Shall It Stay or Shall It Go?

This is a big question for me as I continue my personal minimalist journey.  Last night I challenged myself to fill a laundry basket four times with items to donate.  I made three baskets full and called it a day.  It was emotionally draining to look at these items that were in perfectly good shape and most of them never used.  But that's the thing, they've never been used.  I know I had a reason for buying them and great plans for the items but they overwhelm me.

I've made a new friend recently and after walking with her each day for over a week and talking about two hours during the walks she questioned my statement that I am not a creative person and have no talent when it comes to art.  It's true, by the way; I can barely make stick figures, I don't sew, I can't paint, I don't make jewelry, scrapbook, or anything else.  I can tell you I've given each of them a fervent try and the stress the projects created far outweighed any benefits of the finished product.

So I am allowing myself to release these precious items knowing there will be a talented artist, craftsman/woman, or simply a kid wanting to explore that will make great use of the items.  I have made a promise that I will only purchase items that have an immediate use.  That means a 48 hour turn around in my case because if I do attempt anything crafts, it will be a super easy project.  I know others that live and breathe arts and crafts and I admire them.  They can turn anything into something beautiful.  The world needs people like that.  I'm just saying I'm not one of them and that's okay too.

I guess this is part of my transition.  Recognizing that as much as I love people who make beautiful things and find their work so inspiring I wish to emulate them, that's not where my skills lie.  This personal minimalist movement of mine is radically changing the way I view myself and things I allow to hold space in my home and my mind.  I'm working towards a clean slate of sorts.  I wish be extremely intentional when I chose to add something.  It will be beneficial, loved, and something that evokes emotion or action.