So, I decided to tackle my bookshelf. Let me preface that with a statement: I LOVE BOOKS.
You can imagine how painful that was to consider getting rid of even a few. The books I have, I don't just read once. I read them over and over. I refer back to them again, over the years. They are like scrapbooks to me. When I pick up a book, I remember when I was reading it, what stage of my life I was in, and what ideas that it prompted. To consider giving it away was like throwing again a scrapbook. The truth is, I have too many.
I keep my books in sections by topic. I have a 'fiction' section, and a 'reference' section which I keep to refer to. I have 'Homeopathy and Craniosacral' section. I have an 'Art' section. But the section I had the most difficult time even considering letting go of was the 'parenting and childhood development' section.
I tried a few times, in the past, to reduce my bookshelf. Each time, I could maybe find one or two books that I'd be willing to part with, but no more. I know I couldn't part with them until I felt ready to release them.
The other day, I took the plunge. I woke up on a beautiful spring morning, and the sun was shining in the that room. I felt the inspiration to take another look. The 'parenting' section by far, was the hardest to consider. As I looked through the books, I noticed my breathing had changed and I was feeling turmoil inside and a bit apprehensive.
I sat with the feeling and breathed through it. I had to acknowledge all the hopes and dreams I remembered as I was reading these books. I thought about all the good memories of reading those through my pregnancy, and the times I was frantically searching through them for some magical cure for colic. I had so much invested in those books, but that stage of my life has passed.
The way I turned things around was to be grateful for their help, and in some way bless them for being there when I needed them. My hope is that they can find their way to someone else who can use their knowledge and wisdom. Maybe I'll write a note inside each one for the new owner.
All and all, I was able to let go of 3 stacks of books. It felt good, and renewed my energy. Hopefully the books I love can find their way to someone who can treasure them, like I did.
You can imagine how painful that was to consider getting rid of even a few. The books I have, I don't just read once. I read them over and over. I refer back to them again, over the years. They are like scrapbooks to me. When I pick up a book, I remember when I was reading it, what stage of my life I was in, and what ideas that it prompted. To consider giving it away was like throwing again a scrapbook. The truth is, I have too many.
I keep my books in sections by topic. I have a 'fiction' section, and a 'reference' section which I keep to refer to. I have 'Homeopathy and Craniosacral' section. I have an 'Art' section. But the section I had the most difficult time even considering letting go of was the 'parenting and childhood development' section.
I tried a few times, in the past, to reduce my bookshelf. Each time, I could maybe find one or two books that I'd be willing to part with, but no more. I know I couldn't part with them until I felt ready to release them.
The other day, I took the plunge. I woke up on a beautiful spring morning, and the sun was shining in the that room. I felt the inspiration to take another look. The 'parenting' section by far, was the hardest to consider. As I looked through the books, I noticed my breathing had changed and I was feeling turmoil inside and a bit apprehensive.
I sat with the feeling and breathed through it. I had to acknowledge all the hopes and dreams I remembered as I was reading these books. I thought about all the good memories of reading those through my pregnancy, and the times I was frantically searching through them for some magical cure for colic. I had so much invested in those books, but that stage of my life has passed.
The way I turned things around was to be grateful for their help, and in some way bless them for being there when I needed them. My hope is that they can find their way to someone else who can use their knowledge and wisdom. Maybe I'll write a note inside each one for the new owner.
All and all, I was able to let go of 3 stacks of books. It felt good, and renewed my energy. Hopefully the books I love can find their way to someone who can treasure them, like I did.
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