I feel lighter, somehow

I read and comment on the blogs I follow and subscribe to via the Fuzzy Tales account, using Google Reader.

I took time yesterday and this morning to go through all of the subscriptions, one by one, and delete those that haven't had a new post in at least several months (barring a couple of favourites, with the hope they'll return...like Trish's. Hint hint.). One blog hadn't posted since 2009, several since sometime in 2010, many since spring/summer 2011. And quite a few cat blogs no longer exist.

I also deleted a couple of subscriptions to active blogs that I've routinely commented on, with never a comment from them in return. That's okay, we can't be appealing to all. But I'm not going to use my commenting time on theirs anymore.

So I've gone from about 430 or so subscriptions to 336, though I don't think this counts the blogs I actually follow via Blogger (and still keep up with via Reader).

Still, I feel a bit lighter in spirit, if not in body.  :-)

One of my co-workers unsubscribed from all the blogs she follows, including her husband's. A cleansing for the new year. I admire her for that, though I wouldn't want to go that far.

It's good to unclutter, though, even when referring to cyber-space.

Have a clutter-free, "light" day, everyone.

Waterfront park on Monday,
freezing my hands off just to click the shutter.
Universal Blessings, Light and Mercy to All Beings.

Comments

Felted House said…
It must be the time of year - I've de-cluttered a (small) part of my wardrobe and make up stash over the last week. Despite a compulsion to keep free samples that don't suit me I summoned up the courage to bin a few, and it does make me feel better. Although I have just ordered some samples of 'brightening' make up for 'tired' skin off ebay, so perhaps that isn't so much of an achievement. Sadly my weight has gone up and up over Christmas so in my newly cleared space will shortly be a newly-ordered exercise mat, which I must get into the habit of using. I always feel the need to work towards being more efficient as we go into a new year and de-cluttering of any sort puts you back in control a bit more doesn't it. When you've worked out how to stop getting re-cluttered up with stuff please let me know! xx
January 11, 2012 at 11:56 AM
Kea said…
I've got a clothing and miscellaneous pile on my guest room bed. When I'm satisfied that I've amassed all I want for donation at this time, I'll pack it up and call one of the charitable organizations that will pick up for free.

But somehow, even though I do this several times a year, there's almost more "stuff" to get rid of! :-)
January 11, 2012 at 12:02 PM
Kea said…
"Always." Always more stuff to get rid of!
January 11, 2012 at 12:02 PM
Old Kitty said…
Oh you know last Friday when I so seriously was just going to pull the plug on my blog - I went through some of the stages of grief - first I refused to believe it was so and went crazy trying to find solutions, second I felt very low that I was about to lose my blog and wept without shame then afterwards, I thought, actually it's not a bad thing! Delete! LOL!

Maybe I should de-clutter in virtual land too. You know - I do comment on a few blogs who never return the favour ... hmmmm!!!

Take care
x
January 11, 2012 at 12:20 PM
Random Felines said…
Beautiful picture and sentiment...I think it makes a difference even to take a few minutes to clear even a little bit. I go through my email sometimes....astounding how much I keep in there - and some it can be negative - so I get rid of it and move on.... :)
January 11, 2012 at 1:31 PM
The Cat Guy said…
I've been in the mood for some time to de-clutter stuff, but more real stuff around the house than virtual stuff. My online time is very limited these days, I can't imagine following so many blogs. I'm lucky if I can find the time to stay up with the handful I do. Occasionally I run across another blog that pulls me in, but then there is less time for all the others, at some point I draw the line and enjoy the ones I follow and comment when I can.
January 11, 2012 at 3:16 PM
Janet NZ said…
I've been de-cluttering too! (both stuff and blogstuff)
It makes you feel good to have a clean-out doesn't it? - I hope it makes room for more good stuff to come my way :-) XO
January 11, 2012 at 3:43 PM
MISS PEACH ~(^.^)~ said…
We would miss your straight from the hip comments if you were not around so don't delete yourself in your cleaning frenzy:)) you inspire us to look closer at our everydays and wonder about the little things...thank you for that even if we do not always tell you...we are here and see it all...with love from the cozy cottage
January 11, 2012 at 4:00 PM
E. Smith said…
I've been on a de-clutter kick as well. There's just something so empowering about making final decisions on that which is just taking up space.
January 11, 2012 at 4:57 PM
ANGEL ABBYGRACE said…
It's funny and it's probably me, but a few times I have tried to delete a subscription from the Reader it has only deleted it until I open the reader again. What is the secret to really deleting from the Reader???

Good for you for decluttering.
You are absolutely right.
xoxoxo
January 11, 2012 at 8:11 PM
Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said…
it is probably time that I do the same.

I will occasionally go through and delete those that haven't posted in quite some time, and I also occasionally will unfollow, like you, those who I take the time to comment and they NEVER do. I understand we all get busy because I have cut down my commenting as well, I am just speaking of those that I follow that I consistently comment on and have NEVER seen one in return. Folks need to learn "do unto others"
January 11, 2012 at 9:31 PM
Katnip Lounge said…
It must be going around...I did the same thing too, and I've stopped commenting where there's not been a return as well.
So...I get the hint. I will see about writing as "me" a little bit more.
January 11, 2012 at 9:39 PM
Barb's Cats and Quilts said…
Are you saying you routinely checked out and read 430 blogs and have cut it down to 336??? It's just a hunch, but I think I've discovered the cause of your not having enough time in the day and feeling stressed out. :) I can't keep up with blogging and commenting on 7 or 8 blogs! I would be so overwhelmed, I think I'd turn the computer off and have to eat a quart of ice cream. Good job whittling down 25%. If you delete just 10 more a week, think how liberated you'll feel - as long as mine's not one of them.
January 11, 2012 at 10:40 PM
Ellen Whyte said…
We're planning to do that this weekend. We've got so much work, that we have to make some tough choices about the blogs we visit. Those who don't comment back will be the first to go. Pity but..... Hey, think we're becoming practical like cats? :-)
January 12, 2012 at 1:44 AM
Pia K said…
i have yet to de-clutter my google reader like that, but it does seems liberating somehow! and i do enjoy a bit of cleansing of reader now and then:)

i'm not sure about the expecting a comment in return-notion, sometimes i do, just as a courtesy, sometimes i don't. if i leave "too many" comments and they never reply or leave a comment i usually settle on reading only. if they're read-worthy enough still, some very popular blogs i find really rather boring, uninventive and full of themselves. and expecially when they complain about a lack of response in certain posts, seriously...

once upon a time i ALWAYS wrote a reply to every comment in my blog. i wasn't able to keep that up since two years ago. i also always used to make a return visit to every blogger who left a comment, saying something nice. but i have not prioritized that either. i hope readers/commenters still know i appreciate every.single.sweet.comment anyway:)
January 17, 2012 at 6:09 PM
Post a Comment