So, yeah. Maybe I’m crazy.
too much stuff
Why? Well, because I’m getting rid of almost all my stuff.
What? I’m liquidating nearly all my possessions.
Oh, that’s nice…wait, what?
Yup, it’s true. I’m getting rid of it all. For as far back as I can remember, I’ve had a lot of stuff. I find stuff. I collect stuff. I keep stuff. I hoard stuff. I can’t pack light because I always bring a lot of stuff. You get the picture.
So, why in the world would I get rid of everything? Well, there are a few reasons.
1. Peace of Mind – help myself, then help others
For over a year now, I have read about how my cousins (@RowdyKittens and @Loganenator) have been simplifying their lives. At first I didn’t know how anyone could do that and truly be happy. But over time, I started to see that it was the real deal. They were happy. They were enjoying life. They were helping others. And it really made me start to question my life and the decisions I made on a daily basis. They are also very giving people and I was able to experience that first hand when they made a way for me come to California last month. They truly live and give. That’s the kind of life I want to live. (You can read about their simplifying adventures at RowdyKittens.)
2. Refocus and Rediscover – back to the essentials
I have a wide variety of interests, so I have a wide variety of stuff. I love to read, so I have a ton of books. I love music, so I have a ton of gear…guitars, amps, recording stuff. I love computers and tech stuff, so I have a ton of old computers/gadgets laying around. I love photography, so I have a ton of camera gear around. The list goes on and on. Basically, all this leads to clutter and then makes me feel “pressured” to try to do everything…and of course that’s just not possible. It kills my creativity. So, I want to get back to the essentials, refocus and rediscover my true passions and giftings.
3. Sacrifice and Humility – some things are just worth it
In the Bible, there is the story about a Rich Young Ruler (check out Matthew 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-30). Basically this guy comes to Jesus to learn what others “rules” he need to follow to be a good religious person (gag me). Jesus goes through a few things and the Young guy says he has kept all the rules. So then Jesus gives him the biggest challenge, but also the greatest opportunity of a lifetime. Jesus tells him to sell everything he had, give it to the poor and then follow him and become a disciple. What did the guy do? He walked away. Why? Because he had a lot of stuff and he valued that more then the opportunity he’d just been given. He didn’t want to sacrifice his stuff, or his status. Ouch. Honestly, I feel like I’ve been like this Rich Young Ruler for most of my life. Not giving up stuff for the greater good. And that is something I want to change. Starting now.
There is one more reason. Actually, I see this as more of a catalyst to do it now. I have an amazing opportunity to be a part of an 18 month training/missions program at my church. The only problem I’m facing right now? The program costs money ($2,250 to be exact – I need $750 by Sept 1st), and after almost 5 months of unemployment I have no savings left over. In fact, just paying my bills has been hard. Now…I tell you this not to complain, but to say I believe I’m supposed to be a part of the program and it’s more important then my “stuff.” So, I’m also selling things to raise money to pay for the program. Whatever it takes.
So, if you’re in the market for an awesome 25.5″ Samsung monitor/tv, looking for a Fender Blues Junior amp, a big baby Taylor guitar and many more things, I’m your girl. I’ll publish a complete list of things for sale soon. I want to help people out as well, so I’m willing to negotiate on pricing. If you need something I have, I want to get it to you. Also, if you’d like to donate, I have a PayPal donate button on the right side of the blog. Feel free to give to the cause. 
One final note. There are a few things that I am keeping. Here’s the list. Computer, camera, phone, Bible, journal, pen, a bag, bike, one guitar, one bass, a handful of books and a few clothes (edit: and my Jeep).
So, yeah. Maybe I’m crazy. But you only live once and I believe somethings are worth it.
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Oh Wow! Big commitment!
I have tons of questions of course.
Here are just a few:
Could you tell us more about the big goal?
What are the details behind this 18 month training?
Is this training in Nashville or is it outside of the USA?
The Jeep wasn’t on “keep” list does that mean its being sold?
What does “whatever it takes” mean? For example is this goal a big enough priority that you are willing to give up the iphone and get a cheaper cell?
Do you have a good local support group for this big transition?
