Incremental Changes Make Big Differences

The practice of divesting myself of unneeded stuff is having and impact already. Two books today. A week ago, I had no desire to get rid of these books, but today they are gone. Not only are they gone, but I've been left with a handful of memories and a new place to attempt to offload some others.

Given the reluctance with which I gave up David and Goliath, it seemed appropriate to stick with a theme and offload Outliers and Blink. I hope to write half as well as Gladwell right now, and I felt a pang of uncertainty moving on from these books because of their inspirational value. I embraced all three books, and they became a small part of my identity. Giving up a piece of oneself feels awkward.

Separating from them needed the right venue. A quick search, and I identified one.

Little Free Library - East Capitol Street - Washington, DC

I really like the concept of Little Free Library. The first crossed paths with these tiny places to exchange books in Fairhope, AL. The gist of the gig is that you take a book and leave a book. So far drop-offs comprise my interaction, but the idea resonates. The uncertainty of "not knowing" what might present itself for your reading enjoyment puts a bit of pizzaz back in a way of life in this country that takes on an air of mundane predictability with every passing day. These kiosks of surprise represent a connection with fate that I reach out and access at a time of my choosing. Today, this little beacon of chanciness got a couple of books that speak to me and I hope speak to someone else as well.

Minimizing - Day 2

The act of dropping these books took me to a new area for walking. I did not expect that benefit from the early steps toward minimalism. I gained a new four mile loop. It's not more than a long stone's throw from where I walked in the past, but that distance opened up new vistas that I look forward to experiencing. A used bookstore along the route advertises that they buy books. I've got some to sell them, or give them away if they'll take them.

Today reemphasized the big changes that can come from incremental changes. The anticipation of letting two books go filled my day with the good kind of anticipation. The new route a short distance from my old standby reinvigorated my sense of curiosity. The positive benefits of both results energize my hope of more to come as I move away from the things that tie me to an anchor in my past.

I always look forward to what's around the corner, but tonight the imaginations seem a bit more colorful. The hopes just a tad more real. The excitement just a bit more prickly. Till then...