Day 17 of 32

Today I created. . .space.

This week has been dedicated to cleansing. It begins and ends with paper.

First useless school papers and pictures. Now, books - good books.

I have worked in 3 used bookstores, collecting books as I saw them pass through the store. I bought many of them for their classic covers and critical acclaim. 

Some of them never got read. I have collected multiples of several books over time and today I say, "One is enough. I am enough." These books are not symbols of my worth, intelligence or wit.

Letting go of these stories and authors and comforts is a transition. My emotions welled up as I put books I have had for years into the "go" pile. And when Nick came home and asked, "Why are you getting rid of these?" I started to tear up and was finally able to put it into words. "I bought most of these books because I thought it would make me cool, because not everyone has them and they are good books. But I don't love them and I only want things I love around me."

So, I took a picture of my process and that is enough. Piles of books that have traveled across the country and back again, filled bookcases in my homes, and represented whole years of my life are gone. Books flow in and out of my life. They become a part of me; they do not define me.