That is the question.
I have clutter in every aspect of my life. As a writer, I have kept short stories and novel drafts over the years. I even have the first spiral notebooks in which I wrote poems and short stories. I wrote most drafts using pen and paper because it was easier than pounding on an old manual typewriter.
I have filing cabinets and bookshelves full of binders of drafts and notes that ‘I might want to revisit.’ I do go back every 3 years or so to reread some of my favorites. Occasionally, I even tinker with one, trying to be inspired. I don’t remember ever breathing life back into any former efforts.
Another area of my life with clutter is the guest room that I call my sewing/craft room. I have been “building up my stash” since 2013 when I joined a quilt guild. Almost every week, we have fabrics sitting on our “free table.” I have found some really cool stuff on that table. Someday, I need to dig in and make a lot more quilts for charity and use that fabric up. I have cupboards full, boxes under the bed, and even some bins in the basement. Some may call that hoarding. I call it preparation.
I have way too many cookbooks. I started my own cookbook back when my kids were young. My notes are semi-organized, and most recipes have been taste-tested. My goal was to give them a cookbook when they went off on their own. The kids are in their 40s now, so I guess that plan is moot. Perhaps by the time I have great-grandchildren…
I sometimes have these days where my mindset is, “You don’t need all this stuff!” And that is true – I don’t need it. However, I may want it at some point in the future. I suppose that is why I keep it. Just in case.
Jodi Lea's Place 