It’s been a couple weeks since I decluttered. I was stuck in this limbo of having items I don’t know what to do with and feeling like other areas are too big to handle. Matt Paxton does say if I haven’t touched a ‘maybe’ item in 30 days to get rid of it. It’s time for some hard decisions.

For now I ventured into the library after I read his chapter on decluttering books. I didn’t do a huge declutter, only my graduate school textbooks. There was no longer this huge connection to my Norton Anthologies of World Masterpieces, English Literature, Modern Poetry, and American Literature. I hadn’t opened these books in years! I kept my Celtic and Medieval books as they still serve as references for my writing.

So these are going to a new home soon. If anyone wants them, let me know asap!

I also found this Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges from 1988 from my undergrad days. I crack up now because I remember how excited I was to get the letter in the mail inviting me to be listed in this ‘prestigious’ book. At that time, I had felt like I’d accomplished so much. Looking at this now I see the young woman who searched for community, a way to give back, an overachiever, a perfectionist.

I didn’t know these experiences would be the launchpad for what I was called to do after I lost my son. How the drive in me was always there to create hope and help others.

Being in a book that I had to pay for no longer matters. It’s the hope created through my words, the strong foundation of community, the empowering impact of teaching others to write and share their stories. Connecting with people is when I feel most alive and impactful.

I honor that young woman, because she created who I am today. I don’t need a book to remind me.

I hope someone will enjoy the literary masterpieces that accompanied me through my higher education. I feel good about making space on my shelves. When the time comes, I’ll be better prepared to pass more books along to people who will enjoy them.

What books do you still have from your childhood or school?

Is it time to reread them or pass them on?