This is one of my favorite organizing project stories ever. Love this story, and so appropriate for this time of year. Enjoy.
"Terry" admits she get overwhelmed in attempting to stay organized. Like many of us, the dramas of life can take over and the last thing on your list of things to care for is yourself.
Terry had been hanging on to a
gift certificate for my services for 11 months. The certificate made her feel good when she received it and if she used it, Terry felt it would be gone. Finally, she broke down and we met.
We talked a bit about her goals. I gave her some ideas about managing tasks to get and stay organized. Then she told me about a craft box in her attic.
This craft box was her mother's. Terry cherished this box of craft supplies. The thing is, Terry's mother passed away
11 years ago. Yes,
11 years this box sat in her attic collecting dust and funk.
She finally decided that the time had come to part with it. Terry told me she believed,
"If you release what is holding you back, good will come back."
A woman came to Terry's home from
Freecycle to pick up her mother's craft box. The next week, there was a knock on Terry's front door.
The woman had returned to give Terry this Christmas display for her home. Made only from the items found in the gifted box. Terry immediately recognized certain parts of the arrangement that her mother decorated with. Needless to say, Terry was beside herself with joy and happiness.
I got the chills when she told me the story.
Memories of a past loved one are good. They should be honored since they played a loving role in your life. Though if you have them cramped in a dusty, funky smelling old box in your attic, is that really a positive way to remember them?
If you are not enjoying them, perhaps it is time to part with them.
Another person will find joy in the items you give.
........ And good will come back to you.
What's in your attic?
