Rationalizations that Keep You Cluttered, Part 3

"It was a gift, so I can't get rid of it."

Gifts are an emotional landmine. So many of my clients struggle to downsize anything that was given as a gift, even if it isn't suitable to the person's tastes. There is just something about donating or throwing out something that was given to you that just makes you feel bad.

But take heart! If you would like to lighten your load and are looking for permission to declutter your excess (including gifts), I am here to give it to you. Gifts are not actually about the ITEM. They are given as a symbol of thoughtfulness, a way to tell someone you love that you were thinking of them and are hoping to brighten their day. Gifts are NOT intended to be used to shame or guilt the recipient into feeling like they have to hold on to it until the end of time. The positive feelings of a gift transcend the actual material possession, and if for whatever reason keeping it does not make sense for you - either it doesn't suit your tastes, you don't have room in the house, or whatever reason you have - the recipient is free to do with it what they wish.

Letting go of gifts can be tough, but we can all agree that relationships are so much more important than stuff. Who's going to join me in a guilt-free gift-giving revolution?!

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