On Books

Sorted through my “library” of books this week.  Some of these books I haven’t seen in several years, but I still feel like there is a connection to them or to what they represent to me.  Found some duplicates – interesting that I bought the same book more than once without realizing it.  I sorted them into categories.  I found that most of the books I had stored away were never read.  They were bought so I could gather information about topics that I’m interested in pursuing someday.  Unfortunately I didn’t get much further than buying the books.  For example one topic I like is sailing.  I have “how to sail” books, “how to buy a used boat” books, biographies written by famous sailors, etc.  Also books on related subjects like traveling in recreational vehicles.  But I don’t own a boat or know anyone who does.  It’s just a dream for the future right now.  So I want to hold onto the books because I don’t want to give up on my dream of being a sailor someday.

Found a few books that I could let go of, like outdated reference material, programming language textbooks I’ll never use again, and some books from my late grandfather’s house that I’ll never read.  I stacked up the rest in a big “keep pile” and took a picture of it.  I think there are about three times as many books as I have room for.  I don’t know how I can talk myself into letting go of two thirds of my library!!

Getting Rid of Things

This blog is about getting rid of things. It’s not just about clutter and organization. It’s more about letting go of that which binds you to your past. Physical possessions can hold a person down, reducing their flexibility and options in life, as well as create stress and worry and anxiety. Getting this type of junk out of your life frees you from the limiting factor and anxiety, and it very liberating. Freedom is the goal, and it is good.

The scope of “letting go” is wider than just physical stuff. It is also liberating to get rid of other types of things, like: unwanted responsibilities, bad relationships, promises that you can’t keep, even excess body weight.

When going through a file cabinet, I found some folders containing all the projects that I had started since I was a teenager. Writing projects, research projects, ideas for inventions, plans for things to build, sketches for future art creations, etc. A few projects were done but most were unfinished. I tossed most of the files when I realized that I’ll probably never move forward with them. The relief I felt was huge. A few pounds of paper were trashed, however the greatest release was letting go of the emotional attachment to the ideas.

Years ago I had started projects with an implied promise to myself that someday I would follow through. I didn’t finish most of them, and the unresolved intentions weighed on me, perhaps more than I realized. After years (decades!!) with no attention, a decision had to be made. Do I still want to complete this project, or can I decide that it’s time has past and I’ll never work on it again.