Wednesday begins the season of Lent, those penitential 40 days leading to Easter when we’re reminded of what Jesus sacrificed for us. Often we attempt to do something in return, like self-denials of chocolate and wine. But really, how do these even compare? As The Plain Dealer columnist Regina Brett says, “Lent doesn’t have to be 40 days of flogging. Why not give up something or embrace something more meaningful or lasting, something that will make your life or someone else’s better?”
With that thought in mind, I decided to do the 40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge. I’ve got lots of stuff accumulating in this big ol’ farmhouse, stuff that holds no meaning to me but probably does to someone else. Eliminating the meaningless is meaningful, don’t you think?
Here’s my Lenten plan: Each day I’m going to spend 15 minutes decluttering my computer files (including photos—ugh) and I’m going to pack up one bag of household stuff. Then, since bagging isn’t the problem but getting rid of them is, once a week I’m going force myself to deliver a load to our nearest resale shop.
Hmm, is this an online cry for accountability?
This isn’t going to be a flogging. But I admit it could be an arduous 40 days.
Pretend you are moving cross-country into a 2-bedroom apartment … that will give a boost of frenzy to your decluttering project!
After 28 years with a walk-up attic, I couldn’t imagine doing such a thing. But I sure am glad you did!