Motion

There is always an amount of 'letting go' involved, before growth can happen. It took me some time to really see that. It probably will take me some time to actually do it. But I am learning. 

Autumn

I've been spending way too many hours inside lately. In the middle of the city noise, my mind is escaping to the country, to wild forests and abandoned places. Looking out of my kitchen window I ignore the concrete jungle and focus on the trees. It is all there when you know where to look. 

Replace

I've found a new way of decluttering: replacing! Slow but steady I have been replacing all kind of things in my house. Like trading five mall fitting trousers for one expensive jeans. It is not as cheap as purging but certainly as effective for attaining a more simple & happy living environment.

Lately I have been searching through my photo collection. Since photography has been one of my main interests since I was a young teen I do have a LOT of pictures. Most of them are hidden in ugly unfinished albums or boxes. There are memories in there that definitely deserve to be seen.

So..I have been rephotographing them and putting them through instagram filters. Sounds time consuming but it was actually a really fun job to do, as long as you don't fall in the trap of wanting to make a perfect timeline of your life, but only choose those who speak to you or represent a certain memory the best. 

I have been using printic (this is NOT sponsored, just an example ) because they make it possible to print directly from your phone. What I love best about them is that the prints come in a box of fifty photos, so that you are forced to choose only the best. It makes looking at your photos a way better experience. And all the ugly albums and boxes can be stored out of sight. Sweet & simple!

What's cooking?

Rainy summer weekends are perfect for experimenting in the kitchen. I have been creating some recipes myself lately, it just adds a whole new dimention to the cooking experience. It reminds me of the olden days. So much fun

A little less fun today; Fighting a nasty laryngitis. To sore to eat properly, but my mind is cooking up some new ideas already.

(This is a recipe for healthy scones)

Gift

1.Just started to read 'The Gift' which I found exploring through the English bookstore in Amsterdam, but it is already changed my perspective, can't wait to read the rest of it! I'll keep you guys updated.

2. Really stop hiding your gift(s) and start sharing..

(Gift was this weeks 'corner view' topic)

Ps. thank you all for your encouraging words on my previous post!

Five years, one year

The amount of stuff that can happen in five years is ridiculous. Life surprised me with waves of happiness and tragedy. Experiences that helped me grow into the person I am today. I am thankfull, but also a bit melancholic when I look back. When confronted with hard times, like my dad getting really sick again (thank God he is doing much better now) I slipped into survival mode, such a useful mechanism, but it didn't leave much room for playfull creativity. Now the survival mode is no longer usefull, which makes me wonder: where will I be five years from now? I believe the answer to that question is not as randomn as it may feel at times, but lies in my daily routine (as I have learned from J. Maxwell, T.Foy and my own experience). Two years ago I felt overwhelmed by my schedule, my stuff and my plans. Simplifying my life a little every day completely changed that. I find comfort and courage in that fact. I already know I will grow in certain areas because I made a habit of educating myself a little every day in the subjects that matter to me. I don't know what life will bring, I only know I will continue to make every day count.

Collections

I thought there weren't many collections left after my big declutter campaign, but I was wrong. These however make me smile and everything that makes me smile can stay :). 

But for the most I am collecting time in stead of stuff. The most valuable thing of all.

(Collections was this weeks theme for 'corner view')