Minimal Matters PO

These words fell out of my mouth this week while working with a lovely client. He clearly has a big heart, and truly appreciates the gifts he’s received. I imagine he feels guilty letting go of special gifts, even when they aren’t being used.

He and I are both in our 50s.

I paused to think about all the gifts I have received throughout my life. Then I tried to imagine holding on to all of them.

I am certain that the loved ones giving us beautiful things would not want us to stress over letting go of their gifts if we aren’t using them. We aren’t honouring the person giving, nor the item itself when it’s simply collecting dust.

We only have so many days on this earth to use our things. If we find that we don’t need something, let’s give ourselves permission — without guilt — to gift that gift to someone else who will put it to good use.

Okay.

Maybe not EVERYONE will catch a smile or the decluttering bug, but I know which of these I’ll be trying to spread.

Your home is not a retail store.

The look may take some getting used to, but it’s okay to have some white space. An empty drawer, a clear shelf, a blank corner, a free cubby.

You’re the boss of your home. Want some clarity? Room to breathe? Some white space? Go ahead and create it.