And given that hunting for antiques and undiscovered treasures is a popular pursuit in Litchfield County, Norfolk resident Sally Carr's Good Stuff Tag Sale, where one man's trash is another's treasure, seems to be the perfect vehicle through which to encourage reinvention.
This Saturday, Ms. Carr will host a book-signing with Ms. Blanke during the all-day event.
"You can't grow if you don't let go," Ms. Blanke said, repeating one of her book's mantras.
The idea for "Throw Out Fifty Things" emerged out of her earlier book, "Between Trapezes: Flying into a New Life with the Greatest of Ease," which tutored readers in how to navigate the uncertain period between an old and new lifestyle, job or home.
One of the six steps for successfully getting to the next stage of life was a total spring cleaning, which would dislodge the emotional and mental baggage associated with the old trapeze. Ms. Blanke explained that once a person removes the clutter, he or she can channel new energy into discovering a new life and self.
The motivational speaker and executive coach has worked with CEOs, presidential candidates, musicians and comics. She has spoken at international conferences, such as Taiwan's "Global Summit of Women," corporate events and universities.
The new book, released on March 20, has been well received. Both Borders and Barnes & Noble reordered shipments after only four days. It was featured on CNN and "The Today Show," and could possibly become a reality television show. Ms. Blanke credits the current economic climate as an impetus for people to gravitate towards reinvention.
"Sometimes it takes a crisis to find out who the heck you are," she said. "It's about you being free, not some other time, but now."
Ms. Carr is a longtime friend of Ms. Blanke's, and has a weekend house in Falls Village. During her time as a teacher, she and a partner ran a business called Fetch and Carry. The two women would stage estate or tag sales within a 10-day prep period and then manage a two-day sale.
Ms. Carr's Good Stuff Tag Sale has been a Norfolk tradition for roughly 40 years and attracts 14 to 16 vendors. The tag sale will feature a lunch cookout in addition to Ms. Blanke's book-signing.
"We make a real party of it," Ms. Carr said.
The Good Stuff Tag Sale is located at 12 Laurel Way and runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on Ms. Blanke and her book, visit the Web site www.throwoutfiftythings.com.