It started when I got the idea that maybe I should sell my condo and move into one of those places for seniors where you get your meals, and other amenities. Immediately I equated moving with getting rid of my excess stuff. I thought I had done that already several years ago. In fact I prided myself on my “minimal” surroundings.
Now I felt a pile of unessential objects weighing me down. Everyday I gathered enough to fill a large plastic bag and lugged it down to the trunk of my car. Every few days I dropped the bags off at the Salvation Army.
I also started wanting to give away my things to the people in my life. When thinking of them, I imagined what they would like of mine. When my friendly neighbor from across the hall said he loved to cook, I invited him over to pick out cooking utensils that he could use.
After considering it closely, I decided not to move after all. I concentrated on fixing up my place. But the desire to give away my possessions hasn’t left. It started in the context of moving, but now? What is it really about?
Am I spreading around memories of me? Am I getting ready to not be around anymore?
Maybe it's just that I like the idea of gifting my way through old age.
