Less?

 

I have posted before about minimalism and about how I'm reasonably satisfied with the amount of things I currently own.

However.  

Recently "Miss Minimalist" (who was my most helpful guide when I was first beginning my minimalist life) posted on Instagram asking, hypothetically, what would we take if we had to evacuate in a hurry with just what we could carry in a backpack.

It's an interesting question but it has prompted in me this feeling that I would like to get rid of almost everything I own.  I know this is unreasonable and it is not going to happen but that feeling is with me.

At my age I'm not about to start sleeping on a piece of foam on the floor or living with one plate, one cup, one set of silverware etc.   

Yet, while not realistic, just thinking about it brings a smile to my face.

Uncomfortable

 

I live in downtown Toronto. I don't know if it's just me but since the warmer weather arrived something feels different.   

I feel that I've really aged this past year (and being ill last fall certainly didn't help with that) and I know old people feel, and are, more vulnerable, but I don't think that's all there is to it.  

I just feel very uncomfortable walking around now, as though people are angry in general and a hairbreadth away from loosing control.  There's just this sense of hostility everywhere. 

Certainly even simple acts of courtesy and few.

Of course simply the number of people living downtown has ballooned with the construction of all these tall condo buildings.  Each one has hundreds of residents but sidewalk space has not increased so maybe it's not surprising that tempers are short when we're constantly trying to navigate around each other.

This morning I walked toward a couple walking their dog on the sidewalk.  They nicely moved to one side but when I came level with this large dog it suddenly lunged at me and started growling and barking.  I jumped away and he pulled that dog back but it really really scared me.  And all I got from them was a very insipid, "Sorry about that."

Overall I just find it more difficult to simply walk around going about my business.  I have always felt a bit uncomfortable walking at night but now I have the same feeling anytime I go out.