Thursday, October 7, 2010

Valuable




We are more than what we do...
much more than what we accomplish...
far more than what we possess.
- William Arthur Ward


Going through the basement I find a lot of things I've lugged from house to house, simply because someone told me they were valuable. Certain books, art, jewelry, antiques, quilts, that kind of thing. So house after house, year after year, storage box after storage box, they have followed me wherever I've gone.

I certainly could try to Craigslist them. I certainly could work to determine their fair market value and eBay them. I certainly could do a lot of things besides lugging them around for the rest of my life.

Finally occurred to me that while they may be valuable, they are not valuable to me, and what is valuable is the reclaimed time, space and freedom from them.

Priceless.


* Photo from http://upload.wikimedia.org

16 comments:

Kim said...

True, true, and just what I needed to read as I continue to whittle away while we try to sell this house! Thank you!

Pie Maker said...

I love what you have done here. It's kind of your thing really; to start me off on one path I *think* I know where you're heading and then just around the bend I can see we are actualy on another path altogether. Thank you, you are always changing my perspective. love.

Anonymous said...

no seriously, come to my house.

then again, you might break out in hives.

Laura said...

Carrie, this is a huge opening of awareness...I do the same thing...hold on to "things" that hold no "memory" for me...it is hard to let go, of other peoples memories though...still...letting go creates space for deeper wells where more loving memories can pour in and take up residence...your own treasured, loving memories.
I wish for you great courage as you release the first box, then the next...creating a NEST that is your own.

gentle steps

Anonymous said...

You made me smile. Too true.

Jenny said...

Love it. I am in the middle of doing a massive letting go of things in our place/closets/basement/boxes, etc., too.

Tanya @ TeenAutism said...

Yes! Shedding is good.

Jerri said...

Less is definitely more when it comes to stuff you're lugging because someone else might value it.

Set yourself free, my friend. Reclaim that space in your house and your head/heart.

Anonymous said...

Feels so good to simplify and let things go. So true.

Deb Shucka said...

I've come to the place where I believe if I'm not enjoying and object, it deserves to live with someone who will value it. May you find peace in all this new space.

kario said...

You just keep plugging away! I am so honored to be in your world, my friend.

Wanda said...

Yes! I am with you. I have a very difficult time selling things because what I think has a certain value, others want to get from me for nothing. So I will usually donate because then I don't get caught up in what I think it is worth and the new owners can deal with all of that. It's just stuff.

Anonymous said...

I love it.

I love clearing out.

I love seeing what happens next!

xo

MO'N

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry but how in the heck did I not know you had a new blog address? I feel like an idiot. I've been wondering, "Where's Carrie?"

Well I'm certainly glad that I found you. I may not comment much but I am a faithful reader. :)

Now I've gots me some catching up to do.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry but how in the heck did I not know you had a new blog address? I feel like an idiot. I've been wondering, "Where's Carrie?"

Well I'm certainly glad that I found you. I may not comment much but I am a faithful reader. :)

Now I've gots me some catching up to do.

Anonymous said...

I have missed your writing and your wisdom! Going to make it part of my practice to visit you online and see what wonderful things you have to say. Love love, tg

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