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LESS IS MORE ......... ON GETTING OLDER..........................

"Wealth consists not in having great possessions~~
but in having few wants."
Epictetus


Right now as I'm going through our home and purging things ...... it has occurred to me that we spend most of our younger years acquiring things and a good part of our older years trying to rid ourselves of all the "stuff" we have managed to accumulate.



I don't know if it is keeping up appearances or just the human desire to have "more".  I had a very dear friend once say to me that "it is good for the soul NOT TO GET EVERYTHING one wants".  At this stage I would more than agree with her...because as you collect and collect...there will come a day when you will have to give away and give away.


In fact, when you really think about it..
 "LIFE" IS A LOT LIKE THIS.  In your younger years you are vibrant and healthy and as you get older...more and more of your body betrays you....you cannot hold onto your looks without tremendous effort.....you health will begin to show signs of wear.....you just have to work much harder just "to maintain".


Mind you.....I'm really not complaining....I just stating it as I see it..warts and all. (O:(O


We are here this summer busily trying to get ready to put this house on the market and adjusting to what life will bring around the corner....I have to remind myself that this is a process and it will not be accomplished in one day.
In closing I want to remind us all that 
"HE WHO HAS COWS~~HAS THE CARE OF COWS."
Oh how I wish someone would have told me that when I was much younger!!  LOL LOL LOL

xoxo

Jo


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Comments

  1. UnknownJuly 12, 2013 at 11:58 AM

    What a lovely comfy home you
    have jo. I could not agree
    with you more.

    The last few years I have had
    to move twice and downsize each
    time.

    I have given so many sentimental
    treasures away. It was hard at
    first but after a while I found
    it kind of freeing.

    They are only things, it is
    people that matter. The people
    I love, my family and friends
    and my online friends who put
    up with my absences of late.

    sending you some love
    and hugs Sharon
    xoxoxox

    ReplyDelete
  2. myletterstoemilyJuly 12, 2013 at 12:14 PM

    you are so right! i try to purge along the way,
    but it's hard to let some things go . . . the
    sweet memories attached to them.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Terra July 12, 2013 at 1:49 PM

    I agree with you. During youth we add things and as we age we declutter, which can be hard to do. Often an item has a story. I like the photo of the entryway with the plants.

    ReplyDelete
  4. JeanieJuly 12, 2013 at 2:31 PM

    Amen about everything being harder to maintain! Nice post -- you are doing something on my agenda for September!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Debra She Who SeeksJuly 12, 2013 at 2:36 PM

    Yes, these old jalopies we drive around in for a life-time need more and more time in the shop as they age.

    ReplyDelete
  6. RosemaryJuly 12, 2013 at 3:18 PM

    I am in exactly the same frame of mind - why oh why do we clutter our life with so many possessions, they handicap us as we get older, but at least you are tackling the situation.

    ReplyDelete
  7. mxtodis123July 12, 2013 at 4:44 PM

    Ah, you and I are having the same idea at the same time. That is the first thing on my agenda--declutter. The first to go to Goodwill are my work clothes. Won't be needing them anymore, and with only two small closets, it will free up a lot of space.
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  8. WisewebwomanJuly 12, 2013 at 7:03 PM

    I don't know whether you got my comment as it vapourized rather quickly but mentioned that I've downsize, majorly, but look at your stuff and WANT.

    LOL
    XO
    WWW

    ReplyDelete
  9. valerietilsten59.blogspot.comJuly 13, 2013 at 1:07 PM

    Hello Jo,
    This is just a perfect post. I now have a box of things ,that i love and collected and am now looking at them and telling myself ..i dont need them. I have too much.
    In our younger days.. yes, we were energetic and running here and there and buying this andthat.
    Now.. life is different. Health and happiness and peace of mind. We dont need half of the things we have.
    Will you be moving far away.. or just downsizing with your home.!
    happy weekend Jo.. love val x xx x

    ReplyDelete
  10. My Grama's SoulJuly 13, 2013 at 3:55 PM

    Hi Val....in answer to your question.....we will just be downsizing. Hopefully staying in the same area...although....we are looking in a few other areas of the valley also.

    Jo

    ReplyDelete
  11. PalomaseaJuly 14, 2013 at 9:29 PM

    So wisely said, dear Jo....
    I am loving all of your plants and flowers, though!!! GORGEOUS! Can we really have too much of those? ;)
    Many blessings,
    - Irina

    ReplyDelete
  12. earthen-magicJuly 15, 2013 at 4:24 AM

    ...(O:

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sue G.July 15, 2013 at 6:07 AM

    Jo: I think it is good to not always have everything we want; eventually we realize we didn't really want it in the first place! I am very conscious of not having lots of "things" that others may have to take care of eventually (hopefully far into the future!). Living in a small home keeps me from accumulating too much.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Red Rose AlleyJuly 15, 2013 at 4:55 PM

    Hello,
    I am coming over from the lovely blog, 'Gypsy In Me.' Your blog is very charming, and it's so nice that it is a reflection of your Grama. I was browsing through your pictures and noticed on your side bar (below your profile) the unique box, and have one that is very similar to it. I smiled, as it was a gift from my mother, who passed away five years ago. I see that you love roses too. Me and my daughters also have a blog, and we would love it if you could visit us and follow. It's so nice to meet new friends. I hope to hear from you, and have a sweet day.

    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

    ReplyDelete
  15. KellyJuly 16, 2013 at 9:34 AM

    Very true, and you have a very wise friend. My purging began with the thought of having to move again, which spurred a conversation, much like this post, with a few of my friends...I think less is more and that what you have should speak to your soul.

    xo

    ReplyDelete
  16. GaylaApril 10, 2018 at 4:12 AM

    Love that thought. I am coming un-stuck from generations and more of those who had COWS! It is time to un-Cow... for sure,

    ReplyDelete

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