Even though I didn't finish, this was a very useful activity. I got rid of a few things (YAY) but more importantly, I challenged myself to get rid of some things! I broke through the inertia of collecting junk, which was very important for me.
Before I finished the challenge several "life" (and death) things occurred that interfered with my ability to sort and get rid of things (it's hard to sort/toss/donate when you are hundreds of miles away) and when I got back, the thought of getting rid of so much stuff at once was just overwhelming (25 + 26 + 27 + #@$(&@). That's why I've decided to get rid of 40 things by 40.
My sister-in-law, like others I've known, regularly goes through her house getting rid of things they don't need. It helps her because she doesn't like to have lots of stuff around. Sometimes she gives away gifts people have given her and sometimes she gives away things that she likes - it's not about that. It's about making a space where she and her family can feel uncluttered and unfettered.
Last time she did this I visited her afterwards and saw a present I'd given my niece in a bag to be taken away. At first I was a little sad but then after that first twinge I realized that my niece is learning the importance of making space for herself, and figuring out how to part with things guilt-free, and I was so happy about this that I didn't even mind.
On some level I know that this inability to get rid of meaningless "stuff" is basically allowing myself to be controlled by it and that's no good. That's why in my list of goals I call this one 40 Unbroken Chains. I really feel like that's what they are - chains. Which is weird because it makes me wonder why I can't just throw them all away at once. I guess it just takes a little practice. :-)
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