When most people think about decluttering their lives, they use the word purge.
To me that's a very ugly word.
Purging implies bingeing, eating disorders and forcefully clearing toxins out of our systems.
I don't know about you, but that does not appeal to me at all.
Now take the word streamline.
It's a sleek word.
It implies being aerodynamic with nothing non-essential and completely gorgeous.
According to a 2007 Streamline art exhibit in Montreal, "In the 1930s and 1940s, streamlining came to represent modernity, progress, efficiency, cleanliness and glamour.
" How's that for a description of a great life? A modern, progressive, clean, efficient and glamorous life.
In other words, total awesomeness wrapped up in five sleek, sexy words.
So, do you want a streamlined life? If so, here are five questions to ask yourself about your stuff: 1.
Modern: Does my stuff tell people I live in the past? No one expects you to live in a world without a past, but for many people that's the only place they live.
They collect memorabilia and trinkets to commemorate every tiny milestone in their lives until none of it has any meaning.
A streamlined life looks forward not backwards.
2.
Progressive: Does my stuff serve my dreams? People don't often think about it, but too much stuff can hold us back when pursuing our dreams.
For example, if you've inherited a dining room set that's been in your family for three generations, your dream of selling everything and taking a cruise around the world gets kind of ruined.
Remember -- you are not your stuff and you owe no allegiance to the things your ancestors loved.
Own your things because you want them and because they help you achieve your dreams, not because your Great Aunt Mary had them tailored made for her.
3.
Clean: Is it easy to maintain? One of the things I love most about Streamline design is its ease of cleaning.
Everything is smooth lines and minimal detail.
Can you describe your house that way? I don't mean cold, bare and empty, I'm talking practicality.
Can you dust with ease? Do things have a place for quick tidying up? The more stuff we have, the more difficult cleaning becomes.
On the extreme end too much stuff becomes hoarding which results in health and fire hazards.
4.
Efficient: Do I need it? How many things do you own because you might need it someday? Like that melon baller or fondue pot? You might be someone who uses a melon baller and fondue pot, but if you're like most people, these things just take up space.
But don't worry, you don't have to get rid of it yet.
You have one more chance to keep useless items...
5.
Glamorous: Do I love it? Now, let's get completely impractical here, because of course life if infinitely impractical.
We are emotional creatures and happiness comes from totally nonsensical items.
When I think of glamour, I think of voluptuous passion and desire.
That's what you should feel towards your things.
Be passionate about them, desire them voluptuously.
Don't be mediocre about your stuff.
That's boring and who wants a boring life? Drooling for a streamlined life of your own yet? Well, what's stopping you? Let's get streamlining!
To me that's a very ugly word.
Purging implies bingeing, eating disorders and forcefully clearing toxins out of our systems.
I don't know about you, but that does not appeal to me at all.
Now take the word streamline.
It's a sleek word.
It implies being aerodynamic with nothing non-essential and completely gorgeous.
According to a 2007 Streamline art exhibit in Montreal, "In the 1930s and 1940s, streamlining came to represent modernity, progress, efficiency, cleanliness and glamour.
" How's that for a description of a great life? A modern, progressive, clean, efficient and glamorous life.
In other words, total awesomeness wrapped up in five sleek, sexy words.
So, do you want a streamlined life? If so, here are five questions to ask yourself about your stuff: 1.
Modern: Does my stuff tell people I live in the past? No one expects you to live in a world without a past, but for many people that's the only place they live.
They collect memorabilia and trinkets to commemorate every tiny milestone in their lives until none of it has any meaning.
A streamlined life looks forward not backwards.
2.
Progressive: Does my stuff serve my dreams? People don't often think about it, but too much stuff can hold us back when pursuing our dreams.
For example, if you've inherited a dining room set that's been in your family for three generations, your dream of selling everything and taking a cruise around the world gets kind of ruined.
Remember -- you are not your stuff and you owe no allegiance to the things your ancestors loved.
Own your things because you want them and because they help you achieve your dreams, not because your Great Aunt Mary had them tailored made for her.
3.
Clean: Is it easy to maintain? One of the things I love most about Streamline design is its ease of cleaning.
Everything is smooth lines and minimal detail.
Can you describe your house that way? I don't mean cold, bare and empty, I'm talking practicality.
Can you dust with ease? Do things have a place for quick tidying up? The more stuff we have, the more difficult cleaning becomes.
On the extreme end too much stuff becomes hoarding which results in health and fire hazards.
4.
Efficient: Do I need it? How many things do you own because you might need it someday? Like that melon baller or fondue pot? You might be someone who uses a melon baller and fondue pot, but if you're like most people, these things just take up space.
But don't worry, you don't have to get rid of it yet.
You have one more chance to keep useless items...
5.
Glamorous: Do I love it? Now, let's get completely impractical here, because of course life if infinitely impractical.
We are emotional creatures and happiness comes from totally nonsensical items.
When I think of glamour, I think of voluptuous passion and desire.
That's what you should feel towards your things.
Be passionate about them, desire them voluptuously.
Don't be mediocre about your stuff.
That's boring and who wants a boring life? Drooling for a streamlined life of your own yet? Well, what's stopping you? Let's get streamlining!
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