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Toddy Walters's avatar

I am plagued with dreams where I'm either packing to leave a home, or packing and there's a boat waiting outside to take me somewhere, but I can't get out of the house because I keep finding 'things' I need to pack. Most nights I have this dream, and I believe it comes from the feeling of being tied to my possessions which ultimately hold me back from moving forward. Wonderful piece.

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Isa Catto's avatar

OH i have a similar dream that I keep missing flights and trains because I cannot get organized and there is stuff everywhere!

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Alexandra Willins's avatar

We have a storage. A monthly expense of holding onto stuff we don't want to part with but can't and don't use. My dream and a prayer is

" please, please, make it go away!! " Sorting through the stack of boxes containing cards and memorabilia of 70 years plus

( since it also contains my parents treasures , things I couldn't part with when they passed away) compounds the chore. But one day it will become a necessity to address this weight of boxes.

The worst thought I have is that my children will be burdened by two generations of

"meaningful" things, things that at a time commemorated something special, but since I hold these moments in my heart, why the need to keep the replicas?!

Thank you Isa for your reflective call to action.

Love you. Alex

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Isa Catto's avatar

It is a constant correction course isn’t it? Thanks as always for chiming in and hope to see you soon!

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Marci Beattie's avatar

When in doubt throw it out 🪷or gift or recycle or ……. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and stories 🌏

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Isa Catto's avatar

Thanks Marci!

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Robert Lucy's avatar

Having spent the last two years sifting through all of our possessions to put into storage after throwing out a large dumpster full of stuff, and now spending a year living in my husband’s family home doing the same I deeply relate to this! This experience has made me want to make a bonfire for all of it and be free! I feel such heaviness trying to make decisions about every little thing. The experience has definitely shifted my attitude about possessions.

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Isa Catto's avatar

I know oh do I know! I think how to cull, cull and not burden the kids!

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Elizabeth Schaeffer's avatar

perhaps people with the means to purchase those multi million dollar homse want to enjoy the beauty of the site, the lovely items, art, furniture they have purchesed through the years. They are allowed to enjoy beautiful things even though they are rich. Plus they have given much in money, recognition and creative pleasure to those who can create the beautiful items they enjoy living with just as you do.

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Marnie Stetson's avatar

Wise and beautiful as always, and just the motivation I need to get back to my "decluttering" work.

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Isa Catto's avatar

Thank you and it is SUCH a chore. My new goal is to get a hundred things out the door a month — from small to large. My hoarder husband and my kids are tough to motivate however! My husband did finally get rid of HUNDREDS of slides of sunsrises and sunsets from his journalist travel days. So that’s a start.

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Lauri Nelson's avatar

Another deeply thoughtful post. Your resonant quotes reveal the wide reader that you are. Not a magpie but a broad and deep one which is another lovely attribute, besides artist, gardener, mother, and creative spirit in our valley 💕

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Isa Catto's avatar

Thanks Lauri! Headed to Houston and will keep you posted. xo

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