A Keen Slate

Last week I completed my first 2023 donation roundup. After several weeks of going through our closets and totes in the garage, I filled a total of seven boxes! This is the biggest set of donations since moving to NC in July of 2022, which I consider a pretty big win.   Upon arriving in NC I learned that the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), despite having thrift shop, do not pick up donations here. Since the VVA had been my go-to for donation pickup since 2019, this was disappointing.  Of course, I say this knowing the risk of sounding incredibly spoiled and lazy (Why can't I just drop off the donations myself?!). You're right, I can. But I have my reasons: 1) When my daughter was really young I've had the experience of taking what little 'free time' I had to load everything up and drive to Goodwill, only to be told they're full and not accepting donations. Talk about disappointment! In my experience, pickups will only happen if the organization has the space,

With the 25th being my next donation pick up day, it's go time! This past weekend I worked at the  decluttering station  in my garage and packed up four boxes of stuff. I also took pictures of items I will attempt to sell on my neighborhood facebook group. Like I said, no obligation or urgency here, whatever sells, does, and whatever doesn't will be donated or posted for free.   Although I've been feeling really good about my progress, sometimes this mean voice pops up and makes me feel like all my efforts are just weak sauce, and nowhere near enough.  When this happens, I need to remember that this is where mindfulness can work its magic. I mean, it's not really magic , but more about being truthful, acknowledging. And I have to acknowledge that I have come a long way. That is a fact, mean voice or no.   So, it's time to take a deep breath, and deal with the stuff (and the emotions that accompany it) moment by moment. Because that's the only place where progres

As I pulled my thoughts together to start this blog, I scrolled through images of donation pickups I'd scheduled since May of 2019. Literally boxes and boxes of stuff.  In truth, I am a little amazed. Amazed:  At myself, a supposedly money-conscious frugalista who shopped thrift stores and the clearance rack,  At what this meant about the sheer volume of stuff I had before I started, and    That all of that was STUFFED into a 1125 square foot 2 bedroom townhome, and a 900 sqft one before that! (no wonder I often felt like I was losing my mind!)  Looking at the pictures, I feel like I've come a long way. And that's because I have come a long way. Even without showing items still lurking in my home, even people who don't know me can guess my progress.  However, even with the validation that can come from others witnessing (and celebrating) my progress, it is not my reason for doing this. For me, reaching my full potential lies somewhere within decluttering ... everything