The Great Information Purge

Guest blog post today from author and speaker Deidre Hughey:

I couldn’t sleep one night a few weeks ago and began channel surfing. My attention was captured by an alarming display of “junk” that was found in someone’s home. I was fascinated and revolted at the same time as I watched the organizer and her crew walk and climb their way through the accumulation of stuff. There was such an accumulation that the individuals that lived in the home couldn’t see their coach, chairs or beds anymore.

In fact, their house no longer functioned as a home, but rather a receptacle for things that at one point were thought to have so much value that the things could not be thrown away. On the show, they referred to these people as hoarders.

To be honest, I thought to myself, “How can someone allow that to happen? How can someone live that way?”

I felt above it. I felt justified in my disgust.

Two days later, as I was working on my computer, I got a warning message that I was nearing the memory capacity on my computer. I was instantly stunned. You see, I have over 280 Gigabytes of memory on my computer and all but 5 Gigabytes were taken.

Really?

Then it hit me.

I have been collecting “priceless” information on my computer for the past 2 years. Information that I found on internet searches that I needed or wanted for something at some time. In my mind, it was all valuable and needed to be saved. (By now, it should be hitting you just as it hit me on that day.)

Yes, I am an information hoarder. If you have the same size foot, say it with me, “I Am An Information Hoarder.” Don’t you feel better now? No? Well…give it time.

I realized just how easy it is for any of us to be hoarders and far be it from me to judge. I felt so convicted by my realization and immediately set into motion what I like to call, The Great Information Purge.

I methodically went through folders and deleted files, videos, audios, file folders…each one seeming to scream at me to keep it. In just 1 hour, I was able to free almost 15 Gigabytes on my computer. Imagine how much space I could free in a day’s time!

It wasn’t easy and I realize that there may be many of you in a similar position. But, my computer had ceased being able to function as a processor and was instead database of information. All information that I could easily find again on the internet when I need it.

I’m feeling more free when I get on my computer, as for the most part, I’m actually using the files that are there. I’m not sure what to do with all of the extra Gigabytes of space…I wonder what information I can find today?

~ Deidre Hughey is a professional speaker, radio host, coach and author of the book, I Am Bound and Determined: The Must Read Guide for Women of Childhood Abuse and Trauma. Deidre is passionate about empowering women to rediscover themselves, while daring them to explore life’s possibilities and disregarding personal limits. For more information, check out her website at www.deidrehughey.com