POEMS ABOUT CLUTTER > The Irony of Abundance
THE IRONY OF ABUNDANCE
|
How did I end up with “too much”
When I started with “not enough”? And now I’m burdened with too many things. My life is shackled by too much stuff! Too many things and too much junk. Too many clothes and too much food. Too many boxes, bags, and shoes. Too many things that MAY be good. Too many books I never read. Boxes and drawers full of tools. Where on Earth did these things come from? Time to set some new ground rules! Rule number one: No more than ten! Rule two: When in doubt, throw it away. Rule three: What’s not used, must be out. Rule number four: No junk can stay. Rule five: 10 things to trash every day. Rule six and seven… My page is full! I better stop, so I don’t end up With “not enough” and too many rules!!! LILIANA KOHANN ©Artpeace Publishing 6.29.24 |
Too many things!!! 
|
The reflection prompts written below encourage deeper reflection on the themes of consumerism, minimalism, personal values, and the impact of possessions on our lives and the world around us. They can help explore the poem's message in a more personal and meaningful way.
SUMMARY
The poem "The Irony of Abundance" explores the paradox of starting with very little and gradually accumulating an overwhelming amount of possessions. The poet reflects on the burden of having too many items, including clothes, food, and tools, leading to a cluttered and challenging life. In response to this excess, the poet creates a set of rules to manage and reduce the clutter, such as limiting the number of items, discarding unused things, and daily decluttering. The poem concludes with a humorous note on the potential irony of ending up with too many rules instead of too many possessions.
How this poem became my guide to decluttering with purpose
As a single mother of three children, I chose to live by the phrase from my own poem/song, "Things on the Floor Can Wait". Raising my children, knowing the importance of spending quality time with them, all while running a business, resulted in leaving many tasks on hold. My focus was not on time management because after a third child I failed at every attempt. Constant mental prioritizing became my new main focus. What matters most in the long term? What tasks can wait, and which will impact my boys or me for life? I focused on the latter, leaving everything else to wait.
I always anticipated a time when my boys would grow up, and I could take my time to organize and sort through my 'Do It Later' boxes, the way I like, taking my time, and not feeling I was neglecting my children. A few years ago, that time finally arrived. My sons were grown and independent. The moment to clean up my overdue messes had come.
When I started pulling stuff from closets, the attic, and garage... oh boy!!! I got so overwhelmed and puzzled... where did it all come from? And the funny thing is, I am very frugal. I didn't buy most of the stuff, but somehow from all the years there were so many boxes to go through. I couldn't just throw them away. After all, there may be important things in some of them, like my children's photographs, some paper work, or artwork created by my children or myself.
And so, there I was, and there I STILL am... one big word OVERWHELMED!
But then, as usual, poetry came to my rescue, injecting lightness into the daunting task of cleaning and organizing. Writing this poem helped me gain perspective. I realized I wouldn't have had it any other way. I'm glad that while my children were young, I invested my time in what mattered the most: quality time with them and building a business that would allow me to do so.
The poem also made me aware of the unnecessary rules I'd imposed on myself, like "finish everything by Sunday". Now, I've decided on just one rule: tackle only one box at a time, and ONLY when you feel up to it. Declutter with purpose! Suddenly, the tasks aren't overwhelming anymore.
Today, June 30, 2024, the day after I wrote this poem, I got up and felt like going through one box. It was actually quite enjoyable. I finished only half because I felt an urge to write this story and share it with you. Letting go of the "I have to" when I really "DON'T have to" is incredibly liberating.
I always anticipated a time when my boys would grow up, and I could take my time to organize and sort through my 'Do It Later' boxes, the way I like, taking my time, and not feeling I was neglecting my children. A few years ago, that time finally arrived. My sons were grown and independent. The moment to clean up my overdue messes had come.
When I started pulling stuff from closets, the attic, and garage... oh boy!!! I got so overwhelmed and puzzled... where did it all come from? And the funny thing is, I am very frugal. I didn't buy most of the stuff, but somehow from all the years there were so many boxes to go through. I couldn't just throw them away. After all, there may be important things in some of them, like my children's photographs, some paper work, or artwork created by my children or myself.
And so, there I was, and there I STILL am... one big word OVERWHELMED!
But then, as usual, poetry came to my rescue, injecting lightness into the daunting task of cleaning and organizing. Writing this poem helped me gain perspective. I realized I wouldn't have had it any other way. I'm glad that while my children were young, I invested my time in what mattered the most: quality time with them and building a business that would allow me to do so.
The poem also made me aware of the unnecessary rules I'd imposed on myself, like "finish everything by Sunday". Now, I've decided on just one rule: tackle only one box at a time, and ONLY when you feel up to it. Declutter with purpose! Suddenly, the tasks aren't overwhelming anymore.
