I grew up on a farm and one of the things my dad taught me was that a weed is defined not by what it looks like, but where it is and what it does. If something is growing where it should not be or where you don’t want it…it’s a weed. According to Merriam-Webster, a weed is “a plant that is not valued where it is growing and is usually of vigorous growth; especially: one that tends to overgrow or choke out more desirable plants.”
The problem with weeds is that they usually don’t serve a purpose and can become quite a nuisance…even to the point of injuring or taking over the desired crop or area.
You can use this analogy when sorting through items to declutter or rightsize. Your home is your garden, so what are you willing to let live there?
Take a look at some of the items you’re keeping, and ask yourself:
- Does this serve a purpose?
- Is this useful to me?
- Does this bring me joy?
- Is this worth the space, time, and/or energy it is taking up?
Yes, some weeds are beautiful, but we need to be careful. If we treat everything as a flower, soon our garden will be overtaken. Just because something is beautiful doesn’t mean it is healthy or good for us.
Always be mindful of what you allow in your garden.