Bill Phillip's | Transformation

Letting Go...of stuff

A am a bit of a hoarder by nature (if I buy or am given something, I can't let it go!). I have stuff from 20 years ago that I don't look at or use, but yet I have trouble letting go of it. I believe that I am mentally drowning in this stuff. I need to offload most of it because it will give me clarity around what is most important to me (keep), that represents me in useful and meaningful ways (keep) and what is just bogging me down (get rid of) or causing me to live in the past or causing negative emotions (get rid of). That is why cleaning up my life is part of my Transformation challenge.

Procrastination has been my big downfall in this project. I have been struggling with this task for 10 years. I have spent 10 years feeling bad about the junk I should be getting rid of that is just complicating my life and taking away some of the energy I should be directing to better and more meaningful things. I thought I had taken a good step a few years ago by insisting that I not receive any materials gifts from friends and family (consumables only folks, such as gift cards for services I use). That just ensures no more comes in. It does not address what is already there that needs a new home.

True to Bill's Transformation Exercise #5, I have set a deadline: I am holding a garage sale in 2 weeks' time. There, I will be getting rid of furniture, books, CDs, DVDs/VHS, clothing, various articles that others might want, such as kitchen and bath items. During this sorting and cleaning I am doing, I am also proactively throwing things away that would not make it to good will or that I can't give away or sell. Nothing that I have earmarked for sale/giveaway is coming back into the house once the garage sale weekend is over. That is the rule.

Just yesterday, I was able to assemble 5 bags of clothing and hangers for goodwill and another pile of old t-shirts and other items that are too old and shabby for anyone to want (aka trash). It was very uncomfortable to do, but I felt great at the end and my closets/drawers are thanking me, no doubt. Next step is the kitchen. I expect no fewer than 3 good size boxes to come out of that space.

I feel good about this and the only regret I have is why I didn't start this process sooner. 

I will update on this in my goals and progress section. Stay tuned!

Be the change!