I need to tell you something...
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- Опубліковано 10 вер 2024
- This explains it all! Why my stuff doesn't make me happy...why it's never enough...why others get the things and I don't....Today we'll unravel the complicated comparison game and talk about how to find contentment once and for all!
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Take Your House Back is hosted with three of us, myself, Dana from A Slob Comes Clean and Cas from Clutterbug. We talk big picture about how to declutter and focus a lot of attention on working through obstacles like sentimental items, unsupportive family members and other hang-ups. This course is FUN, there is a lot of involvement from all three of us and the ideas are specific to those who haven't been successful in the past.
Ideal for those who have been decluttering for a long time with little success and those looking for more community and support.
In the Declutter Your Home in 15 Minutes a Day course we go through the workbook, breaking down specific areas of your home in detail to be able to declutter faster and with more confidence. If you want to know specifics (like how many of each thing to keep) this course is for you.
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I‘m from Germany. A few weeks ago we took a refugee family from Ukraine in with us. A mother with her little son. Her husband had to stay in Kiew and is still there. It changed my view on a lot of things. I‘m more grateful now. For my home. For being with my family. For sleeping in silence at night. For a save space for my child to play in.
I am so grateful also for peace and realize how fragile It Is.
Thank you for doing that!
I’m so happy that you did this for them.
Kudos for all you are doing to help the Ukrainian family. Prayers for you and them.
Thank you for sharing this.
I've never commented on a UA-cam video before, but here goes... We had an extensive house fire last year where we lost pretty much all of our possessions, mostly due to water and smoke damage (thank God that the family were all ok). In the course of starting to purchase replacement items, I realized there was so much that wasn't worth buying again. Over time, I also had a weird sense of relief that the clutter I was holding onto for one reason or another was just gone, essentially the decision was made for me. During that time period, I stumbled onto your channel I have binged so much of your content and have learned a great deal (how clutter affects us mentally, why we buy, why we hold onto stuff we dont use, etc.). Your videos have been a tremendous blessing to me and I just want to say Thank You for what you do (and Thank You for introducing us to Diana who I'm just as fond of). God bless you both!
The first thing that I thought of when you said that you had a fire is "Lucky Lady".I know that is a bizarre thing to say, but as someone who has been on the declutter journey for years, it is nice to have the decisions made for you.What a wonderful opportunity to start over from scratch and discover what truly has meaning in your life (and none of it is stuff).Thank God that your family are all okay.That makes it easier to become a mindful consumer moving forward.
Exactly! As traumatic as it was, it did make me realize how little we actually need and that stuff is just that...stuff.
Im glad you and your family are ok. Thanks for sharing your experiences and wish you the best that is to come.
This is so sweet and so nice to meet you Corrine! So glad we can be on the journey together 💛💛💛
I'm so sorry, Corinne. I'm glad you can be thankful for parts of it, but I'm sure that was traumatic. Glad you're with us on this road now though! So thankful for Dawn and Diana, too. This is a great group 💖
3 C's to contentment
Don't Compete
Don't Compare
Don't Complain
LOVE this!
Yes. Thanks for sharing this. Can I borrow this to share with family and friends. Don’t compete, don’t compare, don’t complain.
Great!!!
@@opaldurham4818 of course
I love this❤️
I started living simply about 7 years ago. Funny thing is, I never had anyone say “Where’s all your stuff?” or “You’re so weird.” They did however say, “Your house is so peaceful.” or “Your home is so tidy.” I even took care of a girl who struggled with anxiety, but would feel totally calm in my home. Atmosphere matters so much.💕
Wow! She felt more peaceful at your house , that’s awesome
Totally agree, atmosphere is everything!
Peaceful… I have a friend and every time I walk in her house I tell her how easy it is to breathe in her home
Amen
The only people we should compare ourselves to are the person we were in the past and the person we want to be. To make sure we’re on the right path. 😊
LOVE this!
Well said!
I agree well said
I echo that, well said!
AMEN!
I lived 2 years in a shelter with my newborn (turned toddler 🥰) we now have our own place. I feel so rich and so incredibly thankful ❤️
I stopped comparing myself to others when my children were small. I had a friend who had so much more/nicer everything. I was so puzzled because our husbands were about the same position and salary; we had comparable homes and same size families. I was having lunch with her one day when she was anxious to stop at a loan company to make an overdue payment. It was an aha moment that lasted.
Yep. Don’t keep up with the Joneses, they’re broke!!
So many people go into debt for nice things. I can't comprehend that; thankful I grew up with wise, frugal parents.
Thank you for the reminder! I lived in a third world country for 6 months during college and lived with 4 outfits the whole time. I remember knowing I didn't need much to live, but I did get caught up in having too much stuff after my parents passed. I am now 66. Thanks to you and your channel, I have simplified once again. One only has to drive down the street and see the wide paved roads and street lights to be reminded how rich we are. Also, I am so grateful for cold water, ice and being able to drink water out of the faucet! Very grateful for the men and women who have fought so we could have this life. Thanks!
