A few months back, I wrote a column about how I simplified my life by reducing the amount of keys that I carry, mostly because of the mammoth key fob that I need to start my truck. I shared how I now use a carabiner to carry just a few essential keys. And it worked! Life is better. Simpler. And I am no longer fumbling through a dozen or more keys to find the one or two that I really need. Then I lost misplaced the carabiner and my essential keys — and I lost my mind. Maybe you can relate. But, as you might expect, I eventually found the carabiner and the keys. All was in balance again. Until now.
It seems there was a reason I had all those keys — or at least some of them. Just this week, I was searching for a key to a facility I only use a few months each year. It wasn’t one of the “essential” keys that I put on the carabiner, but I wasn’t too concerned. I would just sort through the “non-essential” keys that I placed in a really good spot that I would certainly remember. You know where this is going.
After searching numerous spots and testing literally dozens of keys I found that go to who knows what, I remain baffled and frustrated. The real question in this story is how in the world did I end up with 50-plus keys that I have no idea what they are for? Yes, we have moved our business a few times, and I likely have some keys to prior buildings and offices. Yes, I have changed the locks on our home a few times and probably have some old lock keys. And, yes, I have a multitude of paddle lock, post office box and even suitcase keys. But 50? Come on.
So in testing all these keys, I questioned myself on whether I should just toss them all or continue to keep them… just in case. Ugh.
I would like to think that the digital world we live in would simplify matters with fingerprint or retina readers that would eliminate all these keys. But then I remember how frustrated I get with the dozens of usernames and passwords that I can’t seem to remember, too.
Fortunately, I read somewhere that memory gets better with age. At least I think so. I can’t remember.
Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305 | 
