Sifting through things that I had saved over the last 35 years and left in storage has actually been fun and cleansing. I've thrown most of my stuff away. The photo above is just a sample of what's gone into the recycling bin, the trash bin or to charity.
I am keeping only things that hold memories dear to me. I did this "cleansing" before I left Japan, fitting 7 years of life there into two suitcases and two boxes. Now it's about fitting 45 years into as few boxes as possible. I am a bit of a nomad right now ... staying in California to help my Sister take care of Mom, while my Husband prepares our future home in Mexico. Like a nomad, we are keeping our possessions limited to what we're willing to move around with us.
I got this neon box when I was 7 years old. My father and I were in a second-hand shop. The colors caught my eye and I had to have it. The bottom has the initials "R.A.W." and is stamped with the word "Japan." Now... what to put in it? I'll let you know what I decide :)
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Deciding what to keep and give up is difficult at first, but I figure I've gone without most of this stuff for the last 8 years, so it must not be that necessary to my survival. So I've pared everything down to select memories and things that remind me of them.
I hope your Mom is doing well..My thoughts and prayers go out to you and her.
Katelen
i'd love to whittle my stuff down until i could fit in one of those tiny houses, the 90 square feet houses? of course, i'd need another house for my studio...
Thank you for the well wishes for my Mom.
I know what you mean about worrying you'll throw out something you need late.
Chris,
I watched a video about those tiny houses a few days back. They do look fun to have as a studio.
i only have a ew possessions now because of a major decluttering that i did in may of 2009 in order to prepare for that lifestyle.
it's a great feeling!