“Decluttering unhooks the grip of consumerism” YES!
Yes! I paused the video and rewound it to listen to that again. It really struck a cord with me. The more I declutter the lesser the feel the urge to buy!
Oh my gosh yes that was perfect. Exactly what I’ve experienced too. I wish that these grips just weren’t even there in the first place! But ah such is life
My ‘comparison scale’ has flipped upside down now. I’m comparing my minimalist goals to Dawn’s and I’m sorely lacking! But it’s great fun trying to catch up!
Dear Dawn, I'm really happy you didn't use your marketing skills in advertising ! You're doing such a powerful job in promoting minimalism. Thank you for finding the right words to help us during this journey.
I agree with you Lila.
It’s happening to me to I’m not minimalist but I’m way more careful with what comes in my house. And I wanted to pursuit interior design but I’m feeling like de cluttering and organizing is more helpful for people now. I don’t longer feel that I want to make them but a million things to decorate their homes. Now the opposite
“I’m not even talking about sacrificially decluttering” Yes…this is the message I give to my loved ones all the time. Just get rid of the stuff you’re not using…you will have the exact same amount of useful stuff but you’ll have clear drawers & cabinets & white space. It’s amazing. I so appreciate your channel. It’s my favorite! :)
This resonated so much with me. One of my proudest moments as a Mum was when my nine year old told the teacher that what makes people sad is ‘too many things because you can’t find your favourite toy and comparing what you’ve got with what your friend has because my mummy always says comparison is the thief of joy!’ Thank you Dawn for a fab video - you are so lovely to watch and always inspire me to keep striving for less. Love from Wales 🏴
A few years ago I went with my grandson’s youth group to Puerto Rico to help rebuild homes after a hurricane. I know what you mean by life changing. The people we were helping started out with so little and had lost everything. Still they laughed and smiled and did their best to be hospitable. One of the houses was completely down to the studs and yet the wife set up a board across some cement blocks and cooked hot dogs for us. I feel so blessed to have been able to do that.
I remember watching television with my aunt in her hospital room; she was dying of cancer. A credit card commercial came on, and the announcer was telling people that by “just continuing to do what you’re doing” (spending on stuff) they could win all sorts of *other* cool stuff.
My aunt just looked over at me and shook her head.
She was a clever Lady...
I notice that a lot of people don't think in terms of what do you need, compared to what is available. So much is available that we do not need. I feel rich because my needs are met.
YES! Thank you for this! You can help people right here in the United States! I am a Public School, inner city teacher in Milwaukee and it has been a privilege to serve the families I serve. They need understanding not judgement, this would be something all of us can give.
For those inspired by Dawn to help build communities, consider assisting an elderly neighbor. Although some may have family nearby, they may not be helping out. I fed my neighbor 2 meals a day for eight days after Irma ripped through Florida. Her sister lived 2 miles away and a nephew in town
A domestic version of this would be Sleep in Heavenly Peace. They are spreading across the US. They build simple bunk beds for kids who sleep on the floor. It’s local people coming together to help, donations dropped off (I asked for an address and Amazoned some bedding to them). Local schools host the space, local businesses feed the volunteers.
I live in South Africa. The contrast between rich and poor here is a daily affront to the senses.
Hallo van die Wes Kaap!
Thank you for this video, Dawn. I was just sitting feeling sorry for myself bc it's "so hard" not to overeat while trying to loose baby weight....while others have nothing to eat. Feeling tired and not wanting to go bathe all the kids....while others don't have clean water. 😔
Oh I struggle with comparison/contrast all the time! I live in an old mobile home and a lot of people I know have these beautiful homes that are newer or more modern than mine. I am working on decluttering and trying to realize how lucky I have it! I will make this a home a little at a time and it getting there. I should be proud of my home but I constantly struggle. 😞 thanks for the boost with your video!
My sister inherited our dads mobile home which is a 1975 model. She has been getting it together over the past 20 years. She is getting new flooring in the kitchen dining room and frontroom in the next few months. Look inside your home as that is what you see.
Check out Homestead Tessie you tube videos. New insight in mobile home living.
When I was 20, my husband and I went on a hitch hiking trip to Panama and back. We spent most of our time there with the people of each country, seeing how they lived. They were all such generous people. It impressed me how happy they seemed to be with way less than we had, and I considered us to be rather poor at the time. That experience formed our lives. We have pretty much lived by need rather than want.
I remember when I travelled in Morocco I saw families living in spaces smaller than my master bedroom and I honestly had a culture shock, I could not believe it. Seeing this with my own eyes was nothing like seeing that in the TV or on the internet.
I love this!
