Indecision over plasters
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“That took a long time” they said as I got back into the car.
And my family wasn’t wrong. It shouldn’t have taken me over ten minutes to purchase a single box of plasters (band-aids).
I wish I could say it was solely down to the exceptionally slow checkout speed, which did slow me down some, but the big hold up was my indecision on the first-aid aisle.
I was presented with over a dozen different boxes to choose from so the quick fire questions commenced.
Which ones should I buy? Which ones are cheapest? Which ones are the best? Which box offers the best value? Will my wife approve of my selection? Will the children complain?
I stood there staring, comparing and switched three times the box I was holding in my hand until finally, I decided on a box of twenty, one-size, waterproof plaster.
Fortunately this indecision doesn’t occur every time I go to make a purchase.
But this experience got me to thinking about how we are all bombarded with choices.
Never in the history of the world has there been so much variety to choose between. And whilst having options is great, sometimes it can be overwhelming and ultimately just further complicates life.
Excessive variety is an enemy to simplicity.
Now I can’t control the variety and number of products at the store, or movies on a streaming platform. But there are some choices I can simplify.
One of them has been to minimize and simplify my closet. Two months ago I went to the store and purchased three, black v-neck t-shirts, and two pairs of jeans, and I have worn them 90-percent of the time since.
Jeans are so versatile! I’m even happy to go for my daily 1-mile run and seven minute workout in them.
Now don’t misunderstand, this change hasn’t been some magic cure. I’m not suddenly a bundle of peace and mental stillness because I have created a personal uniform and capsule closet for myself. I still have a great many problems I am working to find solutions for.
But here’s why I’d recommend what I’ve done with my closet. Firstly, I know I’m going to like what I am wearing every time. I also know how I am going to look and I like that look. Jeans require less maintenance than other garments and three t-shirts leaves me with very little to wash, dry and put away. I can be done with my laundry in minutes!
I also feel good because I know it’s better for the planet. I’m using less raw material, laundering less clothes less frequently, and sending less to landfill.
We all must decide for ourselves what to do. Nobody should be throwing out clothes today or downsizing tomorrow because I have decided to do so.
But it is worth our time to consider how we can simplify our lives and free ourselves to pursue higher and holier things. For me, a part simplifying meant streamlining my closet. For you, it might be something completely different.
Increasingly I feel that if my life is feeling complicated, It’s probably because I have made it that way and it’ll never get less complicated on its own. I must consciously pursue and create the simplicity that I want in my own life.
