For the past few years, I have tried to take something on during lent rather than give something up. The thing that really spoke to me, especially at the stage of life that I was in, was the 40 Bags in 40 Days challenge. The premise of this challenge is to use the 40 days of the Lenten season and let go of things that you no longer need and do not serve you. To clear your home of clutter and open your mind to new things, including the peace of the Holy Spirit.
I wrote about my process here and here and here and while I no longer need to do this, since my downsizing is complete, I am here to be your cheerleader and let you know how amazing this challenge can be. We all have too much stuff and it's incredibly easy to accumulate things over the years. When we get ready to downsize, it can be overwhelming. Use this challenge to make it less so. One bag a day, whether it be for donation, the trash bin or resale, can add up nicely over the 40 days. As you are filling a bag, let yourself feel the weight being lifted and the opportunity for new beginnings.
We made our move 8 months ago and besides the sunshine and beach living, downsizing and having very little in storage has been my favorite thing about the move. I kept what I love, use and had room for and continue to be very judicious about what I bring in.
It's not easy, but it can give you the greatest feeling, once complete. The 40 Bags in 40 Days challenge is a great way to start.
Happy Thursday!
I am working on cleaning out and clearing the clutter! Moving would help, but I think I am staying put:) Enjoy your day dear friend, sunshine and blue skies!
ReplyDeleteInspiring when I followed your 40 days before and it still is.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to be a continual task . . . for me . . .
The best part for me is “I bring less in!”
Yesterday I was in Home Goods looking for totes for my Great Granddaughters room . . .
I saw “thing after thing” to purchase for myself, but my “don’t really need it theme” held me back.
I found three adorable totes though . . . and out the door I went!
I saw this challenge on social media earlier this week and thought of you!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! One bag a day makes it a doable challenge.
ReplyDeleteI have decided to do the 40 day prayer challenge with Mark Batterson (online study).
ReplyDeleteWe have a box in our basement to place items to donate and we regularly accumulate and donate items to Salvation Army. Trying to always stay on top of that.
I don't think I have the energy for 40 bags in 40 days but I am clearing out bits and pieces here and there. Just finished my shoe cabinet. I was amazed to see high heels suitable for a pole dancer, trying to remember if I ever wore those! x
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea! We just purged for our move (one year next week!). Trying to not hang onto 'stuff' now.
ReplyDeleteI'm starting tomorrow. Missed the first day of Lent but we've had to completely remodel our lakehouse because of busted pipes in frozen weather and they will finish the floors tomorrow. So it's time now to clean the house out. Piles and piles of stuff are on top of the beds and out of the closets. This weekend will be putting furniture and things back and my plan is to "pitch". As in weed out, throw out, clean out...and then I'm going to do it at my real house. Whew....I'm already tired!!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it has been 8 months since you moved! I've always loved your posts about 40 bags in 40 days. At this stage of my life the only "clutter" I want around my house are photos of the people I love.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like your move was the best thing you have ever done! I need to stop buying and start purging. Great post. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a great challenge! I started today (late to the party) but made up for it.
ReplyDeleteI do love de-cluttering and giving things away. Yesterday I gave 4 books to the library and mailed 3 books to a friend and each day I am going through old paperwork and shredding most of it. This is part of my Lent practice and thanks for this reminder.
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