Scaling Down

I'll tell you, talking about simplifying your life, and actually doing it...well, there's just no comparison. It's easy to say, I'm going to sell everything! But no one can tell you the wrench your heart receives as you actually watch those "things" leave you. Especially if you're a veteran packrat like me.

I will say this, though...after the stuff is gone, there is a lightening of the spirit, and a feeling of freedom. Really. Yes, a little regret, but then I would tell myself, hey! when you come back, think about the even better stuff you can replace this with! I have cleared out the old, and now the new can come in. And this pertains to both material goods, and emotions.

This clearing has been done in layers, by necessity. First, the furniture and accoutrements of a home. Then the home itself. And finally, the car. Yes, I still own the car, but just giving it to someone else to drive is a major accomplishment. I packed my single rucksack and a small bag. Wow. My whole existence in about 3000 cubic inches. The bags are stuffed!

Guess I should also confess that I didn't give up and sell everything, exactly. Had very good intentions of using only 6 boxes for the things I wanted to keep. Try 14! Actually, I think I did well. When I moved out of my townhouse a year and a half ago, I called Mission Arlington to come get what I was discarding. They filled up the 8' bed of a large pickup, and put some things in the crew cab, and still couldn't get it all. And this clearing was at least that much again, or more.

I'll keep you posted on how it feels to have very little to maintain and keep up with. I expect it to be wondrously exciting.