100 things

I made comments about this before, but I'm really interested in downsizing (see previous post).  I came across an article about consumerism and it really made sense to me.  We as a society have created this artificial need for "stuff".  Big houses, expensive cars, closets full of clothes and shoes, the list goes on.  I've been thinking about my impact in this world and my legacy.  I don't want to be all about the stuff.  I want to have memories of fun vacations and time with my family.  I want to be able to look back on my life as I sit in the rocking chair and think about how much fun it all was.  Sitting with my large credit card bills, the 5,000 sq ft house, and the nice car no longer appeals to me.  I want to enjoy traveling and having many adventures.

There's a guy named Dave who made the challenge to dwindle everything down to 100 personal items and he challenges others to do the same.  The rules are individualized and are set to what you can live with.  I have a plan to completely reorganize my priorities and everything in my life and this will be included.

Starting Sept 1st,  2010 I will begin my 100 things journey.  My goal is to be completed within 1 year.  Because I share my life with another person, my list of things will vary slightly from those that Dave set.  But this will force me to finish my projects so that I can get rid of the last of my craft supplies.  Here are my rules:

1. "Personal items" will refer to items that are strictly mine.  Obviously I can't get rid of the dining room table or the couch.  However, I do have a room that is designated as mine.  Therefore, all of the items located in said room are considered "personal" and must be included on the list

2.  I will allow myself my cedar chest for memorabilia.  If it cannot fit in there, it cannot be kept.  The only exception are my handmade quilts passed down from my Great Grandmother.

3.  Items counted in groups:  Clothing: each separate group will be counted, such as underwear will be counted as 1 item, but I will have a limited number within the group; books: only keeping cookbooks I use on a regular basis and books related to work that I have used for reference; work related items: stethoscope, etc; Jewelry: same as with clothing.

4.  Following in Dave's footsteps, I will only purchase things that will replace something else on the list.  As for gifts, I will allow myself 7 days to determine what to do with it.  Though I would hope that my friends will also see the value in what I'm trying to accomplish and will not purchase me gifts unless they know it is something I can use.

I think that about covers the rules.  Sept 1st, 2011 I will examine my progress and post what I dwindled down to!!  Over the next year I will post about my progress as well as the reorganization of the rest of my surroundings.  Feel free to follow!!