“Getting rid of the stuff you don’t use in your house unhooks the grip of consumerism in our life”
My daughter and her family spent almost 3 years in Honduras working for a ministry at a school. I was able to visit them and I saw the contrast you are talking about. We are very blessed.
“Unhooks the grips of consumerism.” So simple and powerful.
Such a true message! A friend sold his house and moved in with and is renting from his girlfriend. When I saw the house, I had a twinge of envy and longing as in why can't I live like that? Then my sensible self kicked in and said, really? You want to be responsible for the upkeep and cleaning of that huge space? My apartment is about 450 sq. ft. I have too much stuff and am decluttering at a faster rate now, my car is in the shop more than it is on the road, its days are numbered, and I want to get the heavy stuff moved along before it goes belly up, I can't afford to replace it. I am feeling a sense of freedom knowing I won't be responsible for keeping it fueled and running. It will be somewhat inconvenient, but I am adaptable and will find ways to work around it. I guess I live at or below the poverty line, but I have all my needs and many wants met and know I am wealthy compared to so many others.
That is such a beautiful share. I lived in poverty for most of my life, so I know how difficult it is, but your attitude about it is so refreshing and is making me rethink some things right here at this moment. Thank you so much
Absolutely! All of us in the developed world are in the richest 10 percent.
😊😊😊👍
I look forward to your “I love you,” comment at the end of each video. For many, it may be the only endearment they hear that day. So meaningful. Your efforts at being relevant, inspiring and informative do not go unnoticed. Your content is thoroughly appreciated, especially your honesty that this process didn’t happen overnight for you, but in fact is the culmination of seven years of effort. I am on year six: mom died in 2016 and it’s taken me this long to go through all of her things in a diligent and respectful way. And I will probably have to do a second decluttering of the items I kept. But it’s so worth it to know I didn’t rush through things. And even though I am currently going through a funk as to where to begin decluttering every morning, with my own things, with some days actually being catatonic due to overwhelm, I remember to celebrate my baby steps, even if it’s only one thing I decluttered or chose to intentionally keep that day. Thank you and your family for your kindness and generous gift of your time to make your channel meaningful and uplifting to so many.
Greetings to you in Christian love! I can totally relate to you in "processing " belongings of a loved one. When my mother passed, my siblings dropped off some furniture as well as several boxes of her things for me to go through. I was so grief stricken, it took me 2 years to even be able to even look in the boxes. And, although I know better, I felt like every time I got rid of something that belonged to her, I was dismissing her... I know it doesn't make sense, but when your heart is hurting you can't bear to part with anything that has a connection to your loved one. I have since passed on most of her things as I declutter my home. I know it would have pleased my mother, because she was a kind & generous person and always helping others. I kept a few things which I can use... a lamp, dining table, a reading table with lamp, a kitchen canister set, a quilt my grandmother made her for a wedding gift,, a couple pieces of clothing I can wear, as well as lots of family pictures. It will never replace my beloved mother, but now I smile when I see and use these things, knowing I am honoring her memory. May this encourage you today and know that someone is thinking of you and lifting you up in prayer. ❤
My Mom lives in senior housing and if she dies before I do, I will have less than one month to go through all of her things.I am going to donate it all and keep some pictures. I tried to get her on the minimalist train before she moved to my State, but no luck...
Ken-Mar Rescue...Your first 3 sentences caught me off guard and brought me to tears. So sad and so VERY TRUE. thank you Ken-Mar Rescue for reminding us all.
I look forward to hearing the "I love you" too. I'm a mom of five, very blessed but it's so nice to hear that genuine phrase from you Dawn :) You are doing God's work! ❤️ you are the only channel I never miss a post each week!!!
I look forward to the "I love you" every time, too! It's so heart-felt. Love you, too, Dawn, and thank you! And Ken-Mar Rescue, God bless you for the reverence and intentionality with which you've treated your important task--well done you!
Thank you, being grateful is so important. I think the comparison trap comes from too much social activity. It’s okay to be alone, sometimes answers come to you in silence, or in a good book, or a walk in nature or serving others.
Dawn, I totally agree. From a Christian standpoint this is something I have been struggling with personally. Thank you for such a wonderful reminder for all areas of life and our many blessings 🙏🏻
I was so proud when my girls came up with the idea to volunteer at our food bank. They get to see how fortunate we are to be food secure.
When I spoke about family's community involvement and volunteering, my son (9) said "that's what we do" as though it never occurred to him to not help others. 😍
I also recognize volunteering is a privilege. It can be so difficult when you're stuck in survival mode.
