Today I join my fellow bloggers in "serving up a slice"
to the Tuesday Slice of Life (SOL) community.
Thanks to Stacey, Betsy, Dana, Beth, Kathleen, Deb, Lisa, and Melanie
Last week I finally got serious about a project that I promised my husband I would work on this summer - purging boxes in the garage. I'm not finished, but I did get started and actually got rid of quite a bit of stuff (see Celebrate This Week). Here are some random thoughts from the week.
Does it spark joy?
I tried using this question from Marie Kondo. But way too much of my stuff does spark joy. At least on initial rediscovery.
Gradual release of clutter method
I used this method with my stash of Riverbank Review magazines.
1. Touch each issue and page through each magazine
2. Tear out book reviews, essays, notes from the editor, interesting articles, and poetry pieces.
3. Revisit torn out articles.
4. Remind self that each article requires time and space to file.
5. Winnow saved pieces to 10 or less.
Quick release of clutter method
I used this method with my Bookbag magazines.
1. Take a photo of favorite cover.2. Do not, under any circumstances, open the magazine.
2. Walk to recycle bin.
3. Dump magazines.
True confessions and fodder for a future blog post
1. I kept twenty-nine articles from Riverbank Review magazines.
2. I kept five articles from Book Bag magazines.
Lesson learned
The longer I work on the project on any given day, the easier it is to begin pitching.
Wisdom from a fellow blogger
I made this sign months ago (maybe last summer?) after reading a post from a fellow blogger who I believe credited her mother for this sage advice. For me it trumps the "Does it spark joy?" question.
My favorite line: "Do not, under any circumstances, open the magazine." I need to do this thing. Good job getting started!
ReplyDeleteI just read an older post from you because I was on the wrong site, probably missed it last week, but it was fun to read about your Books, Brownies & Beyond anyway! Now this, and love "Do not, under any circumstances, open the magazine." I know what you mean. I have so many professional journals hanging out, & I suspect I'll never read them, but it's hard to let them go. Congrats for a good day of purging!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work Ramona! But here's my question - If you didn't open the Book Bag magazines, how did you save five articles? :-) I need to follow some of your advice with my binders of information, most of which I don't use. (But what if I need it?)
ReplyDeleteI wrote the gradual release and quick release rules in my WN after realizing I had kept so many articles from the Riverbank Review. Unfortunately, I was unable to totally adhere to Gradual Release Rule #5 and Quick Release Rule #2! :)
DeleteI am so there with you. As soon as I get my garage so I can put the Prius in, I will be writing a post. My first step is to get the garage so I can park the car. My next step is to purge more boxes. I will be doing that with my Christmas stuff this year.
ReplyDeleteI am there with you! Getting rid of stuff (even good stuff) sure gives me wings. Love your advice: "Do not, under any circumstances, open the magazine." It is a fatal mistake to do so, right?
ReplyDelete