This month, let’s chat about the gifts folks have given you in the past, that you might not want any longer. (Or maybe never did)
I hope this finds you all smiling and enjoying the little spring snow we just got.
I wanted to shout out a big huge THANKS to all of you who offered your feedback to the last Newsletter. Lots of you shared your appreciation to know of some of those new destinations to land your released items. How WONDERFUL!! If you didn’t get a chance to read it, here’s a link to it on my website.
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This month I feel like having a little cheer-leading session in regards to you letting go of those gifts that no longer serve you- as well as the guilt, fear, attachments, etc. that are wrapped (with a sticky wrapping paper) around that process.
Consider the giver’s intention in giving you the gift and take a moment to honor that and know they would probably want the gift to be used and appreciated. Consider the radical idea that it’s okay if that person is not you. If you release the item with thanks in your heart to a local Thrift Store, know that the next owner will have chosen this item to use, appreciate, and care for.
That is far more honoring to your friend ‘s intention who gave you the gift vs. holding onto it forever possibly resenting the fact that you’ve had this item you’ve never liked, nor wanted. Or…you could put it in your own “gifts to give” pile and re-gift it-but think about the pressure you are putting on the next recipient.
Releasing clutter is and can be a freeing experience that will more than likely transfer into other areas of your home and possibly life. This is a kind gesture to yourself-a gift if you will…:)
Consider making a kind declaration to your family and friends-no gifts please. Clutter stresses our family out due to our small space and our desire to live simply. If you really want/need to provide a token of your love, appreciation, celebration, etc. we would love the experience of a dinner out at (insert your favorite restaurant here), or some other activity/experience YOU personally will enjoy that does not involve clutter in your home. A pedicure, spa credit, comedy club tickets, etc.
Experiences vs. Objects is definitely the way to go these days.
During more than a few client sessions this month, the topic of “releasing” gifts that were given to them came up. These gifts had been held onto, sometimes for decades, due to the emotional wrapping around them.
Oftentimes, the client will hold up an item and I can literally see them deflate; their shoulders hunch, their faces tend to instantly express guilt, sadness, and/or confusion. It’s a pretty dramatic shift inside a very short moment.
The common question that typically follows is:
“Am I a bad friend son / daughter/ husband / wife / mother / coworker if I don’t want to keep this?”
My consistent and unwavering response (for 12 years) is a resounding NO! Keeping something in your home that does not bring you joy simply creates clutter and wastes space. Not to mention all the emotional baggage that appears to to be attached to the item: guilt, self judgement, feelings of ungratefulness, fear of hurting someone’s feelings, etc.
Typically in our culture we give gifts because we’re supposed to. It’s customary and definitely on certain occasions it’s expected-birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, holidays, etc.
That’s a lot of gifts coming at you over the course of your life. Objects you did not make the choice of whether you wanted it or not- but it’s now yours.
