The Right Gear
Sometimes Means More Stuff

Most of the time, I talk about letting stuff go.

But sometimes, having the right gear for what you need actually means having more stuff.

Within reason. :)

For example, I could probably make do with one pair of winter boots. But the truth is, I wear and use winter boots for different purposes.

When I lived in Minot, North Dakota through one of the snowiest winters on record, I needed to get on my roof and shovel off the several feet of heavy snow that had accumulated and that was starting to create ice dams on the eaves. People's roofs were caving in. Part of Walmart's roof collapsed. And my feet were freezing.

Having sub-zero weather boots that came up to my knees were not only a good idea if I wanted to keep my toes, they were a necessity. So I have my snow-shoveling boots.

And even though shoveling might not have always felt joyful, it certainly was more of a pleasure wearing good boots than it would have been without them.

But I also use winter boots when I walk my dogs several times a day. And knee-high snow-shoveling boots simply aren't that convenient for dog walking.

So I have another pair of dog-walking boots: over-the-ankle, waterproof, sturdy, comfortable winter boots made for walking. Not suitable for shoveling snow, but wonderful for marching all over town with the dogs in tow.

Oh, and in case you think the dogs are left out, they have boots, too. It literally makes the difference between us getting in a decent walk on top of ice and snow and salt and sand and the other chemicals that get used on the roads and sidewalks, versus staying cooped inside at home. Not good for active, high-energy terriers (or their two-legged mama).

And getting the right kind of boots for dogs is no small thing. I have found, and love, Ultra Paws Durable Dog Boots...they really stay on. I have found that they last us about one season, then the dogs wear holes in the bottoms of them.

So that's even more gear. Imagine putting on 10 boots every time you go for a walk (2 dogs times 4 boots each, plus my 2 boots).

But having the right gear means we get to do what brings us joy -- with ease. And walking every day with my dogs brings me joy.

You likely have your own version of gear.

Do you have the kind of gear that really works? Does it support what you need? Do you use the gear you have?

Or would getting the right gear, even though it may mean having a little bit more stuff, mean the difference between just 'making do' versus really enjoying the experience?

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