Over the weekend, my fridge was getting bare. I meant to go the store on Friday afternoon; then Saturday; then Sunday. But my schedule was full, and I didn’t want to spend my precious weekend hours doing household chores. Inspired by Barbara Kingsolver’s tale of eating locally produced food, I decided to look upon my food limitation as an adventure, and see what meals I could create with a near empty fridge. My concoctions included a mushroom and spinach fritatta, a beef and vegetable soup, a roasted squash and onion casserole, and a carrot-squash soup. I ventured out of my comfort zone, and made some delicious things I never would have tried, because I was forced to cook within the confines of what was available in my kitchen.
I was surprised by how good this exercise made me feel. Here are four things I learned about choice, limits and excess:
1. Using what I had switched my focus from what I don’t have to what I do.
How often do you use, appreciate, or enjoy your things? Do you wear all your clothes, read all of your books, use all of your belongings? I know I don’t. I go to the grocery store because I’m out of a few things, instead of cooking with what I have. I buy new clothes, even though I don’t wear everything that’s in my closet. I desire a new board game or book to read, when I haven’t read all the books I do own, or played with the games I do have.
I want more food without tasting (or enjoying) the food I have right now, in my mouth!
I think of how much of my life energy is spent looking for something more, something new, for that rich, abundant, wealthy feeling. But how much of this wasted energy is due to a faulty viewpoint? When you’re always focused on acquiring, on what you don’t have, on what you need (or what you think you need), you’re missing out on the abundance that lies right in front of you. In my case, I thought I didn’t have enough variety of food to make palatable meals. But I did.
2. Using what I had helped me save money.
In my cooking experiment, I really cleaned out the crisper, the freezer, and the pantry before I bought replacements. When I finally went shopping Monday morning, it was with a clean conscience, knowing that I wasn’t buying new food simply because I was bored with my old fare.
3. Limited choice inspires creativity.
Earlier this year, I weeded my closet, donating anything that didn’t fit, that I hadn’t worn in the past year, that wasn’t flattering on me, and that didn’t speak to my personal style. I panicked a bit, because I was left with very little: would I have enough clothes to wear? And yet, in retrospect, it was one of the best things I’ve ever done: getting dressed is a breeze, because I love everything I own, and everything mixes and matches. Plus, I now combine outfits in ways I never would’ve beforehand. My limited options, instead of suppressing my creativity, inspire it.
4. Limiting choices eliminates anxiety.
In today’s interconnected world, we are bombarded with endless choices. This often creates anxiety and overwhelment, because you can drive yourself nuts endlessly comparing one option to the other. Consciously limiting your choices offers the same comfort as good habits, and routines: a structure, a foundation, and a healthy parameter in which to live.
There is a paradox at work here: as you use, appreciate, and enjoy what you own, you crave less stuff. As you crave less stuff, you feel more satisfied with life, as it is, today. As your satisfaction grows, your gratitude, peace, and joy increase, as well – which then opens the channels of abundance, so that you’re receptive to those things that you do need and desire.
I do this every few months, after I have overstocked the pantry in our “empty nest” with groceries, laundry supplies, etc. I can’t pass up a BOGO!!
This technique also works in other areas, too. When I was pregnant with my first child I was teaching. As the end of the school year approached and I was growing out of my clothes, I put together 6 outfits that were comfortable and suitable for work (teachers dressed professionally in those days), and I rotated those for several months. I was never happier with my wardrobe than at that time. There were fewer decisions to make, less laundry to do, and my closet stayed neat and orderly. I have tried to do that for other jobs I have had since. I put together several work “uniforms” and rotate them. All accessories and necessary undergarments are planned and ready to go every morning. I did have to let go of the idea of “wowwing” my coworkers with a new look every day, but I am saving time, money and labor this way. All things very valuable to me.
Karly:
How freeing is the open space I create when I take the time to clean out my closet, my living space, and my cupboards! Now, I need to really heed your words and stop myself from filling it all back up- I’m grateful for your thoughts.
Connie
Karly,
This is another truly inspiring post. You hit it dead on–excess is SO draining–emotionally, energetically, environmentally, even physically. I found myself relaxing just reading your post and I’m motivated now to do some more streamlining.
Thanks!
Melissa