Downsizing My Book Collection
So, I did it! I went to Half Price Books and dropped off my book collection, over half my DVD collection and my CD collection. The price they gave me for this collection… a whopping $85.60! These were all worth $85.60?!?!?! I had the urge to take them all back, as if to defend my collection like it was insulted or something. I did not, I walked away slowly.
Now, after handing over this collection… they handed me a receipt to collect my cash at the front desk. I think this is one of the few instances that I actually felt my heart murmur. I broke into a bit of a cold sweat. I was mumbling something when I got to the front register. John, the cashier looks at me and smiles. I stared at him blankly for a moment, then said, “I just gave away all of my books.” He looks at me sympathetically with an edge of kind humor, “it’s okay, just breathe.” “I’m trying.”
I seriously sat in my car in shock for about 10 minutes in the parking lot. I could not decide if I wanted to cry, cry or call a sponsor. But, after it all sunk in… I felt relieved… like a HUGE burden had been lifted off of my back. I smiled and congratulated myself and drove away.
I realized later that in my haste to haul everything into my car and to Half Price Books (before I talked myself out of it) that I forgot a bag of books. I am pretty irritated at myself for this. Since then, I have found additional books kicking around my house and garage. I have SO many books! Blarg!!!
So it appears I will be making another trip to Half Price Books. I was pleased to find out that they pay money for old game systems. That means I can offload my Super Nintendo, my GameCube and games for a bit of moola too.
All in all, I feel accomplished. I did something I did not think I could do. Facing my fears, one step at a time.
~Kera~
Hi Kera,
Thank you for your post, even it was from a long time ago it was definitely a help to me now. I’m struggling with these very emotions right now as my husband and I pare down our belongings in preparation of moving into a converted school bus. It’s so hard to let go of things that you think you need, that you know you love, that you’ve always had or that you feel you may end up having to buy again. It’s been a slow process but you’re right, facing the fear one step at a time makes all the difference. Now, to go and tackle my enormous arts and crafts supply stock…
Best,
Kelly
Parting with one’s stuff can be so hard! I love your blog and your bus! You guys are doing a phenomenal job! Take a deep breath! One step at a time for sure! The things I ended up having the hardest time parting with, but knew deep down that I needed to… I gave most of those items to friends or family. That made parting with them easier.