I grew up with the weird parents and honestly, I love being the next weird generation. My parents weren't minimal but they were "hippy", frugal and loved to serve others too. I am learning to add minimalism into this mix
Dawn, I know I've said this before but oh my goodness, what a blessing you have been to me for the past several months. You are literally a breath of fresh air. Thank you for being willing to share your life here to encourage others. I can't help but see how God is blessing you and pouring out His favor on you as you are being obedient to not only share about minimalism but also about the most important thing, Jesus. You, my sweet sister in the Lord, are such a shining example of Christ's love and you are reaching so many hearts. I pray that people will come to know the Lord through your channel, what an amazing testimony that would be!!! 💗
Amen, and amen!! ❤🙏🏻
Comparison is the thief of joy.
I took part in a Mexico mission trip in high school and it left a lasting impact on me. So MANY had so very little. Houses made of cardboard or plywood. Dirt roads everywhere. I came back with gratefulness for what I have. Now many years later, I wish that I had recognized consumerism for what it is. However, I recognize it now and am doing something about it. Thanks for the push to get rid of the inventory.
I went to Costa Rica in high school, and had a similar experience. I was sad to go, actually. The simplicity of life there was something to be envied in spite of their struggle. We need so little to thrive.
This isn't exactly the same, but I worked in a cancer center and comparing myself to the patients I cannot tell you how grateful I was. The were so full of life and their perspective really made you realize how your little issues and problems cannot compare, Thank you for sharing this. It is so true and makes you really think! Kindly, Jackie
I remember going to Mexico when I was 10. It was eye opening and I knew I was fortunate even though in Texas we didn’t have much. We took a bag of hand me downs to my cousin and she was so happy she put on all the pieces in the bag. Mind you, it was hot! I was impacted by that trip and count my blessings daily.
This message was so inspiring. I also appreciated how you mentioned the people who you 'visited' rather than 'helped'. A subtle difference, but it shows that you really care and see families who don't have their needs met as equals to ally with, rather than people to be pitied. It must feel wonderful that you've come so far, and that you can now say that in addition to building strong values, that you truly live them. What's more, you've shown us that we can do it too. Thank you.
What would be wrong with helped if she actually did help them? You can visit people and help them at the same time and still care about them.
I volunteer weekly at our local clothes closet. On the surface, this seems like a fairly affluent area - nice homes and cars, good schools, nice shops, but what we see every week is quite different. There are so many families in need, some homeless, sleeping on the floor, living in cars, large families living with multiple people in a small apartment. It's a real eye opener.
So true!
same! I volunteer at a local food bank - people come in there to get food who drive cars like mine and who look just like me. Makes me appreciate and not waste.
@@allisonc9645 First hand exposure is a wake up call!
I had the same thought when I went to Ethiopia in 2006. It was such a culture shock to see how the majority lived where I visited there. There were *literally* people that would die and passerbys would take them up the hill to be burned bc their families and friends had died too so no one was around to get rid of the body or anything. Even to myself as a 15yr old then, that was crazy to learn. And oh so sad.
I have always tried not to compare what I have...I guess from growing up without any excess... Many times people have said ..."oh you don't have what other people have " .. but I have always said .. "it's not what ya got ...it's how you use it " ...thank you for this video ...it's on point ..and I am grateful for you shining a light on it .
I find that family/extended family often are the ones who bring up the comparisons. They tend to focus on cars, or homes or how many vacations they have taken, or what new tech thing they have bought. It's almost like I'm expected to apologize because I don't live the same way. I don't feel shame or less because I don't have similar things. For me, my family is what's important. Do I like to have nice things? Do I have memories attached to things? sure, but in the end it's just stuff.
I completely agree. I went on several mission trips when I was a teenager and it was completely life changing. I’ve never forgotten how I felt there! People living in shacks, children w no shoes on, people hungry and dirty ect. I always tell people that us in the United States have literally nothing to complain about. Something else that I found ironic though is a lot of these people were so eager and hungry to hear the Gospel and about the goodness of God. It’s almost as though the minimal possessions in their life allowed them to be hungry for God. Their brokenness drove them to the cross. These people had nothing to lose. I saw miracles happen there, people saved and set free. I don’t take anything in my life for granted. I always tell people who complain “you know there’s someone out there who wishes they could have what you have” so just be thankful for what you have. I’m so thankful!
This is so true! I tell everyone that they need to travel out of the US to realize what we have here. I feel most of us take so much for granted. Yes, we need to step back and review our "wants"versus "needs". We are bombarded with so many ads, etc that make us think we need to buy this certain item -- be it clothing, makeup, car, etc to be successful, or fit in with the 'in' crowd. It's definitely ok to be different. God wants us to focus on the important things... relationships - mainly our relationship to Him and not our relationship to stuff. Thank you for all you do and are doing.
"There are three sets of mental fetters to give up if you want to be truly free: judging, comparing, and needing to know why. The "why" inevitably becomes clear as you progress in your passage. " -Brugh Joy
" Joy's Way: A Map for the Transitional Journey"
I found this quote years ago, and as I've gotten older, it resonates with me more and more!
