Appreciation vs. Love

There are so many things in our home that we hold onto because we think we should or because one day we might need them.  If things are making you miserable today why would they bring you happiness in the future?  Just because you appreciate something doesn’t mean you love it. 

 You can find something beautiful but realize it serves no function in your life.  Don’t hold onto things you don’t love just because you think they are pretty, envy inspiring, expensive or because you "should".  If you don’t look at it and smile, find a function for it, or need it to live, let it go. 

Don’t hold fiercely onto things because "someday" you may need it, want it, or use it. In this day it is not difficult to replace the clutter in your life.  But it costs money you may say, to that I say if you need it, you will find a way.  If you don’t love it, you will not miss it.  But so-and so might need it. Ok let's call right now and ask.  That is only an excuse to not make a decision. Remember that clutter is simply a series of unmade decisions. Just because you don’t decide doesn’t mean it isn't there. 

When you move you should unpack everything so it is out and accessible to you. If you don’t find it necessary to unpack certain things, you don’t need them! Don’t drag boxes around with you move after move.  You are literally hauling baggage. 

Wouldn’t it make you happier to know that something of yours was passed onto another person that loves and uses it?  Or,  would you rather leave it in a box in the garage to bring you stress and angst every time you look at it, move it, dust it, kick it, dread unpacking it?   

Let me ask you this, if you don’t change your behavior, in terms of getting your home in order, now, how will you feel continuing to live this way?  What is it that’s holding you back?  Did you answer fear, laziness, not knowing where to start? 

If you can identify the barrier, stand in front of it and chip away at it.  Eventually you will knock it down.  You first have to be honest with yourself.  At first you may not love the answer.  But,  if you sod it, water it and feed it eventually it will grow.  Before you know it change has occurred and life is better. 
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I will leave you with a challenge.  Find something in your home that you know you don’t love.  Ask yourself would I buy this today if I saw it? If someone gave it to you do you think they would want it to bring you anything but happiness?  Just because you can see the value in something doesn’t mean it is valuable to you. Learn to distinguish the difference between love and appreciation and you will be clutter free in no time!