Being one who thinks resolutions only last as long as good intentions, I prefer to use the word goals. Hubby and I sat down last night and wrote out a few goals we’d like to achieve this year. It is a good exercise and helps us both be more intentional about making those goals reality.
The other day I read something that said if a thing is not beautiful, does not bring you joy or serve a purpose, get rid of it! I love that idea!
How many of us have things cluttering up our homes and lives that don’t have a purpose, are no longer beautiful or does not bring us joy? I know I can think of a few right off the top of my head.
Let’s make a goal in 2010 to eliminate those things that create clutter. Do you have things that are broken and not repairable that you keep around. Do you have items that make you frown when you look at them? Things that have less than happy memories attached to them? Get rid of them!
When you clear out all that extra stuff, it’s like dumping a bunch of unwanted, unneeded baggage that just weighs you down. Once all that clutter is gone, take a deep breath and look around at all the room you have to welcome new things into your home or life that do bring you joy, that have a purpose or bring beauty!
You’ll also find without all the clutter, you’ll have more room for the most important things in your life: the relationships!
Here’s to a fantastic, clutter-free 2010!
Happy Entertaining!
Savvy Entertaining 
I am determined to put your excellent advice into action this weekend. There is one thing I notice, though, about some of the decorative items in my home that no longer bring me joy or have a real purpose, per se, but they were gifts from special friends or family members.
(I guess I have to balance the guilt from departing with them against the stress from having so much clutter and go from there!) Although, I suppose if they are still beautiful, I could package them up and save them for my daughter for the day when she starts a home.
Your website is beautiful and the tips are practical. I’ve read several recipes and they sound delicious. (I am going to make that Frozen Fast Forward this week, as we have several ice cream lovers in the extended family.)
Thanks, Shanna!
Hi Kathie!
So glad you found some useful info here. Thank you very much for your kind comments!
I always think of a set of horrendous candlesticks we received as a gift from a much loved family member. They were just awful, didn’t match anything I had and every time I looked at them, they made me cringe. After a year of moving them from room to room and hating them, I finally got rid of them. The person who gave them to us never noticed and I felt such a relief in never having to see them again! There was much freedom in giving away those candlesticks and it started my interest in decluttering a lot of other things! Saving items for your daughter is a great idea!
Let me know how the Frozen Fast Forward goes over!
Thanks again!
Shanna