"Stuff"

Where did the word 'stuff' come from? It's so all encompassing... Several years ago when I was in Ukraine on a short term trip I realized how often we said 'stuff' and how concerned we were with our 'stuff'. It was always, bring that stuff, leave that stuff, we'll get that stuff later and make sure we get rid of that stuff before we leave.

Is it based in our American-ness? We have telvision shows that run entire seasons on several networks focused on cleaning up and throwing out stuff that people accumulate. As affluence comes to a country or a region, do they get consumed with stuff too? And, is it difficult or freeing to get rid of stuff?

As I prepare to go on one last visit to Ukraine before moving there in October/November, I am getting rid of stuff. LOTS of stuff. I went through my clothes once and donated about 75% of what I own, but I realize I will need to do it again one last time so that I only take what I really want and need.

My task in my house is to pull anything that I am shipping to Ukraine in my bedroom. (This is not much...) And, pack up whatever I think I'll get excited about opening a box and finding several years from now... also quickly narrows things down when you think about it in that light. And, simply leave the rest to be sold in a moving/estate sale while I am overseas for 2 weeks.

It's not letting go that is difficult. In fact, more often than not, it is quite liberating. But, the ambiguity of where am I going to live in Kiev is sometimes the hardest thing to grasp. Hopefully I will find an apartment during my visit to squelch my nerves!