Useful and Beautiful
The week before Christmas while I had extra time on my hands, I went through all of my closets, cabinets, and dresser drawers, purging each one of ‘stuff’ I neither wanted nor needed any longer. I thought about how these items might be useful to other people. Some of them might even add a touch of beauty to a home or office. So I packed them up (eight grocery bags full).
I was surprised to find spices in my kitchen that were more than five years old, a few skirts and shirts that I’d had for more than ten years and hadn’t worn in all that time.
I let go of my knitting supplies and yarn. I had to face the fact that I’m simply not a knitter so why kid myself for another year? And I’ve already made a dozen or more photo albums through Creative Memories and given them to my kids and kept a few for myself. That’s it on that. No more collecting photos–except on my iPhone.
I gave up some trinkets and jewelry, cute coffee cups, and flower vases.
As I drove to the local Goodwill drop-off location I wondered if I would someday regret giving up one or more of these once precious items. But I kept on driving and finished the task. No time at my age to entertain regrets of any kind. God is leading me forward.
The garage is next. I have been holding onto tools and gadgets that belonged to my husband Charles. But he’s been gone for nearly six years and I haven’t used anything more than a screwdriver and a hammer since then. (I’ll keep those.) Fortunately, I have two lovely neighbors who are gracious in helping me with any repair that requires more than either one.
That said, guess what one of my daily readings said last week?
“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”
I smiled and nodded. ‘Thanks for the advice,’ I whispered. All that is left is truly useful and/or beautiful!
“Wanting less is a better blessing than having more.” —Mary Ellen Edmunds
As a serious clutterer this was a very good message to hear! Thank you. I’m inspired.
Thanks, Barb. So good to hear from you.
Thanks for the encouragement. I have lots of clothes in my closet that I need to get rid of since I retired. I had thoughts that maybe one day I may need an item for a special occasion but what good is it if I never use it. It may help someone that needs to work but can’t afford the right clothes for the job.
So true, Karen. That’s what motivated me. Do I really need this item or could someone else benefit from it? I love hearing from you, Karen. Seeing your name again reminds me of our fabulous bus trip. So glad we took it while we could. Take care and greet your husband for me too.
How wonderful Karen to be clear of all unneeded or useful things. Good for you! You are an inspiration for sure! I have much to do my friend…….. making a pact with myself now to do a thorough purging …… we have much too much here in our home that is not needed.
So happy you have shared this! Wendy too as she just called me and told me about it!
Bless you 🙏🏻🌟❤️
Hope you are getting your vaccines soon? My first on Wednesday this week and Don’s February 6th.
Love to you all and stay strong and healthy dear friends 🙏🏻❤️
So glad you are getting your vaccines. I have not yet heard when I can get mine. But I am on the list for CVS Pharmacy or my health provider’s office when the supply comes through. Take care. ❤️👌🙏🏻
I am very proud of you!! You really do inspire me but my motivation does not keep up with my inspiration!I also have been “cleaning out” but because of the virus situation a lot of our ‘charities’ are not accepting the items I do not want nor need, SO I am just getting things together that belong together and will try to find a way to find someone or some “place” who will accept them. I still have all of my 93rd year birthday cards and ready to trow them in the recycle bin but my daughter wanted to keep them because she knows her two daughters will want to see them and read all the notes people wrote to me~big Smile! So we are finding places to put the things that we will keep for a while and one day I am going to find someone who needs most of the things I have to give away -books included~ouch, how hard it that? But at 93 when am I going to have time to read them again-ha!
You are my inspiration and I thank you! Margaret
Thanks, Margaret. I know we each work at our own speed and inspiration so I’m sure you and Tanya will proceed as you feel led.
Like others have said, your efforts are indeed inspiring! 2021 will be the year I plan to make another deep-dive into areas in my home and garage that need attention! My prayer is that whatever I divest myself of- will end up blessing others, too!
I’m sure your discards will be treasures to others. That’s what inspired me to make the deep dive.
Thank You Karen. When I moved from San Diego to Visalia I did get rid of a lot of stuff. I now can do it again.
I have even acquired some stuff since I moved here. Clothes that I have not worn since who knows when plus other things that I simple don’t neeed.
You have inspired me to “get with it” and maybe someone can use and enjoy what I no longer need. Bless you for this blog.
You’re welcome, Joan. Enjoy the deep dive into the items you no longer need and that could bless others.
This is great, Karen. I wish I could be that industrious right now. So much needs purging here…I am not a hoarder, but do hang onto stuff with memories attached. I love the part about you admitting, “I am just not a knitter!” So good. I have so many cool cooking tools and pots and stuff I never use. I have to admit, “I am just NOT a cook” whew, I said it. I cook a few things in a few pots here and there for the two of us and the drawers and cupboards remain full of equipment not used. Maybe I will get busy. I have to be in the mood. Then I tear through stuff like a mad woman. ha ha. Always feel better after the purge. love, Heidi
Enjoy the purge, Heidi, whenever you feel motivated. We each work at our own pace. ❤️
I just took out all my every day dishes and replaced them with the china my mother bought 30 plus years ago for our wedding. Now I will use the dishwasher on these plates and enjoy them every day!
Teen Challenge will be offered my other set or maybe one of the fire victims. God knows where they are needed.
I love your idea about the china. Enjoy. I am feeling so much lighter now that I’ve let go of what I no longer need or want. May they bless those ready to receive them.
Inspiring…that’s all I can say…truly and totally inspiring.
Thanks bunches Karen.
Smiles, BRC
Thank you, Beth. Your encouragement means a lot to me.
Karen
Believe me, I can relate. I just moved back to Oregon. Purging is the best thing about moving. LOL. I’m 77 and wanted to be close to family. I left a lot up in Port Angeles in storage and will bring it back soon. It’s hard getting help because my body just CAN’T do heavy lifting anymore. Oh, I’ll get it done, NP. I’ve been back for a year now and only lived in Port Angeles for four years. I have been to the Good Will two times and will need to go a couple more times. It’s amazing how much stuff (junk) we can accumulate over the years. Well, I’ve rambled on long enough. God bless you and keep writing. Do you still edit MSS’?
Jim
Hi Jim. Thanks for sharing your situation. I get it. Things are more difficult as we age. As for editing, I do some, depends on the project. You can email me if you need more info.