Garage Sales

So our local community area had a Garage Sale day the other weekend. Of course we went and took a look around... you never know what you might find. Sometimes we find things that we actually need, like a vertical freezer. Othertimes, we see things that we really don't need, but might just snap up because they are such a good deal. After a few months of enjoying those things, we might then send them on to Value Village. It's kind of a fun way to spend a Saturday, or at least a few hours on a Saturday.

But, it does go against the prevailing trend in our house towards decluttering. We are trying to let go of things, and then end up bringing more things into the house via garage sales! Mind you... as long as they don't become a permanent fixture, then it's not too bad. One thing comes in and two things go out... That works pretty good... as long as two things go out of the house! That is the key... otherwise if things just come in and never go out, well, that ends up looking pretty ugly.

I know some people who like to collect things, whatever it might be... pottery or china or tea cups or spoons or whatever. Some people go to garage sales just looking for their collectible. I'm kind of glad I've never developed that habit. If I collect anything, it is family tree information. Others might thrill at the hunt for a collectible. I thrill at the hunt for a tidbit on the family tree. All works out to the same thrill of the hunt and the joy of discovery... just with less stuff to clutter up the house.

So, why all this decluttering? Well, I find that when I declutter I create a bit of physical space, which might not be huge. But the other thing that is created is psychic or emotional space. Somehow there is less "stuff" in my space to draw my attention and my energy. All of the stuff is an energy drain... sapping my attention and energy. Consciously and unconsciously. So, why not let go of it and create some space, some energy and some attention that can then be devoted elsewhere.