Waste not, want not.

Growing up, I was always keenly aware of this old adage. Simply put, if you are not wasteful, you will not be left wanting. While I still stand by this valuable lesson, it needs some adjustment for our modern age.

Though I am unsure as to the exact time these words of wisdom surfaced, for my purposes, I always supposed war time to make the most sense. A time when even the smallest, insignificant item was treasured; reused, re purposed or traded. Times were lean and only the foolish squandered.

Fast forward to our day and age. While it's still true that waste and squandering are a fools business, we don't have any real need to hold onto everything little thing, if it serves no ready purpose in our lives.

I have often found myself wandering through the house, grumping and groaning about how if I just had "more space" or "some decent storage", I would be a happily organised woman. Or if I had a bigger house, we would be able to fit everything somewhere and not have such cramped dwellings. Then one day, it dawned on me...I don't need more space, or a bigger house or even more storage for all of our stuff, I just need LESS STUFF! Face Palm, I know. This should have been obvious. This is where I make my point.

It is startlingly apparent that most of our generation has not grasped the need to adjust our understanding of the "Waste not, want not" belief. There are television programs based around the lives of people who have taken this idea to the extreme. We all grew up with parents who were the product of a generation of hoarders. I don't mean this in the current definition. Their hoarding was done out of necessity, out of a real need to make the most of everything at their disposal. Now a days, we don't have this pressing obligation to hold onto all those tiny insignificance's. We can get by with less on hand because of modern convenience. If we need something, we can buy it. Unfortunately, and I am obviously guilty as charged, we still feel the compulsion to collect everything we may eventually be able to use somewhere on down the road. I mean, come on...you always need something as soon as you throw it out, am I right?

So, this is my challenge. Go about your house. Take a very good look at what you have and what you use. If you feel the need, de-clutter yourself. Remove what is taking up that extra space and find room for the things that actually make your life either easier, happier or just more beautiful. Donate the rest, or sell it if you feel the need. Just empty it from your life. Release the guilt from not hoarding those things. You can and will live without them. Now sit back, look around at your special, purposeful belongings and breathe a sign of relief that you will now have a whole lot less to dust! I will be making my way along that path right with you, My new adage;  Need not, just get it out of the damn house!

Oh, aging...how I loathe you.

There was a point, a very long time ago, when I decided I would grow old gracefully. I would let my body take it natural course, going grey and wrinkling as it pleased. I would proudly show off my sagging chin, chest, stomach, knees and ankles. Openly flaunt my ever growing collection of crows feet and stretch marks! I was maybe all of 20 years old when I had this epiphany. Remember 20? Back when we knew everything? Yeah.

As I sit here a much more knowledgeable 31, I realise that I had much different ideas about what "gracefully" meant back then than I do now! I still plan on growing old, it's just that I will more than likely be doing so with a little help.

I find it incredible how a body can change in what seems like such a short time. One day you're 25, a little bit spongy around the mid-section, but still filling out your jeans and t-shirt rather nicely. The next day, you're jamming yourself into whatever (yoga) pants manage to give you the smallest muffin top, while trying to find that bra that makes your mom cakes resemble a passable pair of boobs. Did I mention the whiskers that seemingly pop out of NO WHERE! While I am fully aware of just how alluring this doesn't make me, I have to be true to all of the other whisker sporting ladies out there. They literally sneak up on you. I remember finding my first one, thinking it was simply a misplaced strand from my head, until I pulled on it. Horror of all horrors. I think next to stray nipple hairs, these may be the most traumatising. Nothing says sexy, mature woman like horse hair growing out of your chins. 

Moving along, those silver roots popping out of my noggin can kiss my saggy butt! When a small, sweet little old lady felt the need to utter the words,  "My, you sure have a lot of snow on the roof!", I came to terms with the fact that, a) I am not prepared to go grey gracefully in my early 30's and, b) some sweet little old ladies are actually ass holes. Dye job you are long overdue! 

Don't get me wrong though. while I can live without chin stubble and snowy white locks, I wouldn't change my wrinkles or stretch marks for the world. One thing I had right in my all knowing 20's was the fact that these things would forever let people have a small glimpse at the fullness of my life. Every line on my face and  long gash up my hip and stomach would tell tales of my joy and accomplishments. So instead of gracefully, I choose to grow old comfortably. I may be wearing Spanx under my yoga pants, with a plucked face and obviously colored hair, but I will be smiling the whole way! 

*Photo Credit to The Frisky

10 things I hope my children learn from me

1. Family is the most important thing you will EVER have. No matter what things you acquire throughout your life, nothing can replace family

2. Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold. Next to Family, friends are the people who will help you weave your way through the good and bad in life. They will hold your hand when you are down and throw theirs in the air to rejoice in your success.

3. Friends, part two. Please be careful who you decide to befriend. Always make sure the people you let into your life are helping to make it a better one. Don't let yourself be used.

4. Never cheat people. Try and be as honest in your dealings as possible, whether they are business or personal. What comes around goes around and eventually it will come around to you.

5. Be aware that there is a whole world going on around you. You are not the only one who matters. While you should always take care of yourself, be sure to take care of the ones who surround you too. If not, you may soon find there is no one around.

6.  Money is only a means to survive. You do not need to work yourself to death to have more and more and more. It is nice to have things, but it is nicer to have time to share with the ones you love.

7. The name on the tags of your clothing are of no consequence. It is not the clothes, it is what is inside them that matters. Don't EVER judge someone on their apparel...EVER.

8. You never truly know someone else's circumstance. Be nice. That boy/girl that picks on everyone at school, may be bullied at home. Be nice, please.

9. Try and find a way to give back to the universe. You are blessed with a life of privilege, don't take it for granted.

10. You are special, you are special, you are special. Please make sure you let everyone else you love that              they are too.