Yeah, those fancy tiny houses really defeat their own purpose in many ways because the cost is so high. My buddy built his own tiny house -- fully equipped too -- for $11,000. Some builders can make them for $20k or $25k, which is reasonable. But still pricey to save up for if you're just a workin' man.
All of the behavior you mention falls along the obsessive-compulsive spectrum. Including (not to be unkind about it) your wish to be an extreme minimalist. Now, that is a spectrum, and many/most people with some OCD function somewhere between well and "just fine" despite their particular issue. But, given that history, you might want to examine your own wish to be an extreme minimalist in light of whether this is a preference, a preference taken to perhaps an unhealthful extreme, or guided more by becoming more of what your family members are not.Quote:
Originally Posted by UltraliteAngler
SteveinMN:
You know what, I like you! You don't pull any punches and yet you remain totally tactful. Are you a therapist or counselor in real life? I am being serious, not flippant.
Also: The extreme minimalist thing would probably be a one or two year experiment (like not having a cell phone, that is a two year experiment after having two iPhones at once or like learning to dance, it is a one year thing I'll reassess next year).
I do a lot of lifestyle experiments for short periods of time -- "a weekend of silence" where I didn't talk or The 11 Hour Meditation Challenge (11 hours of meditation in 11 days!) or a year without Facebook. There are others, but you get the idea -- I like lifestyle experiments. haha
Check out if sleeping on the folding bed actually works for a few weeks before getting rid of the old bed at least.
Hmm well yes I'm not the princess and the @#$# pea here, and I don't have back problems all the time, but I was sleeping on a 30+ year old bed (yes the bed was older than me) with the springs slowly deteriorating and more like a trapeze, and I got a new bed, and guess what, less waking up with back problems. astounding, who would have guessed it .... So yea sleeping on a comfortable bed can matter.
ApatheticNoMore:
That is actually a really good idea. I could do a little trial run. Let me consider that! Thanks.
He loved it.
He now has a car as he learned that he enjoys rural life more than urban and a car is more necessary in that setting.
He just spent 3 weeks in Vietnam with 2 friends. He lives simply and works a lot - then every few months he takes a long break and often travels somewhere.
Sounds like a pretty good lifestyle!
Ultralight angler, it's hard. And I'm really sorry your mom wasn't ready. I can see the effects it has had on my kids and I wish I had understood sooner. I'm happy to talk about it, especially if it helps anyone (hi, I'm chicken lady and I'm a hoarder) but it doesn't really fit this thread.
Would you mind if I open a thread on it? You can weigh in and contribute as you like.
I will say this. I have read a lot of articles and books on hoarding since that day at my mom and dad's house. And facing this the way you are, you are the exception. The rare exception...
I second this! wowQuote:
Originally Posted by Kestra