Possessed

Our church is going to expand its community ministry with visits to the elderly at one of the area nursing homes. Yesterday, a dozen of us were "trained" on how to do this effectively and positively. Basically, we had to understand where these residents were coming from – mentally and emotionally – so we can connect with them.

One of the activities we had to do dealt grief and loss. We had to make some lists like 5 most important people, 5 activities we enjoy, 5 body parts, etc, and the exercise had us eliminating items one by one. I only struggled with making one of the lists: 5 of your most prized possessions.

I listed my scrapbooks as No. 1 because they contain the most photos and records of memories and... what else? I couldn't even think of anything else to list.

Ding. Ding. Ding. Bells going off and red flags waving.

If I don't have any possessions that are "must have" possessions in my life, then why is my house filled with them? And possessions is a nice word. Clutter and crap are more appropriate labels for much of it.

I realize we hold onto things for a variety of reasons:

• Sentimental — a loved one gave it to us, or it holds memories.
• Security — we’re worried we might need it someday.
• Procrastination — it’s too difficult to even consider tackling all that clutter.
• Value — we don’t want to waste what we’ve paid good money for by getting rid of it.

Guilty of all. I would add lazy to my procrastination, too, because I have no ambition to tackle it all and think about sorting or tagging things for a garage sale, etc. I am a fan of donating but since I am guilty of the value mindset, too, I hate to just get rid of it if it's worth money.

Today, I compromised and that empowered me to take the first step. I decided if I can't use it or haven't used it, maybe somebody I know could. So I posted the following status on Facebook:

ISO good home for my clutter! Anyone want PartyLite candle holders and candles (quite the variety, like new)? How about arts and craft supplies of every nature (from stamping to calligraphy to needlepoint)? Kids books, anyone? Popcorn tins? Games? I have no energy to price things. Just need things to get gone! I'll take them to Goodwill but wanted to check with friends first. #CluttersLastStand #FreeStuff

Wow. Did I get the response!

I feel so good that friends need or want it and can use it!! I got rid of two bags of candles and candle holders (and that's not all of them). Have more than a dozen kids board games divvied up, mostly among teachers. And have a lot of Carter's old books – that we (me) never priced for a garage sale – that are going to a combination of teachers and friends. It's all going to be out of my house in the next 48 hours!

Additionally, now that I know there's interest for some of my arts and craft stuff, I will have to sort that a bit so I can pair up the right types of items with my crafty friends. That's going to be a bigger thing to tackle but I must do it this week to keep the momentum going!

Granted this is just a start, but it's a process I will keep doing in the next few weeks. Why is this method of de-cluttering working for me? I think it's because other people are making the tough decisions for me. If I am willing to put it out there that I might part with something, it turns out I will if someone needs it and claims it. Then I have to follow through.

Of course, I think hubby is anxious to see how far I will take this. For example, he asked, "OK, within 10, how many hoodies do you have?"

Good grief. Let's not get carried away here.

One step at a time...