The Year of Living Minimally – Week Twenty-four

Martha Reynolds The Year of Living Minimally January 5, 2018January 4, 2018 1 Minute

It’s the first week of a new year, and I imagine some of you have resolved to clean out your clutter. Right? Yay! I’m your greatest fan.

Today is Thursday, and I’m watching a blizzard out my window. It’s a day for soup and books and movies and naps. Winter in New England can be harsh, but sometimes it’s a blessing – we’re forced to stop. Stop running in circles, driving aimlessly, buying things you don’t need (yes, milk, bread, and toilet paper are okay). Read, chat, watch a movie or play a board game with your kids. Snuggle with your partner, or your pet. Stare out the window and be thankful for warmth and food. Tomorrow we can head outside and play in the snow!

So I’m not decluttering today. I’m enjoying time with my husband and our little dog. I’ve got soup simmering on the stove and flashlights in case we lose power (fingers crossed we don’t). If you’ve made a resolution to get rid of your excesses, great. Remember, you’ve got an entire year to work on it!

If you must be out today (thank you to police, fire, rescue, Hospice workers), stay safe. If you have to shovel, go slow and take breaks. And if you live in a warm climate, well, look at what you’re missing.

Published by Martha Reynolds

I am the bestselling author of nine novels, including the Swiss Chocolate trilogy and VILLA DEL SOL, which won the 2018 Book Award in Literary Fiction from the Independent Publishers of New England. My newest series includes the books A JINGLE VALLEY WEDDING, APRIL IN GALWAY, and ALL’S WELL IN JINGLE VALLEY. Find my books online at Amazon, locally at Stillwater Books (Pawtucket, Rhode Island) and Ink Fish Books (Warren, Rhode Island). View all posts by Martha Reynolds

Published January 5, 2018January 4, 2018

6 thoughts on “The Year of Living Minimally – Week Twenty-four”

calensariel says:

January 6, 2018 at 12:45 am

Nope… Not missing THAT at all! It’s been warm here in the high desert this year! But I understand the weather is about to change. Dang it!

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1. Martha Reynolds says:
  
  January 6, 2018 at 6:52 am
  
  I certainly don’t have the childlike excitement for a snowstorm anymore, Cheryl!
  
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Pauline Wiles says:

January 5, 2018 at 5:41 pm

I’m in northern California where it’s unreasonably mild, but we did have an earthquake jolt the other night as our reminder that mother nature is firmly in charge of our destinies.
I quite like the idea of being forced to stop, and to snuggle instead… but completely understand it’s highly treacherous for those who *must* be out in order to serve others or to make a living.

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1. Martha Reynolds says:
  
  January 6, 2018 at 6:56 am
  
  Pauline, you have your own concerns in northern California. Stay safe!
  I remember saying I couldn’t clean out the garage in the summer because it was too hot – well, this morning (Saturday) it’s 10 degrees with wind chills at -15. So….I read!
  
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Denise says:

January 5, 2018 at 5:58 am

It is bitterly cold here, zero F as we speak, but at least no snow. I am binge-watching all the Harry Potter movies in the evenings – all 19 hours and 40 minutes of them, lol.

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1. Martha Reynolds says:
  
  January 6, 2018 at 6:57 am
  
  Denise, we are, too! Well, not binge-watching, but one a week. It’s great to see hem again!
  
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