Tuesday, January 02, 2007

I Dare You

Today I was visiting with a friend. We chatted about Christmas, and the burden of undesired gifts. She had a couple of gifts in particular which she simply could not use. Things that weren't her style or size or of utility to her family. Both items came from stores within 10 minutes of her house, so I suggested that she simply return them. She was hesitant, as she doesn't like returning things, especially gifts (as there's no receipt). Both stores happen to have fairly accomodating policies, so I suggested it again. She was still reluctant. So, I dared her. I made her a bet that she could do it.

This year, I dare you. You know who you are. You have some clutter, maybe a little, maybe a lot. Maybe a whole houseful. This year, I dare you to take one little step. Fill one bag or box. Take it to a charity shop, a consignment store, or the dump. But get it out of your house. Take a risk, and allow yourself the space you need to let in love, light and peace.
Posted by at

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm a day late but cleared out some written correspondence that I really didn't need to hold onto any longer.

January 07, 2007 6:16 PM
Anonymous said...

Have you read about the deadweight loss of Christmas?

http://www.newyorker.com/talk/content/articles/061225ta_talk_surowiecki

January 09, 2007 9:28 PM
Clean ClutterFree Simple said...

I love the ending of that article...
"In fact, the more we spend at Christmas, the more we waste. We might actually be happier—and we’d certainly be wealthier—if we exchanged small, well-considered gifts rather than haunting the malls. Calculating the deadweight loss of Christmas gifts is a coldhearted project, but it leads to a paradoxically warmhearted conclusion: the fact of giving may be more important than what you give. Start with “Bah, humbug” and you somehow end up with “God bless us, every one.”"

January 10, 2007 7:39 PM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)