I don’t know if you have this in your house, but I feel like I have this perpetual donation pile in the office. Once it gets taken away, I feel a sense of relief, but literally within a week a new pile has formed. How can this be? 
Especially since my mantra for the past 5 years has been to SIMPLIFY. Over the years I have realized that it takes a lot of time and energy to maintain “stuff.” Many Americans spend a majority of their free time maintaining stuff. I found that it was consuming me, and my time. I would rather spend that time on things that are important to me; relationships, personal growth, health, reflection, volunteering, community work etc.
In my quest to simplify, I have also realized that there is a part of me that enjoys bringing in “new” things. I get tired of my clothes, furniture, handbags, shoes etc. My challenge is to nurture this creative part of me, but also keep it within reason. If I don’t, I am back to spending a lot of time and energy maintaining a bunch of stuff. It is definitely a balancing act.
I guess in some respects the perpetual donation pile is good, because with each “new” item I bring into the house, I need to let go of something boring or stagnant. I also, need to be happy with all of the things that I currently have and maybe just freshen things up a little. Rather than replace the couch, maybe I can just replace the throw pillows. All I want is a change of pace, rather than a full overhaul.
Looking forward to another year of bringing in the new and letting go of the old.
Many Blessings,
Sharon