Dawn thank you so much for sharing your heart in this video. So many things that you said really resonated with me. Thursday, April 28th will be the 8th anniversary of a tornado that took our home and a bunch of our “stuff”. That was the beginning of our minimalism journey. In those years I have learned that things that are not serving a purpose are usually standing in your way. Thank you for the encouragement to continue pushing toward what matters most.
I live in the US but my family overseas are refugees, in a camp.
I always try and remind myself what we have. Im blessed the point sometimes of guilt. We are able to help them and that helps me so much!!!
My minimalism journey started 3 years ago... I had the chance to live in Mexico for about 3 months. When I came home I had learned so much I decided to declutter. some how I found your channel and I listened to everything you said. Once I did it I found out I was pregnant with my 4th son. With 4 children I have found life to be so peaceful thanks to minimalism. It has changed everything. Thank you for what you do!
Love, love, love reading this!!!!
I love going tent camping for this reason. Nothing feels better then coming home to hot running water! But I do love camping because I love nature and the beauty and challenges that come with it. It’s been nice simplifying our house because on my husbands off days we can spend it all outside instead of cleaning/maintaining our stuff!
I grew up in Mexico and coming the states, I remember getting overwhelmed in the store just at the selection of bread! There was so much to pick from!
Wow
Missionary cousin in Papua New Guinea said the same thing here on furlough. Decision overload/ fatigue here in the US
I’m from Mexico and I totally relate to your content Emily. I also find car dealerships enormous 😅
I get overwhelmed and I’ve always lived in the US. Bread, toothpaste, pasta, cereal, types of apples! All of it!! 😵💫
@@juliewright1895 That’s why I shop Aldi. And even that can be overwhelming, at times.
I find myself comparing myself to the me I was before my husband died almost 5 months ago. I always say I don’t want to bug my friends when I am lonely. I use the phrase “I don’t want them to think I am the poor sad widow who needs attention.”I started my decluttering journey about a month ago when I started going thru Doug’s things and deciding what too do with it all ( other than the stuff he told me early on who he wanted things to go to). Sorry I think I got off the track of this video.
I'm so very sorry for your loss. It makes me think of the other side of what you're saying because I have a hard time reaching out to people, even when I think they might need help... lack of confidence, fear of rejection, I don't know, I'm just silly that way... but if a friend said, "I need..." or "can you help me..." I'd be there in half a second! I say this in hopes that you reach out to your friends and ask them to spend time with you because you're lonely. It's certainly understandable after losing your husband, and I bet they would be there in half a second too! Don't be afraid to ask... they might just be waiting for you to. Take care.
So very much sorry for your loss
I compare myself to the way I was too. I lost my husband last year. But if there can be a lesson from it, it’s that im stronger than I thought I was. I stop comparing my life to before. Acceptance and gratitude for what I do have helps me heal.
So sorry for your loss. It's early days yet, and there will be ups and downs over the next few years.
I hope you find people who can just be there for you and with you in the moments when things are overwhelming.
God bless you 😊
Our husbands passed away around the same time (mine died 6 months ago). I agree with Sweet Stuff's reply - One of the most important things my brother 'taught' me in the first few days was to say "can you help me" no matter how hard it feels to say it. And it was very hard sometimes as I am one who is very used to doing everything myself. But I found out I was very blessed to have so many family and friends to support me.
I started with minimalism before I knew it was a thing. I was just fed up with beeing overwhelmed with all that toys and stuff. I would not take back one thing from what I decluttered.
Dawn, this is one of the most poverfull video you made!
Thank you!
We have begun decluttering our home in earnest only yesterday because we are selling our home! My husband has taken three SUV loads out of here already and I feel like we’ve only just begun. You are such an inspiration. It has taken me a long time to get to this point and I feel God is giving me a new heart for how I look at stuff. Thanks for this encouragement today.
🤗🙏🏻
Prayers for your next step
I’m new to decluttering but that’s how I decide what stays and what goes. I look at some thing and I think if I were to move tomorrow do I want to bring this with me it’s amazing how well it works. Good luck and enjoy your new home
It's amazing how many SUV loads can get out of a house and yet you don't miss any of it!
@@kimberlykane5307 Thanks for sharing that thought. That is a great way to get through the "stuff". If I wouldn't want to take it with me, I must not need it.
I needed this today. For a while I have been feeling pretty discontent with my home, and being able to declutter. It just feels so hopeless. I thought today maybe if I had a nicer, bigger house I could organize it better. I don’t know if that would be true. But after this video; it really doesn’t matter what my house looks like or the size of it. I should be grateful for it. I realized I need to do my best with what I have. Thank you for the perspective.❤️
Dawn, as I was driving in town yesterday, I was noticing all the storage unit places and just shaking my head. People paying money to store stuff they're not using and probably never will use is just astounding to me. I thought of you and wondered if you would do a video encouraging people to empty out their storage units (but NOT bring the storage stuff home - yikes).
