LETTING STUFF GO

         

      Today, I think my heart feels lighter as will my home come this weekend. You see, I made the not so difficult choice to “let go” of some of the stuff I’ve been hanging on to. Why I hung on to this stuff for so long, I’m not exactly sure, but I finally decided it was definitely time.

          It began with all the various things I saved once John passed. There were books, collector items (maybe), and a variety of other things I had every intention of putting on either E-Bay or Buy-Nothing. I managed to do that with a very few items, but somehow just never got around to the rest.

          So, I called the sons once I’d pretty much boxed up most of it. The elder came and took the two duck stamp display frames since he inherited all the duck stamps. He also took a couple of patches, one of which says, “FUCK,” and that’s destined for the granddaughter (perhaps her favorite word).

          The other son will be here this coming weekend to haul away all the other stuff. Meanwhile, I opened another closet and saw all the Partylite snow globes I haven’t displayed for I don’t know how many years. The elder daughter-in-law was/is a Partylite consultant and has way more than I ever collected. So, I offered it to the other daughter-in-law. Younger son will haul all of those home as well. He said he thought the grandson might like to have them. In any case, another big shelf will be empty by the end of the weekend.

          Just today, I offered the younger son all the VHS tapes and DVDs because I don’t have a machine that will play either format. And, yes, I’d love to watch Chicago just one more time, or all of the Fellowship of the Rings movies, but I also know I can obtain any movie online from a variety of formats. More empty space by the weekend.

          I also have a twin bed that needs to find a new home which no one in the family wants/needs. I’m going to offer it on Buy-Nothing with all the bedding, frame and headboard. Then, I’ll be down to just one twin bed which will go into the room I’ve been using for my driftwood…whenever I manage to go in there and do something.

          The impetus of all this isn’t the fact I’m turning eighty, but the need for a room where I can work on my driftwood.  I just don’t want to get sawdust all over every single thing in the room or house. Once the room is empty except for a big table, lamp, chair and whatever else I’ll need, I’ll be able to shut the door and keep the dust in that room.

          The room I’m planning to use as my workshop now contains a bed, nightstand and dresser. Once the other twin bed is gone, I’ll move those things into the smaller room. I’ve already moved my spring/summer clothes and other stuff I need to store into that room’s closet. And, speaking of closets, I went through mine and purged a couple boxes of clothes I haven’t worn in a very long time…it was hard to part with some of my favorite things, but it needed to be done. In addition, there’s a bookcase in that room that can hold all the various do-dads I’m not ready to part with just yet.

          I’m not sure I understand just how I’m feeling with all these plans in motion. I also don’t understand why all of a sudden I’m willing to part with all this “stuff,” and yet, I most definitely am. On reflection, I think I’m feeling just fine about this “letting go.” Everything that’s on its way out the door is absolutely nothing I absolutely need…want maybe, but not seriously want. Rooms and shelves may be a little more empty by this time next week, but I think my heart has expanded as I’ve let go.