All good things are just waiting to gatecrash into our lives...only if we make space for them - mentally, emotionally and well, physically.
Here is a quick list of things and places you might want to 'Declutter' before 2015 ends, so that there is ample space for new, better things to get into your life in the new 2016.
Of course, the joy and serenity you experience after this exercise, all along while adding a good deal to the karma basket (in case you decide to go philanthropic and donate the stuff you aren't using) is an absolute bonus.
Here is a quick list of things and places you might want to 'Declutter' before 2015 ends, so that there is ample space for new, better things to get into your life in the new 2016.
Of course, the joy and serenity you experience after this exercise, all along while adding a good deal to the karma basket (in case you decide to go philanthropic and donate the stuff you aren't using) is an absolute bonus.
(Another thing that is an absolute bonus is the next post, which will be sort of a carry over to this one, and I think that has the coolest ideas ever published on this beloved blog of mine.)
So let's begin.
1. Honestly, I think this is the toughest part. Where and How to begin. So let's begin in the comfort zone. Our Wardrobes.
2. Let's go to the Cosmetics Dresser next. On the onset, check for expiry dates, and you can straight away get rid of that stuff. It is of no use. Period. For the remaining stuff, if you think you will be using it, stack it in some order based on their dates or usage. If not, it is best to give it away too!
3. Now comes the Shoe Rack. Anything that needs repairs, put it aside, and get it fixed in a day or two. Otherwise they will be back in their sorry state before you realize. If you aren't using any pairs, once again, it is best to give them away. Someone may keep blessing you till the time those shoes last. And maybe afterwards too.
4. Let's stroll past the Study now. Any stray papers? Documents? Pens with no refills? Useless invoices, old invitation cards, visiting cards you no more need, or some random flyers or pamphlets which at that time seemed the most important papers of planet Earth - just get rid of them. Whatever is remaining, stack them neatly and categorically. And stand there, awed at how spacious your book shelf or Study really is.
5. Tired of all the running around? Sit with your Smart Phone and Declutter it! Any apps, images, videos, that have been lying around for too long, just hit the delete button. This, I guess, would be a periodic exercise for most, but now is the time to be aggressive. Go ahead and delete all those messages from you ex. Out of sight IS out of mind. Check your phonebook, and you can even delete all the contacts that are occupying memory ONLY in your phone and nowhere else (read mind and heart). And don't worry. It is a very small world. If there is a need that you should connect with these people, or they have to connect with you, Social Media will always show a way.
6. Now let's spend some time in the Kitchen. [Time for a refill first. All this hard work would have left you starving! :) ] Then take a look at all the jars with expired dates. And you know what to do with them. Empty bottles, jars, cartons that haven't been used in a while and were 'hopefully' saved for later, throw them away. Pickles, ketchups and Jams you aren't using but which are still good, give them to someone who might. Some ceramic mugs or melamine plates, too old to use, or you are bored now and want to change them anyway, give them to someone in need.
And there...You have created so much space in your house and your life.
Give it away, 'cuz you aren;t using it.
Give it away, 'cuz someone else can.
Give it away, 'cuz you will make space for newer, better things.
Give it away, for the Joy of Giving, that will surely last your life span...!!!
So let's begin.
1. Honestly, I think this is the toughest part. Where and How to begin. So let's begin in the comfort zone. Our Wardrobes.
Take some time out over a weekend and get to this task first thing in the morning, 'cuz that is the time when you are most energetic, and the enthusiasm is almost spilling. Have your morning cuppa, put on your favorite music and let's get started.
You can take everything out, clean the shelves and now start sorting and arranging. Separate the stuff that you haven't used in the last 2 months, or since the last 6 months. If it hasn't been used yet, it surely won't be missed when it is gone.
Upcycle it, if you can, or keep it away for charity.
2. Let's go to the Cosmetics Dresser next. On the onset, check for expiry dates, and you can straight away get rid of that stuff. It is of no use. Period. For the remaining stuff, if you think you will be using it, stack it in some order based on their dates or usage. If not, it is best to give it away too!
3. Now comes the Shoe Rack. Anything that needs repairs, put it aside, and get it fixed in a day or two. Otherwise they will be back in their sorry state before you realize. If you aren't using any pairs, once again, it is best to give them away. Someone may keep blessing you till the time those shoes last. And maybe afterwards too.
4. Let's stroll past the Study now. Any stray papers? Documents? Pens with no refills? Useless invoices, old invitation cards, visiting cards you no more need, or some random flyers or pamphlets which at that time seemed the most important papers of planet Earth - just get rid of them. Whatever is remaining, stack them neatly and categorically. And stand there, awed at how spacious your book shelf or Study really is.
5. Tired of all the running around? Sit with your Smart Phone and Declutter it! Any apps, images, videos, that have been lying around for too long, just hit the delete button. This, I guess, would be a periodic exercise for most, but now is the time to be aggressive. Go ahead and delete all those messages from you ex. Out of sight IS out of mind. Check your phonebook, and you can even delete all the contacts that are occupying memory ONLY in your phone and nowhere else (read mind and heart). And don't worry. It is a very small world. If there is a need that you should connect with these people, or they have to connect with you, Social Media will always show a way.
6. Now let's spend some time in the Kitchen. [Time for a refill first. All this hard work would have left you starving! :) ] Then take a look at all the jars with expired dates. And you know what to do with them. Empty bottles, jars, cartons that haven't been used in a while and were 'hopefully' saved for later, throw them away. Pickles, ketchups and Jams you aren't using but which are still good, give them to someone who might. Some ceramic mugs or melamine plates, too old to use, or you are bored now and want to change them anyway, give them to someone in need.
And there...You have created so much space in your house and your life.
Feeling lighter? I bet.
It is almost Zen.
When you get rid of all the dysfunctional things, you automatically start attracting functional stuff. And when you give away things with a heart that is brimming with happiness because others can use it, you place yourself at the receiving end of even better things that can make you happier !!
Give it away, 'cuz you aren;t using it.
Give it away, 'cuz someone else can.
Give it away, 'cuz you will make space for newer, better things.
Give it away, for the Joy of Giving, that will surely last your life span...!!!
(Don't forget to read the next post for 10 Coolest Ideas To Try Before 2015 Ends! )
Brilliant!! You are the the most active idea box I know!!
ReplyDeleteI did quite a lot myself last week and yeah it does makes you feel lighter
ReplyDeleteThanks Shradha and Sidharth...!!!
ReplyDelete