I would enjoy seeing someone volunteer to have her go through their storage unit with them so they didn't have to pay anymore. I had a dear friend tell me they had stuff in storage and my thought was, "What a waste of money!!" I can understand if it's short term/you're moving... but to just have it sit there? Yikes!
Those storage units are popping up everwhere! I see more of them all the time,in cities, in rural areas, etc. It's like we , as a society, can't get enough stuff, yikes
It’s just mind blowing, really. My sister and her husband have one. They’ve had one for 5 years at $100 per month. They acknowledge that they don’t need or want anything in it, except for maybe one of his army uniforms. My brother-in-law gets stuck though and feels like he needs to go through the stuff before he gets rid of it and that holds him back from doing it. So they keep paying $100 per month instead. I can’t even comprehend that.
This baffles me, too.
I don't have a storage unit BUT living in Mn. I can see how storing the winter stuff ( snow blower, snow mobile,) in the summer and then storing the summer stuff, ( furniture, umbrellas etc...) in the winter could be useful.
I learned a phrase a long time ago that really struck me. "Comparison is the thief of joy." Makes you more grateful.
Hey Sheryl how are you
I was just recently thinking of the quote by Teddy Roosevelt "comparison is the thief of joy". There are many new and larger homes being built in our neighborhood so I'm trying to focus on what I can do for us to love our home and life. Decluttering and bringing in less stuff is part of that - our home looks more spacious and better with less clutter and it's such a good feeling!
Such an impactful quote.
I see some of those large homes, they might not have furniture in them bc they can't afford it or have older vehicles but they have the big house.
I always think about how much it's going to cost them to heat/cool such large homes... not to mention the house payment itself. Think of all the experiences you can have, or give to others, by not having to pay out all that money that they are for their "essentials."
I agree with you that it does require bravery to be different. That's honestly why I was so nervous about home schooling 9 years ago. Now, I love it and wouldn't change my life, but it was a leap for me. I think it helped me start to embrace who I am .. Still working on that, but baby steps!
I went on an Art History trip to Egypt when I was a junior in college. I photographed the whole time, as part of my Art credit. When I came home I was overwhelmed of how much we have here. Clean streets, controlled traffic, sturdy homes and even good toilet paper. I have never forgotten this experience and try to never take all my blessings for granted.
Dawn you are just one of the absolute best people on this planet. I so appreciate your humility and all your guidance in all things minimalism. Your goodness is such a powerful influence and I love you!
LOVE every bit of this message. I’ve always marveled at our “happiness” goals, when often times we forget to stop and realize that we are “being happy.” Happiness comes when we can realize and appreciate what we do have right now. Bless 🙏🏽💛
I loved your message today! It was so inspiring. You have a talent of delivering messages to others. I found you on You Tube a few weeks ago and you’ve been an answer to my prayers. I’ve always been organized and try to keep things in order, but for a while now I feel like I can’t keep up…always putting something away and then there’s a new mess when I turn around. I totally agree with you that the more stuff you have the more you have to manage. And that just feels like a waste of time. Thanks for your videos and inspiring others to simplify to enjoy the things that really matter!
Thank you and God bless you .. I'm 58 and honestly we grew up with far less. .and we never felt poor or deprived. .life was simpler and I think it's partly because we weren't overwhelmed with stuff. There were 4 of and we shared rooms, and belongings etc. . so grateful for your channel. . always inspired and encouraged. . the mission field is often in our own back yard . .
Great video & so needed. Our church has a bus ministry where we pick up kids & adults for church. It is so sad to hear some of their stories of their lives even here in America. It's heartbreaking. It definitely makes you more grateful for what you have & you're absolutely right, most of us are spoiled brats.
That's so awesome! My mom or Gramma told me when they were little thered be a bus to pick them up for Sunday school. Such a cool idea 🚎🕊🌠
@@shadowprovesunshine That's awesome! What state did they live in?
I grew up outside the Twin Cities and my church took youth missions trips to inner city Minneapolis (maybe 30 minutes away) and it was so eye opening and a really great experience for us suburban kids to see how others lived, just a short drive away too.
I used to go to Mexico often as a child and it did leave a huge imprint on me how other parts of my family lived as opposed to me, and yet I still fell deep into consumerism; I am so thankful to have found your channel which truly helped me realize that my belongings were causing me more harm than good and I agree with the points you illustrate in this video - thank you for using your powers for good vs evil! :D
I can totally see how falling into consumerism would still happen (there is SO much pressure to buy all around us) but so cool that you still have that experience to draw on!
I am comparing myself to my younger self - and that is a win because I get happier with each new decade because of bedrock satisfaction I have attained. And that satisfaction is based on being truly grateful for what I have, and what I can give. Service in life is paramount for me. Thank you for your wisdom, Dawn!
