Hoarders

Have you ever watched the show Hoarders?  I used to watch it on occasion because it made me feel better about my clutter, yeah its bad, but I don't have towers of old newspapers and rooms full of creepy dolls.  In starting to prepare to move back into my mom's house and weed through all the clutter in order to cut back a bit I think I have a glimpse of how Hoarders get to where they are.  It's hard to get rid of stuff sometimes.

I find myself attaching sentimental value to the most ridiculous things.  For example I wore this t-shirt to this place 12 years ago and yes it has coffee stains and it doesn't fit and I will of course never wear it again.  .   . but I can't possibly throw it away because I've had it for 12 years and it's an important artifact in the history of Sarah.  Oh and this mentality seems to extend not just to t-shirts, but stuffed animals, dollar store toys,  books,  assorted knick knacks, blankets, a balloon pump and much, much more. 

Give me twenty more years and I'm sure I would have narrow pathways through all the junk that I cannot fathom throwing away.  Thankfully I don't have 20 years to continue collecting,  I have 3 months to pare down a 5 room apartment to fit into a single bedroom.  It's officially time to quit being a Junk Junkie!! 

When push comes to shove stuff isn't important,  what is important to me are the things the stuff reminds me of.  The people who showed me their love with special gifts, the big events that changed me in dramatic ways, the moments that etched themselves in my heart forever.  There are some things I will never willingly get rid of because in the instant I look at them they bring reminders of times and people I need to be reminded of.  However there are many things that I just need to let go because letting the stuff go doesn't mean I'm throwing away those people or those times.  All it means is that I'm not clinging to material things for security, or comfort, that type of comfort isn't real.  Having lot of stuff isn't what keeps me safe.

So keep an eye out for Craigslist listings, extra garbage bags in my dumpster, clothing headed of to charity and maybe some Christmas gifts that look a bit too familiar.  Of course if you know of anything you want at my house I'm open for offers and am even willing to send things free to a good home. Feel free to come over and browse.   Just keep your paws off my cat!!