I didn’t think it would be this difficult. But it takes a lot of thought before I blithely start throwing things out. Much soul searching will be needed to evaluate what is really important for my life’s journey. I don’t mean that cleaning out closets and getting rid of excess papers requires extensive deliberation. I need to do that, but it should be a reflection of what I value and indicate my level of trust in divine providence. Do I really need to hang on to a blouse that doesn’t fit me anymore just because it was a gift? Do those aircraft manuals for planes that I will never fly again deserve a place on my bookshelf? Or do they belong there because they are mementoes of the exciting years of flying that were gifts?

When we moved from our log house in Eagle River, we got rid of a lot of stuff. We hauled truckloads to thrift stores, many more to the dump and gave away as much as we could to friends. Packing up and moving all the rest of the stuff was exhausting. For months afterwards, I couldn’t bear the thought of shopping. It was almost painful to have to go to the grocery store. I vowed I would not collect so much ever again and yet it happens. As I ponder that experience, I realize my first step should be not to add to my possessions and the second will be to give what I no longer need to someone who does. That thought makes me feel lighter already.