The Power of Giving
Growing up, I watched my parents give to family and neighbors even when they had little for us. They instilled in me, and my six siblings that giving comes from the heart. My faith in God and the Word has shown me that we receive when we give. I don't have to receive monetary compensation. Just seeing the joy that someone else experiences upon receiving something that meets their everyday needs is sufficient for me. Giving can be life-changing for the giver and the receiver.
Looking around me in my own home, I see there are still things I can give or donate, and I know that someone else will be thrilled and grateful to find these treasures. For example, I took some photography courses about 12 years ago. I purchased not just a variety of equipment but many books and magazines. I let go of the books but still hold tight to some fantastic photography magazines. There's that little part of me waiting just in case. You know about that, don't you? That's a topic for another time.
I started thinking about how I have helped clients move many things forward to nonprofit organizations. After a decluttering session, I typically fill my car's back seat and trunk. Materials that nonprofits take are used or new clothing, furniture, shoes, appliances, socks, books, magazines, dishes, and so on. During Covid, it practically became a phenomenon that so much was being donated in such a brief period.
If your goal is to have a less cluttered life, then there are several questions to ask yourself. Are you okay with how much you paid for the thing but ready to move it forward? Is the object still enhancing and adding value to your life? Do you still feel joy when you see or touch an object? It's time to let go if you are questioning if it's time. It's just how to do so and feel good about letting it go. For other questions to ask yourself, read "Power of Decluttering" in the Freebies.
There are many reasons why we declutter and move items on. We could have too much stuff, and unused stuff that takes up valuable space. Too much stuff can make us feel overwhelmed, and it causes us to leave it for another day. We may have enjoyed a hobby in years past but no longer have the desire, energy, or interest. But someone else would use those yarns, paints, carpentry tools, photography equipment, etc. Nowadays, there are so many great deals and sales that it's hard to walk away. But then, weeks or months later, we realize we're not even using the thing that was so cheap. Then there are the things that have sentimental value to us and are difficult to let go. Some of these things we can give to family, take photos, or donate to a museum or nonprofit. The key is to preserve the memory, whether by telling stories to younger generations, writing a journal, or documenting the items with their related story.
Giving comes in many forms. Whether it's time, effort, money, or material things, someone will benefit from receiving and feeling the joy that moment they found the treasure or received it. Reminding myself of this gives me the strength and power to call a relative and ask if she would like photography magazines. Maybe she will enjoy them for years to come the way I did.
If you need guidance to declutter your home or office, call us at 832-686-4731 and we can schedule an on-site assessment to determine the amount of time it will take to get through the project.
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
