessary, you create more energy for what matters most.
3. They aren't drowning in email.
Decluttering isn't just for office supplies. Minimalists keep their digital lives clutter-free too, and that includes unsubscribing from emails that aren't useful. Just like the mantra from William Morris, "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful," only invite messages into your inbox if they're useful or delightful to receive.
4. They don't worry about what other people think.
Minimalists have learned not to defer to the crowd when it comes to important decisions. Living with less is like swimming upstream, so minimalists get lots of practice at doing what they think is best instead of following popular opinion.
Most of us have a tendency to be overly influenced by other peoples' opinions. What will they think about what I wear, where I live, what I do? Our best choices are made when we let go of that fearful inner voice. We could all stand to practice that more often.
5. They don't spend Saturdays cleaning out the garage.
When you're not using all those things you buy, they need to be taken care of: stored, cleaned, fixed, organized. Minimalists refuse to give up their free time for extra stuff maintenance. Instead of storing everything you've ever owned, let go of the things you don't use anymore. Less time spent cleaning and organizing all that junk you've stored means more Saturdays spent doing what you love.
6. Or tidying up everything else.
Many minimalists say they love a clean home, but hate to clean. The easiest way to keep things tidy is to get rid of everything that clutters up a space. Clear counters are easier to wipe up. Clear floors are easier to vacuum. Don't just reorganize; remove. And make sure that everything you do keep has a specific home in your house, so you can put things away when they're not in use.
7. They don't let the past dictate their future.
The things you're surrounded by remind you of what you believe is important. If you don't weed out the belongings you've outgrown, it's like your past is living with you all the time. You don't need to own everything you've ever used. Keep things that support who you are, who you're becoming, and let go of the rest.
8. They don't forget what their loved ones look like.
Minimalists have this crazy idea that wanting less is better than buying more. They don't spend time and money buying things they don't need, to impress people they may or may not even like.
Whatever your budget, spending less will help it stretch farther—leaving you with more time to be with friends and family away from work, and less stress during your downtime so you can actually enjoy the people you're with.
9. They don't lose the habit of curiosity.
Creative thinking requires staying curious. Minimalists get to practice curiosity all the time, asking themselves questions like: Why do I own this? Why did I say yes to that? Is this habit still serving me? What would life be like without this? What's really important to me? What can I let go of?
The practice of asking questions and seeking your own answers—not just the culturally approved ones—is helpful in all kinds of areas beyond dealing with desktop clutter.
10. They don't skip out on great memories.
Many minimalists prioritize experiences over things. Instead of collecting knick knacks, they collect memories. Whether they're having fun as a family, planning outings with friends, or going on solo treks, minimalists aren't looking for the next great buy, they're keeping an eye out for their next adventure.
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Make It Count

I read this post on Instagram and it is SO much my thoughts these days! I say all the time to "make it count" to the kids and to MYSELF. We aren't promised tomorrow. Living my best life today :)

msrachelhollis
Verified

Yesterday’s news about Kobe Bryant and his daughter and everyone else who was on that helicopter left me reeling. It’s horrendous to lose someone you love no matter how it happens, but having experienced it both ways I can assure you that its a special kind of hell when you have no idea that it’s coming. When something happens like this it’s impossible not to think of your own losses and rather than spiral (because as strong as I am guys, PTSD is no joke and it’s easy for me to be triggered and start to spiral— have anxiety attacks, start obsessing over losing my husband or my kids, get insomnia again and not sleep for a week— I’ve done a LOT of therapy to not go back there) I have to try and find some meaning. Not that there’s a reason for loss but it helps me to look for the meaning inside of it. So here’s what I thought a lot about yesterday... everyone keeps talking about someday. “Someday when the kids are older I’ll train for the marathon...” “Someday when we’re retired we’ll travel the world...” “Someday when it slows down we’ll go on more dates...” “Someday, someday, someday...” You know what? SOMEDAY ISNT COMING. The only thing you’ve got —literally the only thing— is THIS day.

What are you waiting for?? How are you going to spend the only day you’re guaranteed? Did you hug your people? Did you laugh? Did you listen to your favorite music? Did you tell someone you love them? Did you Live into your potential??? What if you’ve only got a year left? What if it’s just 6 months?? STOP waiting for the right time, the right body, the right support system... go LIVE your damn life! Everywhere I look I see reminders... this is over so fast, stop waiting, go live.

Candle Love

Just another one of my favorite things that bring me JOY... candles. Oh and not just any candles, they must be the 3 wick from BAth and Body lol. I’ve tried all kinds trying to duplicate the joy these candles bring but to no avail. Seems that I’ve come to start appreciating quality over anything else these days. Even though the price is more, I’d rather wait and spend the extra cash and get a higher quality product. Who knew I’d ever become “that woman” haha. Some may even call me spoiled,. but I’ll just say I know what I like and won’t accept any substitutions!! Life is too short to settle for mediocre... and I’m not just talking candles;)

Double Diamonds

I caved and let her get a second piercing. No tears and she claims that it sparks joy for her! I love that she loves it:)

Sunday JOYday

Had a fun day with my people... sparking joy all over town lol. Church, lunch, shopping, parties, and wrapped it up at the Disney Store! Now we all have matching shirts for the big vacay coming soon:)

Sparking JOY

Check out my new bathroom JOY:). Yes, JOY is my word for the year (will post more on that later). For now though, here are the before and after pics. My newly decorated bathroom sparks joy for me!! New is on the left btw. So much it’s made me feel 20 years younger lol

Happy New Year

Happy New Year! Taking the girls out to celebrate the next couple of weekends. Coolest fact for the year of the Rat is that G and I are both rats. I voted we should celebrate all year long lol!

This weekend, the Year of the Rat begins. January 25 is the Lunar New Year, aka Chinese New Year. It marks the beginning of the lunisolar Chinese calendar, which is based on the phases of the moon and the sun’s longitude, and has been in use since the 14th century B.C.E. Although the modern Gregorian calendar is the go-to for day-to-day life, the lunisolar calendar is used to calculate festival dates, and some special occasions, such as weddings.

According to the China Institute, the rat is a symbol of fertility and abundance. People born during this year (or previous Years of the Rat, such as 1984, 1996, or 2008) are believed to be intelligent, creative, and resourceful, and have the ability to form strong social bonds.

The Marine

He did it! Had the official ceremony and he is a US Marine!!

We had the pleasure of taking him home today. Stopped off for his request of some Chinese food, then as you can see... he took a much deserved nap! Lol

Day on Base

We were able to spend some time with Adam today on base. He showed us around and it was super cool to see some of the places I’ve always heard about. We had to return him at 3pm so he could get prepared for graduation day tomorrow. He really seems to fit right in being a Marine!!