Simplify

Whoops. I’m fearful the box of wine glasses won’t get too far without something shattering.

I like what you say about how some things are just old parts of me that aren’t me anymore. That’s how I feel about a lot of my stuff.

It’s amazing how we don’t realize until we get rid of things just how much it keeps us from fully engaging in life to own and maintain a bunch of “stuff.”

I just spent 4 months cleaning out an 80% full garage. It is a huge experience to let go of stuff. I am especially attached to the things that people have given me, and that I have purchased usually during a special time. Stuff is my photo album that I don’t have to dig out, it gives me an instant memory of someone or some event that gives me great pleasure at that moment I am reflecting on it. It reminds me of what’s important, while forgetting that it can bog me down when it gets too much. Someday I will figure out a system to simplify it, but for now it still gives me pleasure. I DID get rid of about 50% or more of the stuff, so that did feel good!! I think it’s great that you hang on to some things, for the recycle, reuse aspect. Yes, you will be different when you return, and want new stuff maybe, but for awhile you will have something familiar for comfort. It’s quite an experience – keep the cracked bowl – who cares but you! xoxoliz

I found this subject most interesting because I am a packrat: I see value in everything, therefore, cannot hardly throw out anything.

You put some things in storage obviously, for your re entry: you had a image in your mind’s eye of where you would be on return.

What was that like?

[...] years ago, we were weeding through piles of dishes, shelves full of books, closets full of forgotten knick-knacks. We were waiting for the official [...]

[...] still is that we’ve done this before two years ago. The packing, sorting and boxing of our little lives. It was easier this time around, [...]