Avoid the ‘slippery slope’ and instead age well, even improve and grow

@windy1948
Those are tough addictions to break!

Gravity has been with us since before we were born.
We live in a world of up and down, down and up, and that is crucial for life to exist.
Dancers, athletes, martial artists learn to use gravity as an energy source.

We don't want to slip down the slope, but I think we can learn to use the slope and enjoy gently weaving around the hill.

One thing I've noticed is that the very active elderly live in homes of minimal clutter. It seems they have decided what to do, and have set up their environment for it.
I struggle to do the same; it's a daily task, weaving my best life today.

When our living space is open and needed objects are accessible, it's a lot easier to move through the day. (Maybe even adding a few extra reps to my squats.)

@edsutton
There’s something about lack of clutter that is so calming.
Knowing I’m going to have to give it all up eventually makes it easier to discard, give it away, or not bring it into the house in the first place. I’m 73 and looking toward the downward “weave” with pleasure.

@calofmichigan I was laying in bed at 5 AM thinking I need to get rid of the grandkids toy box (teenagers now) as it only gets used by my great niece and nephew once or twice a year. I can make more room for tai chi and yoga. The clutter gives me anxiety. LOL

@gmarosie
Great idea! You’ll feel so much better, especially since you’ll be replacing it with usable space for your Tai Chi and yoga. I’ve been lucky to have moved several times in my lifetime and each move I was able to get rid of stuff that didn’t add value to my life. I wasn’t able to off-load all my kids’ stuff back to them until they were in their late 20s, so you’re way ahead of me. Plus, think of the joy those things will bring to other parents and children! Good on you!!

@gmarosie I put a few selected "aged out" toys in a small covered tote for the little ones who rarely visit. Since they never just drop in, it is a perfect solution.

Reclaiming space/taming clutter is so important to my peace of mind - half or the year we live in 400 square feet or less.

I just realized today that ALL (3 seasons) of the clothing I wear for 5 months fits in 3 medium sized drawers and a 3 foot wide half-height closet. I see some major clearing out coming when I return to my "big" 1200 sf house in May!

Also, I have many hobbies, but I control their "creep" into my life with a small set of shelves and specialized totes. When these are full, something "must go." This led me to a major cleanout at home - an entire SUV full of no longer used items went to the church fund-raiser sale last year. Now I actually have empty shelves and no "piles" lurking. Too bad I cannot get myself to give up my 3X8 foot worktable with storage underneath.

It drives my partner crazy, but I NEED uncluttered surfaces for resting my eyes, mind & soul!

Astoundingly, thoughtful and insightful advice here. Simplification is a good pathway towards peace in life.

Ive been cluttering for a few years! Yay for Facebook marketplace!

I’d Like to know more about Facebook marketplace.
As I cruise thru my house I make mental inventory about things that have outlived their “charm”, or usefulness!
You’ve Caught My Attention!
Thanks Bunches!

@gmarosie recycle what’s usable…charities, online ways to discard….years ago, we put stuff in driveway with a ‘’free’’ sign… all gone very fast..