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Writer's pictureCathie Rooyen

Purging and tea ceremony

Monday 27th March 2023


Back in 2021, I decided to pack up my things and go to the coast to see how I coped without my:

• Own place

• Support system

• Familiar surroundings.

It wasn't long after the country re-opened after the crazy lockdown so I wasn't planning long-term. I knew I wanted to test the travel waters but I didn't expect to have my mind shifted so much that I would be living life nomadically. I certainly didn't think I would still be as enthusiastic about the lifestyle so many months later.


I've been contemplating on how little physical things I've needed and decided I needed to start clearing out unnecessary stuff- a purge- so to speak. I've been fortunate enough to have places to store my belongings but I've been considering the job of clearing out other people's things when they die. It sounds morbid, but the recent death has me thinking about how life(and death) can change so quickly and sentimental items for one person can turn into heartwrenching junk for those left behind. Hence my purging.



I was surprised by what I have stored. I'd forgotten a lot of the items and clothes which is my indication that I can let it go without missing it. A pile of medals for running races since 2006 had been previously streamlined but realistically I need to let them all go now. They're heavy and cumbersome and the display is now in my mind and no longer on any wall.


Clothes that I'd enjoyed wearing but haven't missed was split into two piles, the one pile being those that I really,  really liked but are too heavy to travel with me. The other pile went into the bag to give away. The gratitude that I have these kinds of choices was on the forefront of my mind. How blessed to have such options.



I was also blessed to see a new quirky coffee shop, while meeting a friend today. Although the prices were a little steep for sitting in cardboard containers,  it was still very interesting.  Our tea felt like a ceremony and we chatted about everything before moving to a different place for a quick bite.



The sunset sky cast it's magic light and lured me outside to see the bats feast with the dramatic cloud backdrop. The air feels cooler tonight and there's no crickets chirping so temperatures must've dropped. Now my debate is to switch the fan on or not?


Again,  the challenge of modern life... lol.


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