In order to change a habit, one must first acknowledge that the habit exists. It's a painful process to realize you have an unhealthy habit. Individuals go through life performing or feeling a certain way without even realizing what they are doing is engaging in a physical exercise or mental tendency that is extremely difficult to cease the practice.

Just like smoking, drinking, or any thousand of activities that are hard to stop and can become compulsory, my habit I acquired collecting unusual items can become addictive.

I realized this as a young adult.

But I had resources, time, and frame of mind that I had to have the items to fulfill a void I felt was missing.

^{Mixed Media Art Art Project Created by me in Canva}

For me, I truly believe that my acquiring items began in childhood. Growing up in the early 60s, funds were not readily available. Stretching the budget for a family of eight was a skill my parents attempted to perfect. However, there was little left over for luxury items.

I remember requesting and not receiving a Barbie Doll, which was all the rage during my childhood. For a female, it meant the world to own one so that I could showcase mine. I never got the chance to do so.

As an adult, I purchased my first Barbie Doll, but it for my own daughters. That's when my antique collection habit started. The dolls were no longer for my children, but for my enjoyment. Then there were the Hot Wheels and sports baseball and football cards for my son.

I loved purchasing and sharing the stories with them. However, once the children were grown, I continued collecting. Next, came antique glass, figurines, coffee and tea cups, snow globes, magazines, and books.

Once I embraced my minimalist lifestyle, I had no idea of the clutter and disorganization years of collecting had heaped upon me. I reckon it to the mixed media art design I created above I titled "Trapped In Spaces". I wasn't living my life. I was trapped among my collectibles. The practice had spiraled out of control in terms of the livable space I required to accommodate my belongings.

I surveyed my surroundings. I had no idea the physical space I had cluttered with my collections. I desired to rid myself of the items. But doing this required that I put into practice overcoming the first habit that hindered my new lifestyle.

BREAKING THE FIRST HABIT: Purchasing

Easily said than done. But I could see I wasn't accomplishing any of my goals I put in place. So after about two years, I gave up. I couldn't locate any self help resources to assist me in overcoming my desire to acquire antiques. I can't say exactly what happened, but one day I decided not to purchase an item. It was a painful decision because I wanted to continue collecting a set of figurines I had come to love, "ALL GOD'S CHILDREN".

Later, I realized my desire left when the sculptor, Martha Holcombe, passed away. I knew the same love she poured into every mold would never be the same.

Since I had subscribed to numerous companies, I'd receive catalogues for my favorite collectible items. I unsubscribed to them via mail and online.

In my quest to live a minimalist lifestyle, I feel that breaking the habit of acquiring the collectible items was the only way to truly follow through with my new minimalist lifestyle.

The process of reprogramming my mind not to purchase was the only way. Otherwise, I would just continue to acquire, find available space, give a few items away, then fill the space up again.

BREAKING THE SECOND HABIT: Reshuffling

Moving items from one storage space to the other did nothing to alleviate my stress level and create more livable space.

It was with shame and consternation that I discovered numerous containers and crates of antiques stored in my attic over ten years ago. Apparently, the supporting beam gave way, and the boxes fell through.

Although this provided me the opportunity to sort through the items, I was upset with myself after thinking for years the items were lost and not remembering that I'd placed them in that particular storage area.

Now I've begun the process of categorizing, labeling, and releasing the antiques in my downsizing efforts.

I will continue my journey as I apply the 90-90 Rule I recently discovered in determining which items to keep and which ones to find a suitable home.