Boxes and more boxes


📦 Small Wins, Big Shifts



Decluttering, Dog Anxiety, and the Beauty of Thoughtful Exchanges


Good afternoon, friends,


Yesterday, I took a day off—not out of desire, but necessity. I had simply run out of space. The counters were full, the hallway was jammed, and I couldn’t move forward until I cleared some room.





🎁 A Gift from the Attic



Thankfully, my wonderful husband gave me the perfect gift this morning:

A trip to the attic—and many, many empty boxes.


With a fresh supply in hand, I happily spent the morning boxing up overflow dishes and glasses. My counters are visible again (hooray!), even if my hallway still looks like a mini thrift store. Once again, I divided things into two neat rows:


  • Donate
  • Sell






🍷 The Perfect Pickup



One transaction from yesterday really warmed my heart. A woman was interested in a few of my Glühwein mugs, but I had to run an errand and would miss her stop-by. So, I packed the mugs in a box and tucked them underneath our newspaper box at the end of the driveway.


I texted her a picture of the spot and went on my way. When I returned a few hours later, the box was gone—and in its place was an envelope with the exact payment.


It was so simple. So kind. So peaceful.





🐾 Why That Meant So Much



I know it might seem like a small moment—but for us, it was huge.

You see, we live with four dogs, and all four struggle with anxiety.


Anytime someone drives up our long road, our driveway alarm sounds, and all four pups launch into chaos. K and O manage okay, but M and M? Not at all. Their world is safest when it’s just the two of us and the quiet woods of our 22-acre retreat.


So transactions like this—calm, contact-free, and respectful—are such a blessing.





💭 Letting Go = Looking Within



As I’ve said before, the more you remove, the more you’re left to face:


  • Your thoughts
  • Your beliefs
  • Your memories
  • Your emotions



That old phrase—“The things you own end up owning you”—rings truer with every box I fill. The lighter my physical load becomes, the clearer my perspective grows.


Here’s one example:

By removing clothes that no longer fit, I’m also removing a quiet, constant reminder of someone I used to be—or thought I had to become again.

And let’s be honest—that doesn’t feel good.


So let it go. Let go of the old sizes, the “someday” pants, the silent self-judgment.


If those pounds ever do come off (and maybe they will!), then celebrate with a fresh outfit. Minimalism doesn’t mean boring or sterile. It means being intentional—curating a life you love without the weight of “what if” and “used to.”





🌿 Just One Drawer



So if you’re feeling stuck today, just start with one:


  • One drawer
  • One cupboard
  • One closet



Progress is progress.

And you should be so proud of every step you take.


Sending warmth, encouragement, and a box full of cheer,

Hugs,

Anke


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