As I worked on sorting things out yesterday–things I haven’t seen in years that were in boxes around my house–I got to thinking about how good it feels just to get rid of stuff. It wasn’t until I had a thought-provoking conversation with my best friend, John, this morning that I understood why.
When we throw out or otherwise get rid of things we don’t need in our lives, it not only creates physical space for us to live, but it relieves the untidiness it occupies in our minds. For instance, every time I think about getting rid of a game I have already played, I think to myself, “Maybe I’ll play it again one day,” and so it stays. I realize a game isn’t that big a deal – it doesn’t take up must physical space in my house. But if I think about getting rid of it ten times in the space of a month, it adds up to nothing less than stress. Now if I think about ALL the things I have in my house that I don’t need… it really adds up. If I just get rid of it I no longer have the choice, and so I can stop thinking about it.
It’s like procrastination. As long as there is something to do, my mind is cluttered with it. And the more I think about all the projects I have on the go, the more I realize that they are just things which are occupying space in my life. I need to purge them by getting them done already.
As Lao Tzu was wise to point out,
We mold clay into a pot,
but it is the emptiness inside
that makes the vessel useful.
It’s not only the pot: it works equally for our homes and our minds.
lindaghill.com 
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August 27, 2014 at 12:24 am
You will see in a skinny minute that I am not a “writer.” But articles like this inspire me to say something. I am reminded of all the hoarders in my life and get physically ill. As difficult as it is for most people to relate to, type-a personalities are usually also perfectionists. It is not a learned thing; it’s inborn. To overcome that and dwell peacefully with family is a feat beyond description. You may read one response to this idea at: http://pilgrimstranger.wordpress.com/2014/08/20/be-not-weary-in-well-doing-the-simple-life/
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August 25, 2014 at 8:53 am
Cool post dearest. I am at a point where I want to purge everything out at the moment! It is SO frustrating when there is a list so damn long that one kinda closes the eyes and truns your finger in a circle to flip the coin so to speak.
It is not the doing that is the bother..it is the prioritising!
Wondering what order to do things in when they all need finishing or doing…now.
Um… yeah… off I go….maybe 😉
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August 24, 2014 at 9:47 pm
My mother in law won’t throw away anything. She is the classical hoarder, but there is more to it that meets the eye. Coming from the back blocks of rural Sabah she was born in abject poverty where having any possessions was a god send. Circumstances changed, but the need to never throw away didn’t. Just below my bedroom window is an old rusty bed frame that is well beyond use. Recently I suggested to do a major clean up, though my wife was very reluctant to. I ask why and she told me the bed belonged to her father. He died of cancer when she was 12 and had left her mother a young widow with 5 children. It was a massive struggle for her mum to survive in a region where social security is non existent.
So, what can be a good clean up for you and I to rid our lives of unused and unnecessary brick a brac, are viewed by others, however tenuously, as dearly held memories that link today with yesterday.
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August 24, 2014 at 7:42 pm
The Garden Gnome is of the belief that I don’t purge enough – particularly in my craft room 😉
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August 24, 2014 at 6:46 pm
Wife and I were having this conversation today. A purge is coming.
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August 24, 2014 at 4:57 pm
So very true Linda. It works perfect. By my last movements I get rid of a lot, but I do still have a lot more, as I hope to get used inside a shorter period. Otherwise out. It gives a lot of mental space too 🙂
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August 24, 2014 at 4:30 pm
I am the same way!
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August 24, 2014 at 3:18 pm
Oh, this is one I really need to learn and learn right now! I’m surrounded by boxes and boxes of stuff! When did this happen!? Ugh.
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August 24, 2014 at 11:25 am
I’m so familiar with that feeling! Two or three weeks ago, my mum and me went through every box there was in my bedroom, and there were a lot 😉 Things from when I was 12 (as I am now 19, they really don’t fit anymore) and just old stuff from my sister and me from when we were little, were all stored in my bedroom. We got rid of 4 full garbage bags and I just feel so much better now when I’m in my room, it seems to be 10 times bigger than before and it gives mental peace also when I’m studying or resting there.
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August 24, 2014 at 10:16 am
Brilliant observation, Linda! If you’re in a position to get rid of excess crap, get rid of it. Future archaeologists who want badly enough to know about you will go dig it out of the landfill.
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August 24, 2014 at 10:19 am
Well there’s a comforting thought! 😛
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