This is what my view of the world of stuff was when I was a kid.

I’ve been thinking about it a lot since reconnecting with my local BuY Nothing chapter this past few years after, a brief hiatus.

I know I wasn’t the average kid. I thought about material things too much for an elementary school kid but, I had good reason.

It felt like humans were just dripping and drowning in stuff and not even realizing how too much stuff not enough space wasn’t just a household organizational conundrum but, a detriment to people’s health.

Even in my single digits youth, it was thrust upon me how people judged your status by what you could or couldn’t afford.

Not the natural stuff of the universe but, the man-made stuff humans can’t seem to get enough of.

Don’t get me wrong, I have been known to collect me some stuff. It took me about 36 years to even make a conscious choice to reasonably trim my book collection down.

I know my book lovers out there can feel that one. Talk about a labor of love my friends.

Now it’s timeless educational/reference books, books I lend out,10 books I haven’t read yet. Well, 10ish, I don’t beat myself up over a touch of overflow…anymore!

Even when I was a kid I dreamed of having the fantasy study with gigantic, gorgeously designed (to my tastes) library complete with the whimsical sliding ladder that I would absolutely need for the amount of books I’d be protecting.

Think, something like this….

…But, with a LOT more magic school PoP.

…like day and night, yes? *chuckles at herself*

Anyway, I say ‘protecting’ because I had read about book bans when I was a young blood and I couldn’t fathom a world without books or, really, with nothing to read in general.

Collections that do not bring me an income

I had to really think about what stuff was serving me. I don’t think every single thing I keep around needs to bring me ‘joy’ but, it really does need to serve a purpose.

While, I give myself permission to change my stance on this, when I look into my crystal ball I don’t foresee me straying too far from that resolve.

Keep in mind too that for this woman, something that makes me smile every time I look at it is purpose enough.

*grinz warmly*

TOO MUCH STUFF

By 1996 I’d accumulated way too much stuff.

I took all that stuff 3,000 miles across the country.

Well, I had help. With the driving AND the adding of his stuff to my stuff.

I drove away from Pennsylvania like my aSs was on fire.

He brought crevice our peach-face love bird In the big Icecream truck, complete with giant googly eyes on the front, about 6 months after I left.

I brought Bunny, my rabbit, in our 1972 Dodge bubble-top van and they were both chock full of stuff.

I’ve moved so many times since then, all over San Diego and eventually I would make my way back to Oregon. The state I first fell in love with in 1994.

This is where I was introduced to my first Buy Nothing Chapter.

For me, in this moment in time, I have already sporadically and systematically gotten rid of mosT of the last of the clutters.

What’s groWing though, is my ‘Buy Nothing’ pile.

BUY NOTHING

If you’ve been in any Buy Nothing Project group for any length of time you’ve most likely had a plethora of experiences meeting your community.

I’ve enjoyed 2 different chapters here because I moved literally, over a hill and got cut off at the split of town territory.

If any of you have been through the same scenario, I feel you.

I was bummed for a hot minute but, because I made such sweet connections through that group, it’s easy enough to stay in touch.

Plus, literally, they are all still right over the hill.

*grins broadly*

We have to remember that being a moderator for groups as large as these can get, is akin to an UNPAID, part-time job.

A labor of LoVe is still labor my friends.

When groups outgrow what moderators can handle, it’s time for more gratitude to those who have the time, energy and love to support their communities in this manner.

Give Thanks!

WHY I BUY NOTHING

The obvious reason why I check in with my Buy Nothing Chapter is to of course, Buy Nothing.

For example, I was about to create a post about some books I still needed for my Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training Certification. There is no shortage of yogis where I currently live so asking for well-known, well-loved reference books could be a win for me. I don’t post with expectations though. I just post about my current need.

I often post something I have to gift when I make an ask but this isn’t required.

I’ve seen SO many different items posted in my Buy Nothing groups, it would be impossible to list them all here.

From egg cartons and furniture to a helping hand in the garden or a ride somewhere local, I’ve seen a little bit of everything being asked for and being gifted.