Entries For: July 2008

I have known Earl Gladstone Barbour, Jr for six years now, four of which he has been my father-in-law/love. I just wish we had more time together. Last night, on July 20, 2008, he made his transition and died peacefully at home after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

I often do an exercise with my coaching clients called "Standards and Boundaries" that helps us look at the relationships in our lives and how we want to live with more intention. One of the activities encourages you to list five role models in your life. Earl is on my list. Why?

Because Earl is one of the few people I know who absolutely 100% lived his life by the golden rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Earl had a strong faith in God. He put family first. He was incredibly giving. And he loved life.

He adored his wife Jo Anne and his son Eric, he loved his step-daughters Susan and Molly and he doted on his five grandchildren Nathan, Matthew, Sophie, Hannah and Tess. He was beloved by all who knew him and his presence will be sorely missed.

When I asked my husband last night to describe his father in just a few words, he said loyal, loving, generous and servant. That about captures it. I want to live my life like that.

So to Earl, my dear father-in-love, I know that they are having a huge celebration in heaven right now and you are the guest of honor! As we grieve for the loss of your bright light on this Earth, know that your spirit will live on in our hearts and minds until it is our turn to join you at the big party in the sky! I love you!

Click here to read the Time magazine story about clutter and simplifying your life.  A Guy Named Dave is on a personal quest to scale down on "stuff" and has received a lot of media attention lately because of it. You can read all of his 100 Thing Challenge ideas at his blog. 

I know that I do not choose to reduce all of my personal possesions to 100 things. What about my books? My photos? My jewelry? Those are all beloved and sacred to me!

But do I have too much stuff? Yes.

Does it feel good to get rid of stuff no longer used, wanted or loved? Yes.

Does releasing stuff create space? Yes.

So I have embarked on my own 100 Thing Challenge which is to release 100 Things from my posession. Decluttering always feels good and if I have something that someone else could enjoy that is no longer serving me, that makes me even happier.

So far, I have released 43 items. 10 pieces of jewelry, 19 articles of clothing, 5 pairs of shoes and 9 other random knick-knacks. It felt good to donate some to a church yard sale (all proceeds went to our church) and some to Goodwill.

I would have written about this sooner, but I've been busy releasing my 100 Things...

Anyone care to join me? I invite you to comment!