STUFF SUNDAY

It’s that time of the year to switch clothes over from summer to fall and winter. This year, I decided to make piles of my cold weather clothes on my bed sweaters on one pile, turtlenecks, sweatshirts, winter pajamas, holiday wear, slacks, socks, slipper socks, and scarves on other piles. As the mounds started growing, I found myself becoming very overwhelmed. By mounds, I mean, thirty-two pairs of slipper socks, twenty-one scarves, and thirty-eight sweaters.  I need a disclaimer here; I am not a shopper.  Most of these items were Christmas gifts over the last two to three years. Some, I am afraid to say, still had their price tags. Although I appreciate the love and kindness of my husband and family, it is a bit much.  My solution to this dilemma is to take half of the sweaters, slipper socks and scarves to Safe Harbor, our local homeless shelter. If they are in need of more, I will be happy to make another trip. It is amazing how much lighter I feel now that I have a plan.

Now that is the end of one story and the beginning of another, “stuff” story.

Everyone has stuff. It is part of life. We also have stuff that we carry with us every day: hurt, worry, fear, anxiety, loneliness, and feeling overwhelmed; among others.  Everyone at some point in their lives has felt the effects of stuff that sometimes takes over, and nests itself within our heart and mind. Sometimes the stuff can be debilitating, almost crippling if we allow it. Sometimes the things we carry, change us to the point that other’s have a hard time seeing the good within us. Sometimes, the stuff creates walls alienating us from those we love and them from us.

None of us are perfect.  We all make mistakes, some of us more than others. But that’s okay if we learn and grow from it.

When you start to feel the stuff nudging its way into your soul, take a stand. Talk to your family and friends about how you are feeling. Understand that you are important and have the strength deep down to face anything that comes your way.

Always remember that you are never alone. You are loved beyond words and are somebody’s blessing.  When the stuff attaches itself to you, take one day at a time, breathe, smile, help others, and cherish the little things that each day brings. Always keep hope and faith in your heart  And before you know it, the stuff will become less and less. You are beautiful. I believe in you.