The 100 Things / Possessions Rule.

.....Was reading this article on CNN about the simplification of one's life. Some people have made it a goal to reduce the amount of 'stuff' they own to a limit of 100 items owned. The philosophy is not a new one as many disciplines and religions stress simplification and the lack of 'ownership' over physical items. What is difficult is making it work in a world that is so driven by consumerism as ours, when the goal of most seems to be to by that really cool toy to have as soon as possible.

.....Even though TBT have eliminated a lot of stuff over the past year in an efforts to fit all of our possessions into one house, I look around areas like my computer room and see literally thousands of things that a.) I haven't used in a long time, b.) will never use again, and c.) I don't even remember why I picked it up in the first place.

.....I was talking to TBT and I'm seriously thinking of taking on this challenge, with a few modifications. :-) Right away all books and all fabric count as ONE item each. :-) Also, taking on the challenge for a TOTAL ownership of 100 items is a HUGE bit for me and I think might be too far of a stretch. So I'm going to say 100 items PER ROOM to start. If I can attain this goal in a year, maybe I'll reassess the goal and make it apply to the entire house. But one step at a time.

.....I'm not deluding myself though. This is going to be TOUGH. I hold some of the stupidest things high in sentimental regard. Jenae and Brighid found this out in spades last year when helping me pack up the living room.

.....But just thinking about the end goal makes it something for which to strive. I think about having open SPACE around the house in order to move. I think about the reduction of clutter everywhere. Less to clean. Less to move around. Less stuff about which to worry. Less stuff for which to care. The concept of simplification may sound 'spiritual' at first, but the practicality of it is pretty profound.

.....The office is first. Let's see how well I do. :-)

.....Aaron / Arontius.