
We spend the first half of our lives accumulating things and the last half giving them away.
Author Unknown
Several years go, as I was moving into a smaller living space, I rented storage for things I thought I should keep. After a year, I realized I hadn’t looked at or needed anything I was paying to store. I don’t know why it was so hard to let go.
Some of this sudden realization comes with age. Nobody wants great-grandmother’s silver or antique linen. I am in the process of finding a home for a half dozen, old, framed, family photos. Some of them are well over a hundred years old. My son has no desire or place to display them. He would like digital copies! The solution might be relatives that have a large family, so that they will be passed on. At least, that’s what I’m working on.
I am becoming much better at giving away, throwing out, getting rid, of what I no longer need. In some cases, I just enjoy opening a drawer or cabinet that is pared down and well-organized. I like the feeling of accomplishment. The other issue is that I don’t want to leave my son with a lot of stuff he has no idea what to do with. Although, I’m not planning on departing anytime soon, chances that I will live forever are unlikely. To quote my grandmother, “Better now than never.”
One response to “Paring Down”
Well said! I, too, am in the process of giving away stuff to save my daughter a future head/heart ache.
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