As a single mother, things have not always been plentiful. Add to that some unpleasant experiences from the past, and you create a packrat.
I am that packrat.
Several years ago during a rough spot in my life, engrossed in pain and self-loathing I began to throw stuff away. Enough stuff to almost fill the dumpster near my apartment.
Then came the epiphany. I felt better with less stuff. A lot better.
Since then I have researched both on and offline about a simpler life. I have also given and tossed a lot more things.
Yes, I would be better helping the environment by donating these items, but my first attempts weren't exactly thought out - they came from a need to have less surrounding me, suffocating me.
Not only do I need to have less stuff, but I need to learn how to control this urge, this drive within me to constantly stock up, just in case. It is just me and a kid, how much stuff do we need?
Do I really need to buy a bulk of paper towels when we may use ten rolls in a year? Do I really benefit from that purchase of dozens of notebooks at five cents each that are now mouldering in my building outside? How many things does one small family need?
This is where I stand. I am in hopes that you, my reader will become my therapist and aid me on this journey to peace and simplicity.