The end of the year.  The beginning of a new year.

This is when I throw shit away.   Looking at it from a deep psychological perspective it has to do with starting fresh and unencumbered or something like that.   I don’t look at it that deeply, makes my eyes cross.

I go through my closet and ruthlessly toss anything I don’t wear, haven’t worn, won’t ever wear or “what the hell was I thinking when I bought this”   into a big pile on the floor.     I try very hard not to think too much about it because that only brings the “well maybe I could wear that again” thoughts to the surface.    I’ve done this before.  I’ve tossed an item into the pile and then reconsidered.   Usually I am tossing that same item into the pile the next year with it never having seen the light of day.

I throw all of these piles into a giant ( I mean giant………you could put a giant in this bag)  heavy black plastic bag.      We will take the bag to Goodwill or The Salvation Army.  They can do whatever they want with it.

A couple of years ago after the annual purge I was driving by the Salvation Army store and in the window I  saw a mannequin wearing a really cute outfit    Doing a double take I realized it was mine.   See?   I should have kept it.   So what if the mannequin wearing it was 6 inches taller and 15 pounds thinner, she was bald.   I may be short and stout but I’ve got hair.

Back to purging…….

This year I’m thinking about the fact that in 53 days I will begin my 7th decade on this earth.    I will be 60 years old.    I can’t help but think of the things in my emotional life that I want to purge.

I don’t think I need a giant black plastic bag but maybe a nice cardboard box with a lid (to keep them from escaping).

I’ll put in negativity.   Going forward I’d like to see each situation in the most positive way I can.

I’ll cram envy in that box.   I have every material thing I need and I am happy with who and where I am.

Criticism will go in on top of envy.    Somehow being happy with who I am makes it much easier to be less critical of others and myself.

Before I close the lid I’ll add in worry.    Worry about tomorrow keeps me from living today.  I know that I want to enjoy each day.

As I turn 60, I will have cleaner closets and a healthier outlook.   I will also not be driving by the Salvation Army Store just in case that bald skinny mannequin is looking better in my clothes than I do.