Andrea! I love this comparison!!! Always makes me smile to see your name pop up!!
Love bedrock satisfaction.
ABSOLUTELY had that exact 'contrast' feeling when we traveled to China and the orphanages to adopt our daughters. It was almost depressing to come back to our luxuries. What a great video. Thank you!
Same here! I traveled to Wuhan, China, in 1996 to adopt my beautiful, smart and sweet oldest daughter. At that time, 50% of babies in some Chinese orphanages did not survive past one year of age. (BTW, there was another bad "Wuhan flu" in 1996! Hmmm?) I knew I had to go back and adopt another child from China. In 2001, I returned to China to become mommy to my youngest darling daughter. The people in China were so nice and helpful; I still feel sad for the suffering they have endured.
@@greeneyes6311 I guess the problem is solved for your girls, best wishes in your caring.
So sad the other children are in such a state. The one child policy was part of the problem and the state in control is pretty bad.
@@greeneyes6311 We are currently on our 5th adoption from China and stuck due to Covid. It does make me feel sick to think we have so much in the USA and yet we are miserable. I actually began minimizing a few years back and now am in process to downsize my lifestyle and home in a brand new area with another simpler home. Packing up currently and with a family of soon 9 we still have loads of stuff, but so grateful I went ahead and got rid of a lot already. Thankfully my oldest son who is 25 is getting out on his own so he is taking loads of our stuff we no longer need. The sad thing though is saying goodbye to the organized, very well established and completed home here. I won't miss the home as much as everything we did to it. I even felt bad because my 23 year old son forgot to video tape the home before we started ripping it apart. But we are ready to go as my hubby and I and our 23 year old second son are buying land together to build side by side so his enthusiasm and determination in packing up is keeping me motivated and excited for what's next. But will I miss the stuff, no way! I am taking this time to get rid of so much more which is the great part. It will be weird though that this move will be minus 1 of my kids and he won't be there to make memories in this new house or know well our new son when he comes home from China. It's amazing though how attached we get to the memories. 😢 But new chapters are always bittersweet.
Thank you! Needed to hear this today. Such a refresher on my current goals! I have been in the process of decluttering while raising my first child who is now 10 months old. I am sick of living with all this materialized stuff. I have also been off all social media since January 2020 and haven't missed it since! Comparison is an enemy.
As an immigrant, I have strived to live the American dream. We lived in shortage in a socialist country and feel truly blessed to be in the US now. 🙏🏽👍🏽 Being able to live here is a privilege.
“Decluttering unhooks the grip of consumerism in our lives”-Dawn ✅✅✅love this Dawn! So insightful! Seeking to serve and help others also drives us to be less “I and Me” focused and helps us see the greater purpose we have as humans.❤️serving others helps us not be so self focused. 😊
Love, love, love this content. As someone who worked with the Red Cross for 31 years, this resonates fully with me. I worked for 6 months in Angola, during the war. Being Swedish I had no experience of war and poverty. I knew it existed but didn't understand it. I learned the meaning of 'nothing' there. At home nothing equald something. I have nothing to wear... I have nothing to watch.... Etc. In Angola it really meant nothing. Apart from the grass under their feet or the clothes on their bodies.
We were looking at baskets for the PTO raffle and my son asked which ones I wanted to bid on. I told him I've been trying so hard to declutter our house that I didn't want the kitchen basket that I would have chosen in the past. The more consumable option look better now. Thanks Dawn. 😉
I helped on a Habit for Humanity home in high school. It was a wonder experience! I hope to volunteer again with my husband and sons in a few years. My husband is a carpenter and handy at many things so I'm excited to see how he will be able to help.
Take a good look around America, there are lots of people going without their basic needs. There is struggle in this Country too.
This is so true and such a powerful message. I have been off social media for quite some time now and I cannot tell you how content I am in my own life. I just don’t have the brain capacity for all the nonsense. Thank you so much for sharing this today.
I've done exactly the same, I came off Facebook at beginning of pandemic and have to say I love it, I live my life for me not what Facebook thinks I should do x
I’ve done the same! It has improved my mental health massively.
Same. 👍
I have never been on Facebook partly for the reason you talk about. The pressure I get from other to be on it is crazy.
Yes! The pros of not having any social media far far far outweigh any cons.
Just last week, the Lord convicted me (after praying about a specific scripture) that I’m more focused on building my kingdom than His. Ouch. But true. I so often give what’s leftover in terms of time, treasure, talent. I’m more concerned with saving for bathroom tile than who I serve. My Christian resume looks pretty good but my heart.... so thankful for a loving God who’s patient, loving and merciful. All that to say....this video is timely and in keeping with who I want to become - authentically, not just externally. Thanks for your faithfulness, your love for others and allowing God to use you as salt and light.❤️✝️🙌🏻 Glory to God❤️
Funny- Although our trips generally are not "mission" based, we always have that same sense of being fortunate. We just got off a cruise where crew is away from home, working ridiculous hours catering to sometimes ridiculously challenging people... After the trip on FB someone commented on our cruise saying how terrible the food, entertainment, etc. was ( it was far from that) and I had to wonder how say, the Ukrainian waitstaff, etc. felt when people were like that... Amazing. Thanks for the good work you do!
