Gone forever.

Well folks – it’s been a great project. Over 400 entries. Probably around 800 items I no longer own.

And…as of today, it’s over.

You see, with my move to NYC, and the turn of the New Year, I’ve decided to RID the project itself. It’s been fun, so fun…in fact, that it’s time to move on to the next “self experimentation” project (coming soon.)

For those of you who’ve followed the project, thank you. Watching the traffic numbers swell over the last year and a half has been humbling, daunting, and encouraging…all at the same time.

For the final entry, I thought this box would do. It’s items from past relationships that I’ve decided not to blog about publicly. Only I know what’s in this box. And that’s the way it’s gonna stay.

After all, if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the course of the project, it’s that you’ve gotta just let some items (and people, and memories) go.

Goodbye, dear readers.

It’s been a fun ride. (or RID.)

Just...so...random.

As I prepare for my move to NYC, I continue giving away a lot of books. I have a hard time going into a bookstore without coming out with one (or several).

One of the unexpected benefits of the RID project is that it has absolutely changed the way I shop. Bookstores are just one example of how much the project has changed my attitude about shopping.

As I approach the end of this year, and as I struggle yet again with buying gifts for friends and family (My God, is it really already December 22nd?), I remind myself to enter the new year buying only with intention, shopping only with a mindful stance.

Happy holidays, one and all.

Time to move.

Today, I RID these books about movement. And it seems proper to announce my own.

As many of you may have already figured out by my appearance in yesterday’s New York Times, I’m moving again…this time to New York.

I’ll be arriving in NYC right after the new year. Looking forward to it.

And boy oh boy, if ever you needed an incentive to RID, try moving from an apartment in Dallas to one in the Big Apple.

More RIDs coming soon…

No more.

Today, I RID these books about lying to get what you want in business.

Wow. Suffice it to say…with the never-ending stream of news about bank bailouts, shady business practices, etc…the world could do with fewer business lies.

So, today…off these books go.

And hopefully, so do the lies.

Think about it.

Today I RID these books on thought – how we think, how men and women think differently, how people make decisions.

And it makes me think about my decisions about…books.

I’ve written on this blog before about how books are often my guiltiest pleasure. It’s very easy for me to get interested in a new topic…and just buy a book about it.

If there’s one thing the RID project has done, it’s made me slow down on the number of books I’m purchasing. And in that sense, it’s been good. While I may be developing fewer “interested ins,” it’s allowing me to focus and get to depth on what I’m already interested in, and want to develop further.

Sometimes, (or maybe all times?) less is truly more.

Tee hee x 140 characters.

Typing this on the day for Thanksgiving – a day on which I’m committed to turning off the iPad, the iPhone, and simply connecting with those I love.

Maybe that’s another RID project worth considering?

Happy day off, all…

Goodbye Aruba.

I’ve recently been working on an Olympics project for one of my clients.

It made me think about a couple of World Cups, so I decided to give this t-shirt away today. It’s from Aruba – where I was when the Dutch team was surging through the last tournament.

It reminded me of a visit I had years ago to Paris – on the day when France won the tournament.

So…as I RID this t-shirt today, I’m reminded of the central truth – that these events are for the fans. They help us bond, celebrate, and sometimes (the Miami Dolphins fan in me must admit) express sorrow.

So, today I RID this shirt in hopes it finds a true Dutch fan.

Onward.

Was kind of tempted to play one last song on it from the stage...

Tonight, I give a speech on the TEDxPhoenix stage about the RID project.

I’m writing this entry pre-speech, but will post it immediately after.

You know, I really didn’t expect the RID project to strike such a chord with people (pun intended) when I started it. I simply started blogging the project because I thought it would keep me honest, and keep me doing it.

But there does seem to be something else about it – maybe we’re all looking for more simplicity, maybe we all have too much stuff, maybe it’s just interesting in some other way somehow – but I’m glad I did it, and even gladder I’m still doing it.

It’s become a way of life, a conscious form of giving on a weekly basis.

And, because of some news coming to this blog very soon…it’s also quite necessary.

More on that later.

Reunite, indeed.

Today, as I RID this t-shirt about “one world,” I’m writing this entry only blocks from the “Occupy Wall St.” movement.

I actually admire those who are active, who are taking a stand. Whether they be Tea Partiers or 99 percenters, I think all of us should respect those who’ve made the time and effort to make a statement.

Whether or not we agree with it.

So, today as I RID this t-shirt, I also RID some of my previous misconceptions about my “allies” and “enemies” on either side of the aisle.

Here’s hoping we can find compassion, agreement, and respect for one another.

Just water bottles.

Having kind of rough day today. Kind of one of those “everything that could go wrong…has” kind of days.

The kind of day that reminds me to drink plenty of water.

So, it’s kind of ironic today that today I’m getting RID of water bottles. Two of them. Just don’t need them cluttering up the house anymore.

So, if you’ll excuse me…I’m off to the drinking fountain.

Where no bottle is needed.