March 2017
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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.

 

 

 

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