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Simplifying life

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faffi:
I was born in 1964, and over the years I have amassed a lot of stuff. It really began to go downhill about 20 years ago, when I allowed myself to own two motorcycles at the same time. Now I own 4, but only one is in perfect working condition, because I no longer find all that much joy working on old stuff that needs constant attention. Then there is the old cabin we took our from my wife's mother that also require time and effort, although the brunt of it was done over the past year.

But it is not just bikes I own too much of, there is also stuff around the house - hers and mine - that I/we do not really want or need anymore, not to mention my wife's insane wardrobe that, despite her giving away several sacks of clothes every year, is still expanding. There is also stuff left behind by our kids when they moved out that take up space.

However, we have finally, albeit slowly, begun the process of reduction. When I am done, I want to be left with two motorcycles; one for home, and one sitting at the cabin. I do not really need the latter, but I want one there, and transporting my "home-bike" cross country is not practical. I also want to get rid of all the clutter that I know will never be used again, as well as all the books I will never read again, plus all the paintings that will never hang on our walls again. And so on.

It feel liberating just thinking about it - I cannot imagine how good it will feel once all the stuff is gone!

Bill W:
Its gotta be a age thing ( I'm 66 ). I bought my house 20yrs ago and what sold me on it was it came with a 4000s/f metal barn! Well its full of what I now consider junk so I am also downsizing. When I recently picked up a second bike I decided its time to get rid of my other toy ( pic ) which was a hobby of mine for over 30yrs and I don't even miss it or any of the others I've had. Funny how things/priorities change in your life.

Perazzimx14:
I/we have been paring down for the last several years and it is true, less is more!

SIR REAL ED:

Well said gents.

I think it is very much related to age and the realization that stuff can be burdensome.

"The owner of so many goods has no room left to ease his mind."  IIRC, Marcus Aurelius

blu guzz:
Sometimes downsizing your living space forces this awakening.  5 years ago, much of our "stuff" did not make the move with us.  I have only missed certain tools that I knew or imagined I used to have in the old house.  Other then that, we have made things easier for our kids when we are gone.

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