Just over a year ago I stopped working. After I tossed in the towel, I was granted “disability retirement” because of my Stage 4 NSCLC diagnosis. And, no, no one should be envious of my “retirement” status.
In my basement I had stacks of old work stuff, from projects I worked on, to lists of industry contacts. All good things for people in the workforce to keep.
Days ago, I made the decision to get rid of all the old work crap. All of it gone. It was sad at first. I’m not sure how but tossing the paperwork symbolized giving up on living. Am I accepting disability forever?
I eventually worked things out in my head. Decided that IF I am able to go back to work, it will be a different line of work. I won’t need to know who the utility relocations manager for the gas company is. At least I hope not, because I tossed it!
Aquarius vs. Cancer 
hi kimmywink- i think there is something liberating to tossing out all the old that we have accumulated and really is not relevant towards life in its present form- it allows for a place for all the new things we have experience to be stored- both physically and spiritually–neil
Good for you! It’s hard to get rid of old papers from school or work, but don’t you feel lighter without them?
Hope the party was fun this past weekend! Sorry to have missed it.
Naomi
I feel so much lighter without them! Plus, it now feels like I took some of the decision making back. I’m choosing to toss out the work stuff because I don’t want it. Not the other way around…
I missed seeing you at the gathering too.
i agree with the others – i often make a point of letting go of things that actually dont serve me now just to see if i will miss them when they are gone and find out surprisingly or maybe not so surprisingly that i don’t. you tossing them doesnt mean you lost anything, love, g
ani difranco has this wonderful song verse:
let’s go over to the window
and sit in the neon light
let’s go out walking
you know, it’s garbage night
let’s go down to the east river
and throw something in
something we can’t live without
and then let’s start again
You’re right G, I really have not lost anything.
Great Ani Difranco quote!
Okay, now come help me!
XO
Oh no…purging is the sole responsibility of the owner in my opinion. I’d toss all the piles and that would not make you very happy.
Good for you! It’s very hard to say goodbye to some of your past. BUT, it’s also very liberating. Just another step to a different present and future. I like the song verse Gwendolyn included. It makes me want to go home and throw out more stuff! Love, Paula
You are correct! I think enough time had past where it felt liberating.
You, in particular, might want to consider selling your stuff instead of tossing it. 🙂
Love you!