New Year, New Start: Day 9

Is your music collection no longer in tune? Has your “groove thang” stopped shaking? Are you waiting for 8-track tapes to come back? Somewhere on that shelf or in that cabinet is a free CD that some promo sent your way, or that you picked up for 1.99 and listened to once. Just one. There is just one CD or tape that you can say goodbye too. It’s a start.

New Year, New Start: Day 8

Let’s get personal. Somewhere in one of your dresser drawers is an item that has holes, a frayed hem, stretched out elastic, or spots that will not come out. (I am not mentioning any unmentionables, but if one of  your underwires has sprung and threatens to give you a body piercing, then you might need to pay attention.) You are a person of dignity and worth who deserves better!  Out it goes.

Reminder – Notice I did not ask you to buy a replacement item. Sometimes we need to see that surrounding ourselves with good things doesn’t mean having more things, it means paring down so that only the best remain.

New Year, New Start: Day 7

Baubles, bangles, and …beadless, backless, and broken.  Take a jaunt through your jewelry box and throw something away! If you need help deciding what is no longer in style, find a teenager. Trust me, if it makes them roll their eyes – out it goes!

New Year, New Start: Day 6

The games people play…or don’t! It might have been fun once, but perhaps a piece or two is missing, no one remembers the directions, or your kids have simply aged out. Tastes change so do people. Don’t hang on to something that’s not useful any more.

This is a good time to put in a note about blessing others. Why keep something that someone else might be able to enjoy?  Sometimes we need help to recognize what should have gone in the trash a long time ago. Other times we need a gentle nudge to let things go and let them have a new home. If one of your games or puzzles (in good condition!) can be shared, and it will take you less than 5 minutes to put a “donation bag” in your trunk, then go right ahead!

New Year, New Start: Day 5

Let’s spice things up! Oops…not with those old things. Something in your spice cabinet has definitely lost its savor. I’ll save the “fresh herbs” post for later, but for now – find an ancient bottle or tin and pitch it. Your palate will praise you.

New Year, New Start: Day 4

Somewhere there is a stack of magazines that you are meaning to read “someday.” Guess what? Life goes on and whatever benefit would have been gained by that bit of information buried in those pages, has since been lost by the negative impact of walking by that stack and feeling guilty. Pick one issue and toss it.

New Year, New Start: Day 3

Sundays are a day of rest, to be set aside and focused on others. Did you know the Lord builds in 52 days of vacation for you every year? What a blessing! Share one of your biggest, brightest smiles with someone today.
"A glad heart makes a cheerful face..." Proverbs 15:13