Letting Go After a Lifetime of Accumulating
Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6 – 4 weeks
On Campus – Tuesday 1:10 pm – 2:50 pm
For our entire lives, consumer culture has encouraged us to have more: clothes, furniture, keepsakes, more of almost everything. Over time, those possessions can become overwhelming, and even result in feelings of guilt and shame. Letting go not only creates more space, but also, unexpectedly, more freedom, time, and peace of mind. We explore why we accumulate, why letting go can be so difficult, and how to begin this process in a thoughtful and practical way. Through personal stories, discussion, and actionable strategies, participants will learn how to lighten the load and create a home that better reflects the living space we envision.
- Week 1: How consumer culture shaped our habits and why today’s homes contain more possessions than any generation before us
- Week 2: Understanding emotional attachment, guilt, and the psychological barriers that make parting with possessions so difficult
- Week 3: Discovering how having less clutter can reduce stress, increase freedom, and create space for what matters most
- Week 4: Practical strategies to stop the accumulation cycle and create a home that reflects your values and priorities
New Instructor – Melora Johnson is the founder of Sustainably Styled and a speaker, consultant, and educator focused on sustainable living, mindful consumption, and the benefits of living with less. Her interest in the topic began and expertise developed through her work in sustainability and community reuse initiatives, including founding a community closet that diverted tons of usable goods from landfills, while serving hundreds of people each month.