Life in Downsize

Tough times are forcing some of us to pare down our over-stocked lifestyles, but maybe that's a good thing. As a consumerist society, we've become conditioned to always need more and as it turns out, that's not the case for some people.

USA Today reports that 32 percent of people in a Gallup Poll say they've been spending less and plan to make that their new "norm." And according to the 2009 MetLife Study of the American Dream, 47 percent say they already have what they need, a number that has risen to 34 percent in less than one year.

"People are feeling forced and inspired to get back to what is core to them," said Julie Morgenstern, author of Shed Your Stuff, Change Your Life.

Great sentiment, but after living with so much for so long, or even the notion of needing excess, how does one downsize in our super-sized world? A couple of years ago Dave Bruno of San Diego created the 100 Thing Challenge, essentially getting rid of everything except for 100 possessions. There are no hard and fast rules as the challenge presents itself as a guide and inspiration to simplify.

The great thing about de-cluttering is that, not only do you help yourself in the process, but you can also help others by donating or selling the things you've outgrown. Zen Habits is a site dedicated to establishing and fostering lifestyle practices to encourage a more Zen-like environment. The site deems every Wednesday, Simplicity Day. The middle of the week does sounds like the perfect time to slow down and reassess.

So while some of us perceive the struggling economy as a bad thing, it seems its time to appreciate the new freedom it's given us. With less time spent consuming and maintaining all our stuff, we get a chance to actually live our lives. Personally, I'd much prefer a fantastic experience I can look back on fondly, as often and as long as I'd like than buy another pair of shoes that will surely end up in a Goodwill bin one day.

Photo courtesy of sindesign via Flicker.