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I read author Daniel Pink's comment in an Oprah interview and it really struck me- "An entire industry revolves around storing our excess stuff". Wow!
Every other corner in South Florida has some sort of storage facility on it, where many of us who traded larger homes for a piece of paradise have put all that excess stuff. And some of us have kept it there for years! Particularly now, I just started to imagine how many families there are who have nothing who could use all of that perfectly good "stuff"...
The next day I picked up a "tweet" from a friend on "Letting Go" and I was reminded of my savior, Melody Beattie, and her book, "The Language of Letting Go", the contents of which has helped me keep my sanity during some challenging years.
Why do we choose to hang on What is the thing that makes it impossible for us to let go of old "stuff"Whether we can touch it or we feel it, it's still "stuff" we're clinging to.
For each of us, the reasons are different, and I don't have all the answers, but I do know, that when I declared to the world that I was going to begin to clear out my "stuff", and I started getting rid of it, new possibilities emerged. And I'm certain that it's that simple.
Have you ever raised guppies in a fish tank with your kids Did you notice what happens when the fish multiply to the point of the tank being full The fish stop reproducing! The environment can't take on any more without harming that which exists already. So, if your environment is overflowing with stuff, and your mind is clinging to old beliefs and patterns, nothing new can be added. There just isn't any room. Simple.
It's OK not to make this a monumental project-one box at a time will do. And yes, it takes time. This is not a weekend project. It took us years to collect all that "stuff", so give yourself permission to take some time to get rid of it. I did.
Thrift Stores:
For ease of disposal, Goodwill is my national organization of choice. If I decide today that I want to give something away, all I have to do is put it in my car and drive it 10 minutes away to drop it off. They are open 7 days per week. And I get a tax receipt, too. In my local area we have a great collection of drop off thrift stores that benefit a number of good causes, too. A quick internet search for Thrift Stores in your area should provide you with a list of more than you need. And for clearing out the garage of miscellaneous hardware and construction materials, there is no better solution than the Habit for Humanity Re-Stores.
Pick-up Donations:
AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) will come to your house to pick up your discards, as will most of the Veteran's organizations. Call ahead to find out what they need.
And yes, you can donate a car even if it doesn't run, and most of the processing companies will pay for the towing. Simply send them the title, and leave the keys somewhere for the towing company to find them comfortzone.
Check with your charity of choice, most have a processing partnership that in handled completely online stop procrastinating! Last year I came to terms with clearing my driveway of my quickly deteriorating 1987 Corvette by donating it to Habitat for Humanity. They got cash, I got a tax deduction, and I turned lots of negative, blocked energy into a true feeling of goodness.
Giveaway websites:
If you haven't discovered Freecycle.com, now is the time. Every area has a group. Login to become a member and start giving away your old "stuff".
Craigslist.org works, too. Both of these require some effort on your part to coordinate pickups, etc., and I suggest setting up a pickup process that does protect some of your privacy.
Consignment:
I no longer have ballgowns in my closet, but if I did, I would consider consigning them. Every area has these great shops-search your local directories and ask for recommendations from friends for the best ones. You can even consign quality furniture. Some areas have specialty consignment shops, i.e. baby and children's clothing and toys. When my daughter was little, I was a regular at these stores.
DressforSuccess.org:
How many business suits does one woman need Or shoes Or handbags Or briefcases
If you're closet is overflowing, clear out some of the items you don't wear and help a woman gain some dignity in the process. If you haven't worn it in a year, give it away, and make room for some new energy! Visit www.dressforsuccess.org for collection offices and programs in your area.
Book Exchanges:
In my area we have quite a few options for those boxes of books you've been hanging on to. "Friends of the Library" is a favorite of mine. Most libraries have a used book sale section that is filled with books donated by people like you and me. And most of the thrift stores take them, too. A word of caution, here, do make sure that they want the books you are donating, or they may end up in the landfill.
Creative Re-Use Centers:
In a few places across the country, a new donation center concept is emerging. Here in South Florida, we have Trash to Treasure Creative Reuse Center in Ft. Lauderdale and in West Palm Beach, The Resource Depot. These centers accept "clean scrap" donations of anything that can be re-purposed in a creative way. So if you're like me, and your children are now grown, and you have closets and drawers full of craft materials and supplies, please donate them to a center like these.
