Wednesday, June 1, 2011

It's just Stuff!

My stuff! It is everything I own, have collected, been given, and have accumulated over the years. And, to be honest, there is a lot of it! I think I have come to learn that my stuff is my nemesis. How in the world did I get all of this stuff?

I have been cleaning out my home and have found things I didn't even know I had. I think the most interesting and sad part is finding all of the unfinished projects or projects never started. The quilt that I started, but never sewed. The Christmas ornaments that I had planned on making. The clothes pins that I thought would make something cool (even though I didn't have a project in mind). Not to mention all of the fabric that I have collected. I must say, I LOVE fabric. I love the way it feels, looks, and smells. I love sewing it and the amazing feeling I get once I have created something. Yet, I have loads of fabric that I never did anything with. No particular project in mind, nothing that was deserving of the beautiful colors and texture. Ah, what to do with it all. So, in my purging I will sell some, give some, toss some, and keep some. I have picked my favorites and made a small box. Gone will be the scraps and large pieces that I "just don't need". It doesn't help that my hubby works for a company that manufactures fabric. He brings me home fabric, yarn, thread that I "would and should like to use". I thought in Singapore I would have some time to actually sew and use all of the fabric, but as I learned yesterday, I can't take my sewing machine. Something about the power. So, I guess if I haven't sewed my fabric in the past 5 years, I doubt I will now.

Oh yeah, so we were talking about stuff. Not only did I accumulate crafty stuff, I have accumulated so much more! Picture frames, books, tote bags, exercise equipment etc. etc. I have gifts in unopened packages. Things that we just didn't need or want for that matter. There is something about getting a gift you don't want and can't return that is sad in a way. I hate to get rid of it (it was a gift), yet I don't want it. Humm!

For those of you that know my family well, you know we live pretty simply anyway. We don't accumulate that much compared to others. We try to buy used and reuse/recycle as much as possible. I shop consignment and try not to add extra things in this world but, that doesn't exclude you from having extra stuff. We all have it and we know it! I remember one year where my hubby and I were going to tell our family to just not give gifts and if they did to give us something that has been recycled or repurposed. I really do hate the idea of adding junk to this beautiful world of ours. Our plan didn't come to fruition. It's hard to get people to understand our thinking on that one. (see link to the video at end) Oh well, we had good intentions. That counts doesn't it?

I think one good thing of this move will be living only with what is important. I love the thought of just having what I need. No extra baggage, no extra clutter, no extra anything! Can we stick to this I'm not so sure, but I plan to try!

The yard sale is Saturday everyone!! Come on by to get a good selection! And, if you miss out on this one there will always be the final sale once the house is sold (or maybe before).

As I close on thoughts of my stuff today, take a look at this video. I found this a while ago and remembered it's profound impact on me. After watching, now I know that it really isn't all my fault!
And a word of the wise to all of you: Keep it simple and purge often!!!
http://www.storyofstuff.com/

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