The Great Purge

**Bachelor** · 08-21-2011, 07:07 PM

Well, I have been called; and I moving from Missouri to Ohio to attend seminary. So, I am downsizing a three bedroom house to an efficiency. I bought a small storage building for the important stuff that is not immediately useful at school.

I have donated a lot of books and other things that I had held dear. And, it was not as bad as I thought it would be. I often found myself wondering how I accumulated this much stuff, little of which was truly used or useful, but costly to move, store and maintain. It reminded me of Thoreau's lament for farmers who inherited the family farm: they had to go through life working on it, whether they wanted to or not; and accept the limitations on life imposed by owning it. Who possesses who? And what is the real cost of ownership? This has been a great lesson for me.

Purging was a liberating experience! I no longer had to care or worry about this 'stuff'. Perhaps purging is the cure to retail therapy? After looking at what I had squandered money on, I wondered if I had not bought it in the first place, how much further ahead I would be.

So, I am eager to embrace a life of simplicity. And open a new chapter in my life. Not to mention a new direction! There is still a great sense of loss: I am leaving the best community I have ever lived in and a church that has become my second family. My time here will be among my most cherished memories. And that is baggage I am happy to carry!

**Debbie-cat** · 08-21-2011, 08:16 PM

Purging is very liberating. It really does make you realize how much 'stuff' you don't need. Good luck on your new adventure and more simple lifestyle!!

**Libby** · 08-21-2011, 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by Bachelor

Purging was a liberating experience! I no longer had to care or worry about this 'stuff'. Perhaps purging is the cure to retail therapy? After looking at what I had squandered money on, I wondered if I had not bought it in the first place, how much further ahead I would be.

Purging IS liberating but only if you're at the point in your life where you've realized how 'cluttered' your life truly is and seek simplicity.

Good luck on your journey

**cheryl65** · 08-21-2011, 10:15 PM

Good luck!

**onencgirl** · 08-21-2011, 10:34 PM

I also downsized this Spring for a move and haven't regretted one thing. Well, maybe one chest of drawers. lol

**OOwl** · 08-21-2011, 11:02 PM

I'm in the middle of a purge for a move, and I have been having those same thoughts, about how much better off financially I would have been had I not bought all that stuff that I am now giving or thowing away. Very thought provoking. . .

Good luck at seminary. May you be blessed and bless others.

**sinopa27** · 08-22-2011, 04:25 AM

after reading this post......i need to be liberated!!
My God bless you in your endeavors!!

**HappyMama** · 09-04-2011, 09:53 PM

Good luck at seminary, and your new journey. How wonderful for you. May you be blessed and bless others.
What a wonderful post, and yes purging things is a wonderful liberating experience. Thanks for the reminder, there are some things I could go through.

**oheoh's momma** · 09-21-2011, 04:16 PM

I have learned over the years that when you give something you don't need away, you are blessed in ambundance with what you and need and more. Getting rid of stuff can make you feel enlightened by what you don't really need. Many of us have so much more than we need. Good luck with the move I hope you find another wonderful church family. God Bless.