Many of us have some sort of clutter. It may be
emotional
clutter in that we have so much going on in our life it is overwhelming
us or even smothering us. Saying no can be a difficult
decision.
But what will it take for us to say no? For most of us it
takes a
lot. A lot to the point we snap or fly off the handle. Rather than
allowing things to build up we must step back and realize the truth of
the matter.
- We cannot change others, only ourselves
-Saying no is not the end of the world
-Allows others the opportunity to step up to the plate and accept their
own responsibilities
-Allows others the opportunity to grow with their own independence
-Teaches us to take care of ourselves first and foremost
-Allows us to grow and become a stronger person
-Saying no frees us to do what we have to do for daily living
Decluttering does not automatically mean getting rid of people in our
life completely. We must learn to step back and take care of
ourselves first before taking care of others. If we want to be a
responsible influential party we must take care of ourselves first.
One of the ways we can do this is to say no and allow others to take
responsiblity and step up to the plate. While this is
difficult
in the beginning it is very important that we choose to allow others to
grow from experiences whether they have consequences or not.
Consequences can be difficult but how can anyone grow in a positive
direction if they do not learn lessons to become a more mature,
responsible person?
We all have friends who dwell on the negatives of life.
Look at those who are ill continuously. Do they talk about their
illnesses, aches, pains and other physcial issues constantly?
Do
they talk negatively about being overweight all of the time?
Realize that negative people WILL bring you down. Sometimes
it is
for the best that you step back and say No, I choose to be around more
positive people.
No matter what the condition is, you can reverse it. Learn to become
more positive, optimistic, hopeful and most importantly, happy.
Why do many people who have an illness or are overweight stay the way
they are?
They focus on the negatives.
Changing to a positive attitude will not happen overnight though. It
takes determination, practice and support from others to stay with the
"program."
One of the first things you Must do is every morning think of at least
three to five things you are grateful for. It doesn't matter what they
are. Just say outloud what you are grateful for. Review your attitude
after one week, two weeks, three weeks and then a month. Has
your
attitude gradually changed to a more positive one? Keep going.
We all love to collect things though some of us take it to a higher
level. So why do we collect and not let go? Collecting things that we
cling on to from our past may build a sense of complacency. We hold on
to them because there is a sense of safety. After collecting and
collecting and collecting, our environment feels like a warm,
comfortable, safe place we do not want to walk away from. Fear can even
build up especially at the thought of letting it go.
We are strong people that are full of power and security. We have to
let go of all that holds us back from growing.
You do not necessarily have to throw things away that are of
sentimental value. Consider its importance and how useful it really is
in your life. If you have the room such as a small closet,
pantry
or storage shed, condsider using that space by putting collectibles and
other items in a storage tote. Consider rotating the items if you so
choose. If you already have items in storage totes that you
have
not touched in half a year or more, consider having someone else help
you out by going through the items so you won't slip back into old ways
and want to keep everything.
Keep in mind there are always people out there who actually are in need
of items even if they are knick knacks. There are families
who
have lost their homes through natural disasters such as tornadoes and
floods. Families who have experienced fires or even evictions. In most
towns there is always someone in need.
Take into consideration donating to an organization such as Goodwill.
Goodwill provides employment to individuals who otherwise would not be
able to work in most job settings. Your contributions allow Goodwill to
maintain their store buildings and employ people. Typically Monday
through Saturday there are Goodwill donation stations open throughout
the day to drop off donations.
Look for donation boxes from organizations that accept donations.
Churches also may have thrift stores that operate solely on the sales
of donations provided.
Women's shelters may be in need of women and children's clothing
especially when women leave with nothing but the clothes on their body.
Habitat for Humanity in many areas offer stores that have donations
from people who are remodeling their homes, have left over building
materials or are spring/fall cleaning. Proceeds from sales of the
donations go towards future homes being built.
If you are in need of some extra cash and have some time to take
pictures and write descriptions as well as have basic knowledge of
computers and the internet consider using Ebay.com. Ebay can
be a
great resource for those who have the time to list items for sale and
when sold, take them to the post office or a UPS drop off.
Even having a yard/garage sale should you have the time to do so can
help you get rid of the clutter. If you have someone making
an
offer to help you get rid of stuff near the end of the day let them
take it all.
Should you be having great difficulty going through items consider
having a friend take over for you or with you. It is very
important that we declutter ourlives in order to receive more.
In order to receive more we must continuously declutter and give away
items if we want to receive more and / or better things.
If
we choose to hold on to things we constrict the flow of abundance.
This holds true for tithing. When we hold onto
money rather
than freely give we restrict the flow. To unblock we have to
declutter, give away freely.
Start out slowly if need be and affirm to yourself everyday morning and
at night that you can freely give to others.
Write in a journal to remind yourself everyday that you are a strong,
loving and giving person.
In one week reflet back on the changes that have occured. Repeat again
in two weeks and then a month. Has your life changed for the better?