Clutter Shows Up in the Darndest Places!

Do you collect greeting cards so you can snag the perfect one at a moment’s notice?  I do too. Most of the time, it’s been a great system. Tonight, though, it struck me that I’ve got some really, really old clunkers. Clearly I must have thought they were great at the time (like 20 years ago!), but now they are clutter. That means they are also an energy drain, pure and simple.

How so, you ask? I didn't really notice that each time I've gone through my growing stack of cards, I've reread the same oldies, but not goodies, and then just kept returning them to the bottom of the stack. Big sigh. Tonight that changed. 

A good friend was recently named “Volunteer of the Year” by the non-profit organization she serves. As I was looking through my trusty stash for the perfect congratulatory card, I realized I didn’t have a single one. I did (note…did), however, have a few ancient Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day, get well, belated birthday cards, and graduations cards, and more.  Many were with themes that are no longer relevant. 

Then it hit me. I don't have to reread those outdated cards ever again. Instead I had in front of me the perfect opportunity for a "it’s the thought that counts!" moment. So, I grabbed one of those ancient Valentine’s Day cards, scribbled my sincerest congratulations to my friend, slapped on a stamp, and sent it off.  Then, I grabbed all of those old cards, wrote funny and loving notes to friends and family, slapped on more stamps, and stuck them in the mail.  

I’m guessing there will be plenty of confusion—like why did my childless girlfriend get a Father’s Day card?—but hopefully plenty of laughs, too. Best of all, I turned an energy drain into an impromptu decluttering project à la a genuine act of love. What could be better?  I challenge you to do the same. If you do, let me know what you did and how it went in the comments below.