when we hold on to things

This morning, it was a bit of an Epiphany. I realize that the reason I don't get rid of things, especially extra things, is because I want to be able to say yes. Just this week when my parents were in town, my mother asked me if I had an extra hat she could wear. "Of course," replied. The fact of the matter is I have several. All around on racks and shelves, in my car, on my golf bag. There is a golf hat, a tennis hat, a waterproof hat, a hiking hat, there are others. When it comes time to pare down and reduce, i can always see this future need of the thing, that if given up today, would lead to regret tomorrow. You never know when you would need one for a guest or whatever reason you can justify.

In the case of the hat, I've been asked exactly once in 5 years if I had an extra hat. I should note that  I have a favorite hat, one that has meaning to me and is the only one I regularly wear.

We want to be able to say "yes." To be agreeable and  helpful. But the expense is hundreds on dollars and periodic anxiety about having too many things. 

and in the case of my mother, I want to say yes.

Look at the bigger scenario. As a realtor, I am approached by people who "need" the extra bedroom in case they have guests.

One could argue that saving $75,000 on a mortage would but a lot of nights at the Marriott for the in-laws but I digress.

How many items (people, too) do we keep around, just in case?