Thursday, September 20, 2018

Give Away Your Old Stuff: Keep Only What You Love


Said it before and I’ll say it again, we have too much stuff which might be  useful to others
Photo of El Cerrito Recycling Center - El Cerrito, CA, United States. A sort of Free Library.

Do a favor for those in need and give away some of the things you no longer need or use or wear.  Others would be happy to have it and it will help you simplify your life and enjoy your time more.  Find a few locations that you can drop off your stuff or call an organization that collects your goods to redistribute to those in need. There are Goodwill’s or Salvation Amy centers in every town, large or small so you can donate there to help others and quickly.
ation Amy centers in every town, large or small so you can donate there to help others and quickly.

You should only have possessions you really love; don’t let your things possess you. I have a neat-looking “outbox” on my front porch I fill during the week with items I can take to the Reuse Center at my neighborhood recycling center. As the days go by, magazines, extra pots and pans, odd cups and dishes, old electronics and anything that no longer has a place in my home goes there.  My partner and I go there at least twice a month and it simply feels wonderful.  The center has a lot of regulars and we are now recognized as purveyors of 100% discount bounty such as scented candles, barely-worn scarves, office supplies, crockery and superb magazines as we are a household of voracious readers. I have seen amazing trades at the Reuse Center and witnessed a musician sit down and play a free sitar  with virtuosity while a family with young children got a sorely needed washing machine and dryer. Moments like this remind me of the visionary pagan teacher and writer, Starhawk’s novel, The Fifth Sacred Thing,  depicting a future where people return to a barter system and live harmoniously in community.
Take only what you need and share anything extra with your own neighbors

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