I needed this reminder - thank you so much, Dawn. It’s so easy to compare myself, my home, my possessions to influencers on social media and feel like I’m lacking. But we truly have SO much. May we all be encouraged to give rather than to keep receiving.
What a world we would have if everyone simply said, “I am going to use my powers for good.”
I love how you share the out look of comparison... in my weight loss group we talk a lot about not comparing ourselves to others cause we all are different. This shows why I love watching your videos because you don't try to be fake... thank you for your work
Thank you for being one of the good things on social media. Comparison truely is the "thief of joy".
Dawn, WELL SAID!When I can get out of my own way to see the needs of others and follow through, it's a great feeling. In huge part to finding your channel and concept of "too much inventory to handle or store" We've been decluttering & donating coats and clothes and shoes that could be even life saving for others. I just want to give more and more. And I'm not pleased that we kept all of this stuff that was basically useless and cumbersome, even a burden, for us but could have helped someone long ago. Yes, you could go even further to "spiritualize" the message & that was poignant for me. If we can remember even a 10th of your message, we would all be better off!💯%
This video was so moving, tears in my eyes as I type. If everybody in the world could see this video and hear your message… well said!🧡
Totally agree with what you said. I have never felt the need to "keep up" with what others have and I don't follow design trends. As long as I have a roof over my head and can pay my bills, I'm happy.
I got your workbook today. I've been reading profusely since my husband brought in the mail. I've read every page up to PG 27 in just minutes. It's funny as I read, I can hear your voice. The inspirational thoughts you share with us are always appreciated. Love your marketing skills.
I may be physically limited but 5 mins does make a difference.
Hello Deborah how are you
We live in a 20 something year old single wide on about an acre and I’m so thankful for it!! We may not have much or what we really want or think we need, but it’s our home and I’m so thankful for it each and every day because some don’t even have as much as we do
Im literally over the moon with that your inspiration is so brilliant to me. Your a fantastic women and i aspire to be like you. From yorkshire in uk xx
Wow, you are so kind Gemma, thank you!!!
Brilliant! Love seeing people from UK on UA-cam. I'm from Derbyshire living on Isle of Wight. Hello from sunny Ryde ☺️
Hello Gemma - they’re a wonderful family aren’t they - I’m UK too x
Another Yorkshire representative here (transplant from US!). I love this channel so much and recommend to everyone. Visitors at weekend remarked "where's all the clutter??" So encouraging all my decluttering is noticeable and positive (I think) to others.
Than you, Dawn, for your teachings about minimalism & your channel. My inspiration is so encouraged by watching your videos. I can hear you saying, “It’s all about decreasing inventory!” I continue to declutter & it is gettting easier to let “stuff” go. Thank you again.
It's so refreshing to have less, Dawn! And you are the one who first taught me about it about 3 years ago or so when I landed on your laundry video. When you have only the things that you need it just feels peaceful. And when your husband's phone stops working and he has phone numbers scribbled down onto a piece of paper and he cannot find it and asks you where it is... You know right where it is because there's literally only a few pieces of paper in your house in two different places LOL truth!!
This is exactly what I am experiencing in my journey. Thank you for your kind heart and wise words.
Hello how are you
You do a great job “marketing” minimalism. Keep going! I love your message!
I get so much from the comment section. Hearing how people through a culture shock or some loss, their lives have changed for the better.. Thank to everyone for sharing their story. Thanks to this channel for the encouragement and honesty. I hope to do better. If we can learn from others without going on the field trip ourselves, it is wise. God bless.
I can’t say thank you enough to you and your family! You’ve been extremely encouraging and my world is changing in such a positive way!
Cheering you on! Love what you are putting out into the world! You are right where you are meant to be! You and your family are doing more good than we can even imagine! 💚
Love seeing the snapshots of the kiddos when they were little… Oh, how time flies!
Read this many years ago. “ If you’re going to compare, look down the ladder not up”.
We had the same experience when we went to Mexico years ago. I love every point you made here. I hope we (as a society) can find solutions to our excess while so many lack.
Very encouraging and so true. It is the family heirlooms and nostalgic things that are overwhelming me some. We are the elders of our very blended family. I am pretty sure our family will have no problem getting rid of most of what we hold dear when our address is in heaven. You give a lot to think about.
You are extremely gifted in explaining how to simplify and helping people. Keep up the great videos Dawn!
We love you too! Thank you for allowing the Holy Spirit to shine through you. I needed these words of encouragement today.