Deep in the pandemic, many of us discovered new hobbies and interests. Whether it was banana or sourdough bread, fitness, or whatever else, we all found ourselves with time and the need to fill it. I personally discovered decluttering. Over the past few years, I have totally embraced the idea of everything under my care being “inventory” and have worked to reduce that burden as much as possible.

But there is one category that I struggle with. Now, if you know me at all, you know I am a sappy girl. I am tenderhearted and have big feelings, so you would think that sentimental items would be my kryptonite.

Weirdly, that would be incorrect. My Mount Everest of decluttering? Books. I love books. I particularly love cookbooks or books that might help with our business or other professional pursuits. They represent knowledge and growth. Knowledge I might need, growth I might pursue. They are potential in its purest form. To “get rid of them” almost feels disrespectful.

But I am in a season where I would be benefitted from reducing inventory, at least a little bit. So, last weekend, full of vim and vigor, I took all the books out of the bookshelf. I then proceeded to attempt to cull through the first stack and promptly dropped like a bag of dirt. I kid you not, I had to go lay down and take a nap, due to big feelings. After getting that important part of the process out of the way, I called my husband. He supportively said that decluttering wasn’t necessary and I could keep all the knowledge, no problem whatsoever. But you might remember, by this point, everything was already off the shelves, and I needed to at least put it back, so surely, I could lighten the load, maybe a little?

Revitalized, I selected one book to assess and simultaneously began to consider why this was such a Herculean task (and since I am still me) was there some learning to be had?

Now gentle reader, you might be thinking, what in the world does this topic have to do with me? Well, I know plenty of people who collect resources like it’s their job. They go to professional conferences, complete certifications and enthusiastically bookmark internet tabs. Every single one of these resources starts with the same enthusiasm my bookshelf project did, with many never actually using said resources. So, I don’t think I am alone here with this issue. If I am, come back next time for something more relevant or hang on while we explore what might be going on for all of us.

Let’s get back to the task at hand…

First, I realized that I had conflated two things that seem intertwined but needed to be separated. I was concerned about getting rid of “knowledge.” But knowledge sitting in a book that isn’t being used, isn’t valuable to anyone.

So, if it isn’t being used, has it earned a spot on the shelf? Probably not, but that logic only works if we can be truly honest with ourselves. Honest enough to admit that if it’s been hanging around for a significant amount of time with no action, it probably isn’t going to leap on the To Be Read/Priority shelf anytime soon. (This reminds me of all those tabs we open/bookmark for “later.” I have them and I bet you do, too).

Next, it’s probably wise to reflect on whether this is a resource that even fits the season of life I am in, anymore. It might be an outdated business trend or interest, duty from a previous job, or even a hobby that didn’t stick. It’s easy to accumulate possessions and other “stuff” without assessing if they are still of value.

Another thing to consider is how much time one has (currently or in the foreseeable future) for engaging with the books or other resources.  I think most of us tend to assume we will have more time and (let’s be honest) more motivation than history suggests will actually be available.

Finally, by holding onto this resource, am I depriving someone else the chance to have it? Since I will most certainly donate these items, another person could have them at low or no cost. If I continue to keep everything, they aren’t available for anyone else.

I eventually completed my bookshelf decluttering project, with a stack of 10 books that could be rehomed. While the shelves look better, putting “pen to paper” on these thoughts makes me realize that my work probably isn’t yet done.

I think I could actually go back and do more, with this clarified thinking. Not because it’s about the number of items, per se, but because I am holding on to things when I could be making room for others. I anticipate having to go through this process again (which could realistically mean several more times) but hopefully I will progressively get more realistic with each pass.

Sure, some resources are evergreen and you might want to keep them “forever.” But holding on to things that no longer serve you can lead to both physical and cognitive clutter. Take a hard look at what you are keeping and decide if it’s still of value or merely a relic of a season that has long since passed. There’s no reason to allow anything to weigh you down, be it a book or merely your own good intentions.