I ask about the support group because removing all of this stuff from your life usually has serious psychological side effects, namely the five stages of grief: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kübler-Ross_model. Tammy and I both experienced this and went through a few relapses of bargaining and depression before we made it out of the woods.
I think you can do it! We are here to help! Give us a call anytime! It will be stressful but if your goal has you sufficiently motivated it will really help you keep focus.
~Logan.
Dear Aubs, (May I call you that? or ?), this is such a great post! You didn’t tell us where you’re going though and I’m so excited to hear. I found you through Rowdy Kittens and followed your California trip w/o you knowing me. Kind of crazy!
I too have downsized. Our need was ongoing medical bills; my reward? FREEDOM. Thank you for reminding me about the rich man. Please let your readers in on your missions trip. I have been to Israel 4 times, once for six weeks with 3 of our 4 kids, Lifechanging, that was! We also got on a bus one year with other families and went to work in the dumps of Juarez where people live. That is where the light bulb really went off that I was a selfish, materialistic woman, even though we have always lived on a very small income. Wow, I’m so glad for that experience with my family.
Thanks so much for writing about all this. It sounds so great. Ellen – Yes the sparrow has found a house… where she may lay her young.
Hey Aubs – great post! I’m so glad Ellen found your blog. She is one of my favorite RowdyReaders.
You know you can always call us if you need anything.
My vote is to lose the car and keep the iPhone. You know, I bet if you sold the Jeep you could afford the internship.
And it might be a good opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of public transit in your church.
Do they do van pools or anything like that? If not, maybe you can advocate for that type of program? Keep up the writing! I love reading your blog.
Girl, that is awesome!! I am a purger…so i have never really been someone that keeps things. But my husband on the other hand is very much a pack rat! So knowing how hard it can be to think about giving some things up i commend you! That is great!
@Loganenator – I know I can always count on you for the questions! (Thanks for calling and talking to me, you’re awesome!) I promise to explain more about the 18 month program in my next post (hopefully tomorrow…thanks to FINALLY having internet again!). And yes, the Jeep was accidentally left off. I’d love to go car free, but for now I can’t. Maybe over the next few months I can start cutting back and find alternatives. The iPhone IS staying, but if I feel it does become more of a hindrance then a help, I’ll get rid of it. I think that right now, it really integrates well with everything I do (and it’s a treat too).
I do have a WONDERFUL support group at my church (and you & @RowdyKittens) for this transition. It’s great to know I’m not alone. 
Thanks for all the advice, support and encouragement!
@Ellen – Hey there! You can ABSOLUTELY call me Aubs.
I’m glad that you found me (but more even more so @RowdyKittens – that girl is just full of encouragement and inspiration!). So glad to hear about your downsizing bringing freedom. It’s amazing! Oh…and mission trips…well, I love them! They truly do put things into perspective when you see how others live with next to nothing. Amazing. One day I hope to go to Israel! I would like to go to Africa or India next, but we’ll see how it goes. I’ll update about the program I’ll be starting Tuesday with my Church. It’s gonna be great! Oh…and thank YOU for reminding me about the sparrow. 
@RowdyKittens – Thanks! You really do have some great readers.
And yes, be expecting some calls from me. I know ya’ll have years of experience with this and I’m so fortunate to have you to call! I’m with you on the iPhone and (eventually) the Jeep. Hopefully, I can start working myself out of the Jeep and more on the bike. I don’t know of any van pools right now, but I’ll look into it. Thanks for the encouragement! You always motivate me!
@LynseLeanne – Thank you! Ahhh….your husband is a pack rat, huh? Yeah…that’s been me, but I’m excited as I start making this change…it’s been so freeing! Thanks for the encouragement!
Also, you’ve been a great inspiration to me with the transition you’re in right now. You’re amazing! Can’t wait to hang out next week! 
Aubs – I love how you dont just read about the rich young ruler as someone in the bible to judge. I mean, we all read that and say, duh!, go with Jesus. But that you made it personal and identified with him is huge. You get to live out the story w/a better ending for all of us to see. Love watching your obedience and am proud to be a unlg buddy! I know God has big plans for you. =)