I have been accused of throwing everything away. I do not. But I understand the accusation. Over the years, I acquired a lot of things. I still feel like I own too much. At one time or another, I contributed to the statistic estimating there are 300,000 items in the average American home. Years of buying and collecting turned into a lot of stuff to get rid of. It probably does seem like I throw everything away. We needed storage for those 300,000+ items. I installed cabinets and shelves lined with baskets and bins. Most are now empty and I pass on the storage devices too. It hurts my head to think about the "investment" in collectable baskets and bears. I feel buyers remorse and guilt for inspiring others to make similar purchases. I'm embarrassed to admit how much we accumulated. After years of consumerism and chasing the American Dream, I found a better way....a more meaningful way to live. And I hope others can learn from my mistakes. Hindsight is 20/20. …