As many of you know, I have been in serious purging mode. The above quote is both figuratively true as well as physical for me…one of the major criteria for my purging is how heavy an object is…the heavier it is, the most likely it is to go!

The Southern Man and I are toying with the idea of downsizing and thought it best to start the process of decluttering/purging/recycling/unloading now. But this entire process has me thinking…what does one save? why do you keep what you do?

When I was younger, I didn’t save that much…I was moving around, migrated across the country, lived in small spaces. Once I bought a house, things accumulated…and then I had to buy a bigger house because both the Southern Man and I had our obsessions…mine was art stuff and rusty metal junk, his was books and small appliances.

Once my mom passed away, I saved some of the stuff she was saving…sewing supplies, mementoes, favorite books. But now I’m questioning what I’m going to do with my mementoes…I didn’t have children so there’s no one next in line…I’ve gifted a few things to nieces…but the rest…

Don’t get me wrong…I’m still enjoying plenty of the things I am keeping…most of them great photographic props that delight my design esthetic.

But questioning the value and purpose of what remains has resulted in three epiphanies -

1. Continuing to purge is easier as the process continues. Getting over the initial hump was a little tough but the momentum definitely increases and the process gets easier.

2. The need to acquire anything more is scrutinized extensively. Is it really needed or necessary?

3. If it is needed - or wanted- making sure that it is of quality construction and materials. I would like to think that our enamelware cookware and my wool sweaters will have another owner after me…their longevity is certainly better for the environment than adding to the landfill.

Getting back to downsizing…it is our hope that shedding some of our possessions will lead to other things…a more manageable space, additional resources available for other activities, a clearer perspective. Obviously it is an ongoing activity…not completed in a single day. And is it ever done…when you say, “that’s it and no more”…I’ll keep you posted.