the "just in case" mentality

Right now, there is stuff everywhere: on shelves, in boxes, on the floor, in my brain folds.

Some await their ride to Goodwill, some anticipate being sold at our yard sale, some boxed up waiting to get on a moving truck.

Whatever it is, it's a whole lot of stuff.

Some are very useful, others essential. Some we keep because we do not want to spend money buying new ones, or can't afford getting a better-quality one yet. And then there are a good number who fall under the "just in case" category.

That is of my doing. I have this "just in case" mentality that I am trying to get rid of.

You know: cart around cardigans in the car in the summer just in case we go someplace where the air-conditioner had been cranked up too high. Lugging along umbrellas when there is a 0.1% chance of showers. Bringing sweaters, thick leggings and oh yes, a jacket when we go on a trip, just in case inclement weather finds us (You just never know. You better bear this advice in mind. Your mother told you so: You. Just. Never. Know.). Too much food and snacks just in case you get very hungry. Your dressers all contain an extra few sets of clothes just in case some unforseen circumstances require you to have three extra set of clothes. And so on and so forth.

I am very determined to pare down and in general I am not an old sentimental rag so I can give away, donate and sell stuff pretty fast and easy. But oh, that just in case mentality. It will do me in.

Don't I need a few extra birthday gifts on hand in case someone invites us to a party that happens the very next morning at 7am, before the stores open? You need an extra set of oil pastels, because you may just run out tonight. An extra half dozen of underwear? Of course, you never know when they may come in useful. Oh, and this pen that we all like? They may not manufacture it anymore in three months but hey,we will have a dozen of it because I have already bought extras, just in case.

Why am I embarrassing myself here?

Well, I am not embarrassed at all. I just think ahead, am a bit neurotic, and like to be prepared.

And I am prepared to change. I want to adapt, go with the flow, and just be. Enjoy the moment without fear, and welcome surprises. Allow for tiny "disasters" so we can laugh about that later. Open up opportunities, make space for new things, new possibilities.

I am not going to throw all caution to the wind, but I will relax some more. I think it will be very good like this.