Hard Drive

My hard drive gave up on me. And no, that wasn't the tragedy I thought it would be because I regularly back up my files anyway. The thing, though, is transferring my old files to my new unit; I realized I couldn't bring everything. Doing so would only clutter the new unit which caused the old one to give up in the first place. So I found myself having to sort through which of my existing files I actually needed and which ones I'd have to leave in storage and which ones I'd have to discard.

I'm well aware of the clutter that accumulates around me. Last year I had to give up about a fourth of my books because they couldn't fit in my shelves anymore. I give away used clothing regularly too. But these are things I can see and therefore can take stock of. But data, photos and movie files aren't things that I can see. I just keep adding them up. I've got enough storage space anyway. Except that, the more I keep, the more backups of backups of backups I have, the less space I get and the more time it takes for me to access them. In other words, I really need to start letting go.

The thing about having to let go of things or excess baggage is, it is easier to do if it is done a little at a time rather than in bulk. Cleaning up a little every day is a lot easier to handle than having to spend an entire day cleaning up after months of gathering junk. Letting go of bad habits is a lot easier to do when they're still at the beginning stages. This of course, presupposes that we're well aware that the bad habit is starting as it starts. For most of us, however, we only realize that they're there long after we've become comfortable with them.

I also found out while cleaning my data that sometimes several copies of the same files can exist. I'm not sure about the technical details but it's the same as keeping five photocopies of the same file and putting them in several folders. In itself, five copies don't sound so bad. But when multiplied to about 500 files that's the same as having to buy a new filing cabinet. Aside from storing unwanted baggage, I also run the risk of rehashing the same issues. Dwelling on something negative that has happened long ago can have the same effect of multiplying files. In other words, I still need to let go.

So I find that self-awareness is a life skill. If I have to wait for my life to "crash" before I do an overhaul, I'll hurt a lot more people (including myself) in the process. If, however, I can do regular checks and backups, I might just save myself and others a bit of heartache. I'm still trying to make this a habit but I've found that constant reflection and prayer and yes, writing these articles help me a lot.

Our brains and hearts don't come with spares. Life hasn't afforded us the ability to upgrade to newer models. But, thankfully, our brains have an incredible capacity to learn and relearn. And our hearts have an infinite capacity to love. And so life becomes this delicate art of learning what to let go, when to let go and how to let go.

And no. You really don't need to sing that song with me right now.