The Noise of Clutter and Choice

It's getting quieter in this apartment, as we approach our move-out date. I sat on the couch this morning, drinking my coffee in the company of two house plants. Empty walls, empty shelves: not a single object to send my mind tumbling down memory lane or triggering a to-do list.

I entered my walk-in closet, hangers and shelves barren. With only five outfits now, I skipped the normal routine of consulting my calendar, weather app, and tolerance for uncomfortable shoes. I did not need all those data points to help me narrow down the options.

I read my book this evening. Usually, I wander into our library, see rows of book spines competing for my attention, and decide to just watch t.v. instead. With only one book and a desire to read, I could get right down to the activity of reading.

With less stuff, there is less choice. With less choice, there is less noise in my head. I'm enjoying the space and the silence.