no more excess baggage

I’m working on simplifying…simplifying lots of things. I am starting with just that, things. I have so many things. I am a definite packrat. I keep everything; old birthday cards, ticket stubs, handouts from classes I’ve taken, sentimental t-shirts, love notes, you name it. They are in boxes under my bed, in boxes at my parent’s house, on my coffee table, in my drawers…anywhere one could keep things, I have stowed things. These keepsakes have brought me joy or comfort in the past and that is why I have kept them, but do they continue to bring me joy and comfort, daily? No…Hmm…

In our bereavement dept meeting time, we talked about some client houses we have been to for home visits and how they have the tendency toward messiness or clutter. At the far end of the cleanliness spectrum, there are “path houses” with so much clutter piled up that there is literally just a small path in which one can navigate through the house. It’s a horribly claustrophobic place to find oneself. In my head, the idea crossed my mind that I could end up one day with a “path house” and I was immediately horrified, and I made a face to show it. I don’t want to be “path house lady” which is undoubtedly up there with “crazy cat lady” which means I definitely need to get my act together.

I’ve already started sifting through things to get rid of. I’m freeing up space. Not space to fill with more things, but space for breathing and living. The little bit I have done already feels nice. Though not outwardly noticeable, I have recycled many old school papers and unnecessary lecture notes and other random things from under my bed. Just knowing these things are no longer taking up space makes me feel lighter. I don’t want to be burdened by things I keep and I don’t want to put so much worth in them either; after all, they are just things and I can’t take any of them with me when I leave this place. I welcome this feeling of lightness. No more carrying around excess baggage of the material or emotional variety (but that’s a whole other can of worms).