Today, June 30, 2024, the day after I wrote this poem, I got up and felt like going through one box. It was actually quite enjoyable. I finished only half because I felt an urge to write this story and share it with you. Letting go of the "I have to" when I really "DON'T have to" is incredibly liberating.
REFLECTION PROMPTS
1. Personal Reflection:
a) How do you feel when surrounded by excess possessions? Describe any emotions or thoughts that arise.
b) Reflect on a time when you realized that having more possessions didn’t lead to greater happiness or satisfaction.
2. Minimalism vs. Consumerism:
a) Consider the contrast between minimalism (having fewer possessions) and consumerism (constantly acquiring more). How does this poem reflect these concepts?
b) How can setting limits and rules, as described in this poem, help create a more intentional and fulfilling life?
3. Impact on Daily Life:
a) How does the accumulation of possessions affect your daily life and well-being? Discuss any specific examples where clutter has caused stress or dissatisfaction.
b) Have you ever experienced a shift from feeling "not enough" to having "too much"? How did this change affect you?
4. Environmental and Social Implications:
a) Reflect on the environmental impact of excessive consumption and possession. How can individuals contribute to reducing waste and promoting sustainability?
b) Consider the societal norms and pressures that encourage the accumulation of possessions. How can awareness and personal choices mitigate these pressures?
5. Creating Balance:
a) Explore the idea of setting rules or guidelines (like those in the poem) to manage possessions and maintain a balanced lifestyle. How can these rules be adapted to fit your own circumstances?
b) Reflect on the role of gratitude and contentment in finding a balance between having enough and avoiding excess.
a) How do you feel when surrounded by excess possessions? Describe any emotions or thoughts that arise.
b) Reflect on a time when you realized that having more possessions didn’t lead to greater happiness or satisfaction.
2. Minimalism vs. Consumerism:
a) Consider the contrast between minimalism (having fewer possessions) and consumerism (constantly acquiring more). How does this poem reflect these concepts?
b) How can setting limits and rules, as described in this poem, help create a more intentional and fulfilling life?
3. Impact on Daily Life:
a) How does the accumulation of possessions affect your daily life and well-being? Discuss any specific examples where clutter has caused stress or dissatisfaction.
b) Have you ever experienced a shift from feeling "not enough" to having "too much"? How did this change affect you?
4. Environmental and Social Implications:
a) Reflect on the environmental impact of excessive consumption and possession. How can individuals contribute to reducing waste and promoting sustainability?
b) Consider the societal norms and pressures that encourage the accumulation of possessions. How can awareness and personal choices mitigate these pressures?
5. Creating Balance:
a) Explore the idea of setting rules or guidelines (like those in the poem) to manage possessions and maintain a balanced lifestyle. How can these rules be adapted to fit your own circumstances?
b) Reflect on the role of gratitude and contentment in finding a balance between having enough and avoiding excess.
a guide to decluttering with purpose
Decluttering with purpose refers to the intentional and mindful process of removing unnecessary or excessive items from our environment in order to achieve specific goals or outcomes. It goes beyond simply tidying up or organizing belongings; instead, it involves:
1. Setting Clear Intentions: Identifying the reasons behind decluttering, such as creating a more serene living space, reducing stress, or focusing on what truly matters.
2. Prioritizing Needs: Assessing which possessions are essential and contribute positively to our lives, and letting go of items that no longer serve a purpose or bring value.
3. Creating Space for What Matters: Making room physically, mentally, and emotionally for activities, relationships, and experiences that align with our values and goals.
4. Long-Term Sustainability: Establishing habits and practices that prevent future accumulation of unnecessary items, promoting a sustainable and clutter-free lifestyle.
In essence, decluttering with purpose involves aligning the act of decluttering with our broader life aspirations and values, ensuring that every item retained or discarded contributes to our well-being and overall happiness. This makes the whole process so much more meaningful and exciting!
1. Setting Clear Intentions: Identifying the reasons behind decluttering, such as creating a more serene living space, reducing stress, or focusing on what truly matters.
2. Prioritizing Needs: Assessing which possessions are essential and contribute positively to our lives, and letting go of items that no longer serve a purpose or bring value.
3. Creating Space for What Matters: Making room physically, mentally, and emotionally for activities, relationships, and experiences that align with our values and goals.
4. Long-Term Sustainability: Establishing habits and practices that prevent future accumulation of unnecessary items, promoting a sustainable and clutter-free lifestyle.
In essence, decluttering with purpose involves aligning the act of decluttering with our broader life aspirations and values, ensuring that every item retained or discarded contributes to our well-being and overall happiness. This makes the whole process so much more meaningful and exciting!