Giving away books.

Inspired by Marie Kondo, I freed some of my books from the cluttered shelf where I had packed them and gave them away to friends. Sparked a lot of fun conversations. The remaining books now have space to breathe on the shelf. I've uncovered the books I haven't read yet. There are still lots left that I'm not yet ready to let go of. Somehow it feels as if the books I have loved define me and I find it hard to let go even if I haven't re-read them in years. I feel I have trapped them here - and books need to keep moving, opening new minds as they go. Book swaps sound like a great idea - must try soon! Read More......

The minimalists' framework

Frameworks are great tools and bring structure to a situation.  One helpful framework I came across in the Mimimalists book I read recently is the following five focus areas for life.  

1. Health
2. Relationships
3. Growth
4. Contribution
5. Passion

I'm still assimilating this. I need to assess where I stand in these areas.  Then comes the important step of making small improvements in each area, aiming to be in a better position every time.  Overall I like the idea of getting rid of the excesses to focus on what's really important in life.  

I used to think that minimalism was about getting rid of stuff but that seems to be only a part of it.  It actually is about making room for what is important.  It's about pausing to think about how something will add value before a purchase. About cultivating a conscious mind that doesn't run on autopilot.

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