Just Stuff

Have you ever seen those photographs of people around the world with all of their possessions laid out in front of them? It is damn amazing how much more stuff Americans have than just about anyone else, and we all (or, well, most of us) know full well that we don't need most of it.

No, we really don't. Be honest, think about the last thing you decided to keep "because I might need it." How long ago did you make that decision? Have you needed it yet? If it's been six months, and I'm being generous with that, you don't need it.

Another thing to consider: have you ever found yourself needing something, and realized that you used to have just that thing but got rid of it somewhere along the way? How long did you kick yourself for that? Not very long, I'm guessing. Most likely what happened is that you went "oh man, I used to have one of those. Oh well." And then you went out and procured another one and that was that.

I think a lot of people feel defined by their "things," and certainly we all have things that are important to us and could be considered definitive, but be honest with yourself - how much of your stuff can really rightfully assume such an elevated position? If it's been sitting in a box in your garage for the last two years it's not definitive, at least not in the way you think it is.

And then there's the sentimental angle, but just as with the clothing thing, just because someone you love gave it to you that's not a good enough reason to keep something, and allowing something to gather dust on the back of a shelf where no one can even see it is probably not how you want to honor someone.

So here's your assignment today (yes, it's an assignment day!): go through your house and find ten things you really don't need and then get them the heck out of your house. Whether you throw them away or donate them or give them to someone else, it doesn't matter, just don't let them keep sharing your physical or mental space for one more minute. They don't have to be big things - I'm going to tackle my stash of rubber bands right after I get done writing this (yes, I do these assignments too!) - and you certainly don't have to stop at ten, but ten should be your baseline. But I'm betting that once you start you're going to want to keep going for a bit. It's amazing how much clearer you feel when you get rid of even a portion of the extraneous stuff.

Foodie Wednesday tomorrow! It's going to be delicious.

- Sarah