ownedgirlie
Posts: 9184
Joined: 2/5/2006 Status: offline
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When I left my husband, I could only take my bed and some clothes with me (this made moving easy anyway). I was telling one of my cousins who was visiting from a recent move to Spain how cool my friends were, that they were arranging a garage-sale-hoppin' weekend to furnish my apartment. She said "Hey, silly, I just moved - I have an entire apartment in storage - take it!" She was serious. She furnished everything except a kitchen table, which she didn't have anymore. So one day driving home from work I stopped by a thrift store, not knowing it was a WEAVE store (Women Escaping An Abusive Environment). I saw a kitchen table & chairs but I couldn't afford it. It was a nice set and I was looking at it, and the store clerk said, "How does $40 for the whole set sound?" I was astonished and started crying (I'm a sap, btw). I was amazed at all the goodness. When my ex abandoned our house, he took all my belongings with him, except for several wardrobe boxes of clothes that were all very nice but (ahem) too small. I brought them all to WEAVE. My sister gave me my grandmother's kitchen table so I brought my WEAVE table back to them so they could sell it again. I give things away all the time now. Life is simpler with less. And the more I give, the more I receive (sounds cliche but it's really not). I find a lot more pleasure in giving than in having, these days. This is an awesome feeling, since I lived with a hoarder for so long. I remember years ago during one of the stretches my ex husband was jobless and we were broke, a friend of mine at work was always giving things away - to me, to others, to anyone who she thought would benefit. She took us to lunch, brought us little gifts, etc. The thing is, she didn't have a lot of money, either, but it made her feel good. I always remember her and try to honor her by doing the same for others. I don't think I could ever fill her shoes - such a beautiful spirit she is. Cali this is a great thread - So good to focus on positive, kind things!! Kudos to you!
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Good is the enemy of great.
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