Yesterday I was working on claims in the afternoon so was able to catch Oprah for a change. Her program was on simplifying one’s life. I’ve been trying to work on being greener like combining driving trips, line drying clothes and shopping at the local farmer’s market.

Oprah had given gave a challenge to several people to do with less and I’ve seen Suzy Orman who has also encouraged people to get rid of stuff they don’t use. The theory is that when one has too many things that person usually has debt. Additionally, when one focuses on stuff one loses the bigger picture of what is really important in life: family and friends.

Last Friday I’d shopped at my niece, Sara’s, shop as she was liquidating. Since I’d lost so many inches many of my current clothes fit like bags, so this was a good time to pick up things that actually fit.

Yesterday as I thought about what Oprah was saying I decided that I’d start with my closet. So this morning I went thru and just took out everything that I knew was too large. Tonight I went thru the closet again with Oprah’s words, “have you worn it in the last year” ringing in my brain. I cleaned out a bunch of things; business suits that I don’t use anymore, good clothes, casual clothes and most anything I haven’t used in a year. I tried on a couple of good items and found that they actually fit now so I’ll keep those.

I think that most items I’ll take to the local Battered Women’s Shelter and the really good items and business suits I’ll list on E-bay. I know that I’ll be spending energy on shipping but I may as well make some money at the same time. Whatever doesn’t sell on E-bay I’ll take to the shop for women who are re-entering the work force.

It really feels good to have what I need and what I’ll use, not just a bunch of stuff.