Re-Gift:
For some of you, this is a dirty word, but in my house, I am proud to say that I have turned many "lovingly used" items into gifts. Passing books along to friends is a favorite of mine. Attach a note and pass along your good thoughts and well wishes, featuring the wonderful benefit you received from the story or message of the book and how you wish that for the new reader.
What's wrong with sharing the joy you received from an item with someone new I learned this lesson as a child from a great aunt who lived to be 99 years old. In her later years, she began re-gifting items to family and friends when, in her words, she was still able to enjoy seeing the joy the gift brought to each of us. You too, can carry on that tradition.
And for those items that never even came out of the box, there's always the office or association grab bag event to make good use of them.
One last note on donations: With all of these options, please don't just drop a box and run. Do your homework, and make sure that the organization wants what you are bringing to them. Otherwise, your good intentions will turn into a headache for the organization, and likely, just end up in the trash.
Now for the hard part...now that you're on your way to getting rid of the stuff you can touch, how 'bout the "stuff" you can feel Remember, I mentioned "Letting Go", as in letting go of emotional baggage, old beliefs and negative self-talk...we need to do that, too.
I know it's easier said than done. So, pick up a copy of "The Language of Letting Go" by Melody Beattie, and/or "The Language of Letting Go Journal" if you're ready to begin this process, and you'll be guided along by the woman who has made helping people "let go" her life's work. You can even purchase this wonderful book of daily meditations "pre-owned" for as little as $3.94.
I choose to let go of what used to be
I choose to let go of what could have been
I choose to let go of lost loves
I choose to let go of past resentments
I choose to let go of judgements
I choose to let go of self-doubt
I choose to let go of limiting beliefs
I choose to let go of old identities
I choose to let go of expectations
and pre-determined outcomes
I know that each day I donate one more item, repeat one more affirmation, and discard one more hint of old beliefs, is a day that I open myself up to limitless possibility. And I'll take the joy that comes with that over clinging to my old "stuff" any day!
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| A few days ago I sat at my computer, willing the words to come. I watched the birds at the feeder and listened to the tinkle of the wind chime. Try as I might, not a word appeared on the page in front of me. Well, I thought, what kind of writer are you You are not qualified to write this project. I'm completely out of my comfort zone on this one. I leaned my head back, "God are you sure you want me to do this I don't think I know what I'm doing" I pushed away from my desk, played with my little dog Meko, answered a few email and prayed some more. I reached for his leash when I heard the little "ping", the noise my computer makes when I have an incoming email. I checked to see who it was from, wondering if I could ignore it and just sneak outside for a while. After all I wasn't making any headway at my computer. comfortzone The email was Jodie Bailey's blog, Faith and Fiction With a Touch of Southern Grace. Her blog was about feeling "out of your comfort zone", and not feeling worthy to do a project you feel the Lord has called you to do. I read, and re-read her words. She was feeling unworthy Is this a conspiracy Lord I immediately emailed Jodie to thank her for the blog. And to let her know I was feeling the same way probably about the same time she was. Her response to me was, "Don't you love the way God works" I smiled to myself, grabbed Meko and Bailey's leash and we went for a walk. Every step of the way I thanked the Lord for reminding me. If HE calls me to do a project, HE will give me the resources to finish it. I was having trouble starting it. So he gave me Jodie's blog. Yes, I do love the way God works.
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Not everyone in the world gets to work on their money making dream job. Besides, what is your definition of a dream job anyway A job with a friendly boss, trustworthy coworkers and work that does not require you to bear phone calls from a completely irrational client More vacation time and no alarm clock morning time for you to come Lesser hours so you can spend more time with your family Well no matter what kind of dream job you want, it certainly will concentrate on making money and spending less time on the job and more on actually having fun in life and making the best of what you have. Needless to say there are not a lot of employers who will do that for you. That is why it is important that you stop and realize exactly why you are wasting time at a dead end job making less money without any future prospects Could it be the lack of business ideas Or a lack of desire That cant possibly be it, right Well, look deep and you will find the reason is simple stage fright.
