The Simplification Process

I’m having to really downsize on all my things now that I’m taking off for foreign countries and getting rid of my NYC ties. In some ways this is a good thing, means a fresh start and a simplification of my pretty cluttered life.

It also means that I have to say goodbye to many things that have meaning to me. Clothes are one thing, those can be replaced and some are out of season, a lot just don’t fit me and I’m clinging to them hoping I’ll once again fit in them. I have a feeling I won’t be too sad to go shopping for a new wardrobe once I get a paycheck to start doing so. (Although I better hope I move somewhere that doesn’t have a winter because I gave away that season’s wardrobe like I was going to the Sahara) Then there are the shoes, a little bit of a harder sell for me, along with my purses. Again, all seemingly materialistic and replaceable.

I’m abandoning my furniture, my artwork, my printer, my TV and other bits and pieces of what I have accumulated over the years.

One thing thats harder for me to part with are the books. I have countless books–fiction, non-fiction, interior design and architecture books, cookbooks and technical books I gained throughout my years at FIT. The design books are heavy, expensive things filled with either pretty pictures or helpful hints or technical information I hold onto hoping that I’ll one day be able to use the information between the hard covers. I don’t want to get rid of these, they are my source of inspiration and the last remaining flame in my burnt out passion for interior design.

Then there are the twelve books on my bookshelf that I have yet to read, that I know I won’t be able to finish in the next 6 weeks because I am the slowest effing reader EVER. There are the books I have read, some of which are my favorites. I can’t possibly part with those can I?

These books are in competition though with my keepsakes–my photograph books, my pictures in pretty frames, the cards that I’ve saved that people have sent me, the little odds and ends like concert ticket stubs and postcards people have sent me. The framed pictures my parents got me of NYC when I first moved down here.

All competing for space in a few small boxes and two suitcases.

I always get asked what are three things you couldn’t live without. I always answer either friends, family and chocolate, or laptop, camera and my iPod. Luckily these are all portable and small enough to fit in my bags going to Europe with me.

What are three things you couldn’t live without?