Purge
I Spring clean; the normal things many of us do at this time of year. However, every three years or so, I purge. This is one of those years.
I am astounded at the amount of ‘stuff’ I have. As I go through drawers, cabinets, closets, the garage and storage shed, my emotions swing from ‘Oh, I love this’ to ‘Why am I hanging on to this?’. It is especially hard to part with gifts from family and friends, and with mementos collected over several years.
I set aside boxes to contain the ‘stuff’ I want to give to family and friends (if they want it), and the ‘stuff’ that gets donated to local thrift non-profits. Sometimes I shut my eyes and just throw something away.
As I become engrossed in the rhythm of purging the task becomes compelling, urging me on to the next project. I figure this year’s purge will take me about a month. Washing windows, stripping and waxing floors and cleaning carpets will come later.
I have a great sense of accomplishment at the end of the purge. And I literally feel lighter.
We are a consumer culture. It is our consumption that drives the economy. I know this about myself…I am never likely to live a spartan life or become a hoarder. And I recognize that the older I get the more ‘stuff’ accumulates. Until I find a better solution, I will continue to purge.
Welcome to Spring.
