What I got rid of today.

So, one of the more interesting moral quandaries of the RID project was what to do about things I received as gifts.

You see, I realized when I started the project…that the only way to do it was honestly, and unabashedly, … publicly. So, I thought about what it would mean for people to see gifts they had given me added to the RID pile.

I decided to not worry about it for two reasons:

1) Who can remember what they received as gifts and what they didn’t? A sad commentary on American consumerism to be sure, and

2) Just because I RID something didn’t mean I didn’t get use out of it, or didn’t enjoy it. It simply meant that it was time to let it move on…to release it.

I offer this thought as we all enter the “between Thanksgiving and Xmas” time. A time where all of us are encouraged to buy the ones we love…things.

It’s not exactly a novel thought, but I’d encourage all of us to give more experiences, and fewer things. Not only is it a proven way of getting to more happiness — but it adds to the giver’s enjoyment as well.

So, for those on MY Xmas list, be prepared to have an experience-centered holiday season. With fewer things, but more love.

Happy holidays, one and all.

For those of you who don’t know, I moved to Brooklyn, New York last January.

And, you may have heard, we got walloped by a hurricane here. I was lucky – we never lost power or even cable. I watched the events, like many of you, through the news media (and somewhat through my window which overlooks Manhattan.)

But…on a day shortly after the storm hit, I went with a couple of friends to do some cleanup in Redhook, an area of Brooklyn that has been particularly hard hit. It was tragic, and sad, … as we helped a resident clean his basement out — which had been stacked with memories, knickknacks, and items that just didn’t have a place in his day to day life.

It was a bit of a reminder for me of the importance of the RID project – another reason to get rid of the items we don’t need anymore. Because it will allow you to keep the items which do matter…closer to you.

Here’s hoping we don’t need to RID too often from climate change.

David’s TEDx talk on the RID Project

(click the link)

For some reason, the traffic to this blog has EXPLODED over the last couple of days…not really sure where it’s coming from. So, if you’re new to the RID project, and you could tell me where you found out about it…I’d appreciate it.

Leave a comment, willya?

“Props in this case mean things that are put there for style or to make a statement, but are really never used for anything else. Kurt Andersen, who wrote for an architectural magazine in the 1980s, noticed the props when he visited the homes he was writing about.”

Found here.

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.)