Licking the Razor's Edge (2015)

TIP #02 – PILING IT UP
Designate another day, maybe a week or two after the first, to take your Freedom of Self
to a deeper level. Then, one space at a time (you can divide larger rooms into many
smaller “spaces”), go though all of your possessions and tag each one with one of three
labels – “to trash”, “to donate” or “to keep”. The criteria should be much more discerning
on this day. In fact, be absolutely ruthless with what stays and what has to go.
*Have you used the item at least once in the last month (or have a clear vision of using it
at least once in the upcoming month)?
… If not, it goes – period.
*Does the item reflect your personal values – does it make an accurate statement about
who you want to BE as a person?
… If not, it goes – period.
*Does the item bring Joy or Peace to anyone other than yourself?
… If not, it goes as well – period.
As you engage this process, avoid ignoring items that are “on the borderline” – If you are
unsure, simply put the item in question into an extra box and tape it up when you are
done. Set the box in a closet or the basement or the attic. If you don’t think about any of
the items in that box for next three months, open it up and give everything away.
Note: Many times we hold onto possessions because they have some sort of sentimental
value for us. If this is the case for any of your possessions, especially larger ones,
remember that people and memories are not found in material things – they are found in
your Heart. Take a digital photo of the item and then let it go.
TIP #03 – MINIMALISM SPENDING
(Mid-term Maintenance)
Recent studies of consumption show that people are happier when they spend money on
things they truly need, as opposed to doing so to “accumulate wealth” or “outdo the
Joneses”. So, for one month – just for 30 days, choose to buy only what you truly need.
TIP #04 – SPENDING ON WHAT MATTERS
(Long-term Maintenance)
Recent studies of consumption also show that people are happier when they spend money
on experiences instead of material objects. So, choose to spend the vast majority of your
money not on things that are merely “fun” or “entertaining” (mostly material
possessions), but rather things that bring Worth and Meaning to your life (mostly
activities and hobbies that involve other people).
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