One strategy I will use again though. I got an uneasy feeling as I tried to decide about some books. If I took the time to ask myself why, I found I came up with things like 'My friend whose opinion on books I respect gave me it...but it does nothing for me.' A moment's further thought and I realised that the friend won't be any less of a friend, and that I'm not being disloyal in any way, if I pass it on....so I can happily let it go - hopefully to someone who will find it is just what they want.
Or....a motivational book which was really helpful at a certain point in my life, and for which I was really grateful at the time. But I've integrated the parts of it which helped and after all - that was then and this is now - so with a grateful sigh that I no longer need it, I can pass it on to someone who does. (I don't like calling them self help books - sounds too needy!)
There were other hesitations, and if I simply took a few moments to think clearly about them they were quite easily resolved.
The thing was to take the time to get it simple and right, then stick to it. (See posting 17 Oct.)