There are a lot of money making and business ideas in your mind just waiting to come out but you do not follow through simply because a voice inside your head keeps saying: What if Well with the advent of the internet there are so many more reasons why you should start making money right away! With all kinds of online money making plans and programs, you should be rich in no time. So get out of your comfort zone for a minute and think about your strongest desires what would you feel if you got them all Well there are a number of online business ideas that can be employed and put into practice by simply having a computer and an internet connection. Spend a few hours online everyday and you can make thousands of dollars and you dont even have to become a sales person. From blog based businesses to affiliate marketing techniques, there are a lot of things you can do to earn money from the comfort of your home. You will never have to worry about waking up at the irritating sound of the alarm clock again! There are some online clubs, communities and forums that can help set you in the right direction.
One of the most interesting money making idea online is the Maverick Money Makers system which can really provide you with some amazing tools and concepts that can change your life in no time and help you set up a thriving online business within a days time. procrastinating There are instructional tools and videos that facilitate the training process and the system is guaranteed to help you earn success within a day of taking part in the program. How amazing is that! Just imagine in one day you can take the first step towards becoming your own boss! Not only does this online business system provide a functional means to earn a living but it will also help you bring in a lot more money than what you are earning at the moment.
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| I believe that self discipline is the basic skill and the foundation of all other success in life therefore if we manage to improve it we'll simultaneously improve in all other areas too goal setting.
comfortzonebook This page offers various articles, videos, links and other resources that will help you to achieve high levels of self discipline and change your life for the better.
Acceptance:
Acceptance means that you look at your life and asses where are you standing right now in regards to self discipline. Until we accept we lack self discipline in some areas, its hard to move forward. Once we understand where we are, we can make a proper plan to improve our self discipline for each area of our life.
Hard work:
Hard work is a work that challenges you, both physically and mentally. Hard work makes you grow, as you constantly push to the limits and expand yourself. Develop hard work and you will greatly improve your self discipline too.
Industry:
Industry means putting in the long hours. Doing the necessary work that needs to be done. Its not the same as hard work. Hard work is doing the work that is challenging, but you can be industrious doing the regular day to day work.
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| Let's face it, leaving the country is tougher than it seems to be. Although there is the promise of a "greener pasture", getting out of your comfort zone and practically throwing yourself to a land where you're barely known is quite a scary thought comfortzone.
Filipinos are known all over the world for their warmth and that "never-say-die" spirit. Filipinos smile despite the adversities they face - no matter how life-threatening or serious the matter, Filipinos find a reason to smile, giving the world a dose of positivism. Armed with this thought, the Filipino braves a whole new world in another land.
"Homesick" is a word mostly heard from overseas Filipino workers (OFW). There's no rice, palabok, bagoong, manggang hilaw and isaw in the land of pasta, pizza and burgers; they miss the Sunday family lunch after hearing Mass, the fiestas and the lazy afternoons spent hanging out with neighbors. And of course, they miss their families goal setting.
But a Filipino is not a Filipino without his local entertainment. A night used to not be complete without watching his favorite hero on TV. Sunday afternoons are fueled by the latest showbiz tsismis. But he's far away from all that now.
Taking advantage of everything technology has to offer, somekeyword brings the Filipino abroad closer to home by giving him the easiest access to his favorite TV shows: through the Internet. What makes myPinoy.TV's service perfect is you're free to choose what shows or movies you like to see and pay only for just that - no other fees or lock-in periods. If you want to watch more, there's somekeyword, which gives you unlimited access to all channels.
With a wide variety of channels to choose from, there's one for every Filipino in myPinoy.TV. The somekeyword channel caters to those who are hooked to Asian dramas from Taiwan and Korea; teleserye fanatics have a place in the somekeyword and somekeyword channel, updated to match what you're looking for. Basketball in the Phillippines is like no other, so myPinoy.TV streams the latest PBA games live straight to your computer. Plus, get to watch previous games when you subscribe to the somekeyword channel. Be updated with what's happening in the Philippines with news updated daily, and get to see award-winning news and public affairs programs at the somekeyword channel.
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