Too Much Stuff

I've been in purge mode recently. 

The biggest decision was to get rid of 90% of a 25 year collection of cd's.  I remember when I got my first cd and cd player.  Oh, the sound!  It was incredible.  What an improvement over vinyl or tape. I was hooked.  Gradually I got rid of all my recorded music exept cd's.   When I moved into my condo seven years ago I bought that collection with me.  How many times have I listened to them?  Not enough to justify keeping them.  A few I've ripped to memory sticks and play on computer, but the majority languish in a cabinet.  Time to let go.  I need the space for other things.   I was brutal in my choosing.  When I finished I had eight bags to take to the flea market.  Four trips down a flight of stairs to my car.  Gone.  The ones I kept I'll look at again in a few months.  It may be time let those go, too.  I've already purged my dvd collection once, I'm thinking of doing it again.  One sure thing:  I won't be buying any more cd's or dvd's. 

While I was at the flea market, a cute little red brocade purse caught my eye.  It would be perfect with my red shoes.  I almost grabbed it on the spot - the price was less than a taco - but held off when I remembered I had a trove of cute little purses stashed in my closet, many I'd had for so long they were practically vintage.  Home to the closet.  No little red purse in the ones I already owned, but there were many I could donate and never miss.  Back to the flea market with a bag full of donations, I left with the cute little red brocade purse in hand. 

I still think about Sonia Gonzalez, the woman in NYC with her wagon train of stuff that she spends her days moving along the city sidewalks.  I think of my morning walk, encumbered only by my house keys in a fanny pack, and wonder what that walk would be like if I had to drag/push/pull everything I owned.   The very thought is exhausting.  I have never aspired to be Sisyphus. 

Letting go is liberating.  Less really is more.

Penny Pincher