Editor’s note: This is a guest post by Brooke McAlary of Slow Your Home.
“Be not afraid of going slowly; be only afraid of standing still.” – Chinese Proverb
I am a writer. I am a wife. I am a mother. I am an inappropriate laugher.
I am also a passionate advocate of simple living, rational minimalism, living with less – whatever you want to call this movement we are part of.
I came to both minimalism and writing in my darkest times, and I don’t think that is a coincidence. I was lost and despairing. Taking control of my life and rediscovering my creative passions have helped me carve out a life of intention, happiness and purpose. And it’s freaking awesome.
There is a book on writing I love. It’s called ‘Bird by Bird’ by Anne Lamott. It’s filled with writing advice, huge belly laughs and incredible insights into the particular breed of weird that is a creative author.
My copy is well-thumbed and lives on my desk, next to where I currently sit.
The title comes from a story Anne Lamott tells of her older brother. He is ten years old and struggling to start, let alone finish, a paper on birds. He has had three months to complete it, and the paper is due the next day.
He was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books on birds, immobilised by the hugeness of the task ahead.
Despairing, he pleads with his father for advice on how to start – and finish.
Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.
In other words: Don’t think about the whole paper. Just start with one bird. Finish that bird. Then move on.
And son? Do it now.
As a writer, I loved the simplicity of the advice – just get it down bit by bit, word by word. One thought at a time.
As a minimalist, I was inspired – start with one thing, work it through, then move on. Bit by bit, piece by piece.
Bird By Bird: The Slow Guide to Minimalism
Honestly, creating a life of simplicity is easy. You simply begin.
The hard part is not looking too far ahead. Focusing on the bird in front of you, not the flock above. That’s when we falter, when it seems too much, too hard, too long, too sad, too emotional.
First, Take One Step.
Every journey begins with just one step. Simplifying your life, becoming a minimalist, living with less – this journey is no different. It begins with one step, one decision, one action.
It may be that you:
- Toss out the pair of favorite sneakers that are falling apart.
- Clear out the junk drawer in your kitchen.
- Say no to a commitment that has been draining you for too long.
- Clear out under the couch.
- Tidy your desk into a minimalist desk.
Then, Bird by Bird
As you finish with that first step, the next one will become apparent. Just trust the process and resist temptation to look too far ahead.
- Once the sneakers are gone, you will see the clothes you no longer wear.
- When the junk drawer is empty, you will move on to the utensils.
- Once you’ve cancelled your draining commitment, you will notice the time you waste on Facebook.
- When the floor under the couch is clear, you will notice the overflowing bookshelf.
- After your desk is orderly, you will see the piles of paperwork that need filing.
Bird by bird.
It all starts with one decision. A decision to forge a better life. A decision to say no. A decision to value people over things. A decision to let go.
That particular decision is yours. The important part is that you make one, follow it through, then move forward.
Bird by bird.
***
Brooke McAlary helps families live more simple and mindful lives at Slow Your Home.
Jenn says
awesome
Genet says
“A lot of what weight you down isn’t for you to carry” anonymous
Sylvia says
I have always been a minimalist, I think even as a child when I look back. I have had very busy jobs in accounting and then as a real busy real estate agent. One tip I have always used is to never handle something twice. When the mail comes and you are opening it up, open putting envelopes and unwanted mail in one pile as you open. Then take the unwanted and envelopes to recycling bag whwn finished. It always amazes me when I visit people and I see a pile of mail all mixed in with envelopes, etc on tables and cabinets, Why handle it twice when you can handle it once.
Susan Lemut says
But, I just READ this on Facebook!
Bruce Elkin says
Excellent post. I also love the book and see the value of Lamott’s advice for simple living folk and minimalists.
Just one thing, though. Anne’s Dad doesn’t say, “Do it now, son.” The passage ends with, “Just take it bird by bird.” I think it’s stronger that way.
Cheers!
Bruce
Rania Fouad says
Step by Step u achieve ur dream …, and believer nothing is impossible …
Even the hardest things can be achieved by starting with the first step .
Anna says
The principle BIRD BY BIRD is REALLY powerful in every sphere of life. I ran into it several years ago reading a book by Henry Cloud. The essence is the same, with the only difference – he is talking about ANTS who build their huge ant hills GRAIN BY GRAIN.
Thank you for remindimg me this I would say ONE OF THE MOST IMPOSTANT PRINCIPLES OF LIFE! =)
Lynne says
WOW! It makes so much sense. “As you go through one door another will open”. Baby steps. I get this!
Karen Taylor says
Thanks for reminding us its a slow process with no real rules other than to go slowly. I often think minimalism is not part of a “movement” of a certain era, generation, or politic – but a timeless, personal, spiritual awakening :)
Mylene says
Thanks for that beautiful post Brooke! I will share it for sure! I love the bird by bird analogy but wven more the writing link! It is right. As I get rid of one thing at the time, I can write 1 post at the time, 1 word at the time. Thanks!
Mary says
Nice article with lots of great ideas. However, how does this all tie in with not
wasting earth’s resources. If we just fill landfills so we can feel good about the
inside of our home, how helpful is that? i.e. If we throw away the junky sneakers,
then next time we have to do a really grubby job will we just trash our nice ones
and need to go buy another new pair? Not to say we should all keep 9 pairs
of old sneakers, but I think using up and letting things wear out is much better
than going totally minimalist and filling up a landfill with manufactured items that
still have lots of use left in them. Just a thought……
John says
You don’t need to landfill everything if it has a use, you can bring a few carloads at a time to the Goodwill or a donation organization of your choice. Minimizing doesn’t equate putting it all in the trash.