THOUGHT: Point well taken

Last weekend I had the rare opportunity to do the one thing that I love to do when I truly stop.  For two hours I got to sit alone in the sunshine with a fresh pile of new home magazines. Feeling the heat and turning the pages made for a wonderul afternoon of new ideas, colours and rejuvenation. While looking at the beautiful pictures of a simple, modern home in California... I read the caption that had been written by the home owner at the top of the page, "If you want no clutter in your life - stop shopping." At first read, I thought 'that's a little harsh'. At second read, I really took in what the words were saying.  My job is to help people get rid of clutter.  Clutter is the reason I have a job. Clutter pays my bills.  That said, having and maintaining a clutter-free home has to do with flow. Flow in and flow out.  The glass of water theory states: "If you continue to add water to a glass, it will over flow".  Same thing is happening in our homes. Most people think the answer is to drink some water or dump some out.  Or simply take a box of  things out of your home.  But soon the clutter makes its way back.  What happens if we flip that theory around.  Why not stop adding water?  Why not stop bringing things into your home? Why not stop shopping?  Of course not for the things we need to live life - toilet paper, food, etc. - but for the things we don't need in our lives - the fourth pair of black pants, the tenth coffee cup, etc.  Don't blame it on the clutter. Instead, take responsibility for creating the clutter. I know there aren't fairies who wait until we're asleep to bring in those new items. We bring them in.  So next time you're out and about, stop shopping for those things you don't need.  Just stop and maybe the clutter will too.  It was definitely a point well taken.