The Silent To-Do List and Purging Books This Week

Hello Friends...

Did you know that in Texas we do our spring cleaning in the summer because we're all stuck inside, trying not to melt? That's the truth! 

So, here are some projects I've been working on this week:

#1 - purging books. Yes, that's right. I'm purging things and even though I thought I would never get rid of my books, I am. 

I've had to take some inventory lately...of my mind. And one of the things I've noticed is just how much stuff I have that screams at me from the shelves or corners of my office. 

I once heard the Minimal Mom talk about the Silent To-Do List (watch HERE) and how everything we own calls out to us to do something with it. 

I've always owned a lot of books, but lately I've asked myself "why" and I couldn't really come up with a good enough reason, to justify buying more shelves or having them stacked in corners. 

I don't read books more than once, so what was I doing with all of these books? Starting a library? I love and adore books, but why hoard them? 

I had to get very honest with myself and admit that they really were just taking up valuable space and I could very well pass them along to others and give them life and set them free. Very dramatic, I know, but books deserve a good send off 😊📚

So I texted a friend, whom I know is an avid reader, and asked if she would like my stack of books and she was happy to take them. I hope she reads them and then passes them along, so their life can continue for years to come. 

 

I also began the process of purging my shelf of magazines. Over the years I have invested so much money buying magazines that are more like books. Pages and pages of beautiful photos and heartwarming stories, only to place them on shelves and read them now and then. 

But recently I discovered a way to reuse those magazines and not feel like I've wasted money by just tossing them in the trash. 

I start by tearing out the pictures that speak to me; whether it's just the pretty colors or a scene that feels moody or thoughtful. 

Then I fold them over, add strings and rubber bands to hold the pages in place and make a book out of all the pages.

I then add lined paper for writing and the finished product is a beautiful journal ready for my own thoughts and words. 

Here is the finished journal. I used thick craft paper for the cover and added ribbons to tie the book closed when I'm not writing in it. 

The past few days I've been working on a stack of magazines and will make several more of these journals. I'll use these for special stories or thoughts, quotes or scripture that really speaks to me. They feel vintage and special and will become keepsakes to look at through the years.

📙

Sometimes it's hard to let go of things, but more often than not, it's good to purge and take something off your "silent to-do list." 

Everything we have screams for attention. Whether it's a project, a messy closet, or even a good book, waiting to be read. And we only have the capacity to take care of so many things. 

I've had to start asking myself what's keeping me from doing the things I really want to do - such as more writing or creating beautiful photo albums for my family and one day I looked around and decided that part of the problem is that I have filled my space with too many options. 

When I have the time to work on something, I often feel overwhelmed at the choices. Should I do this or this? Should I read, write, or create? And honestly, I think it's the overwhelm that often leads to watching tv or doing something else that isn't fulfilling the need I have to be creative. 

It's like you may have heard - the essential vs. the non-essential - are we filling up our days and hours with things that help us achieve what we desire or are we filling up our days and hours with so many time wasters and then wondering why we aren't reaching our goals or why our days don't amount to what we desired. 

I think paring down our possessions, our projects and even those things that are screaming to be used up or given away, can free our minds and our time and help us really focus on what's most satisfying and rewarding. 

This week it's books and magazines. Next week - who knows? But with each paring down that I manage to get done, the freedom I feel increases. And this is what I'm going for...freedom to work on the essential things that really mean something and bring the most joy. 

I hope this post brings you some joy 😀

Until Next Time...

Blessings!