Energy in your living space & how do you feel about re-gifting...?

As I've become more aware of the energy of clutter, space and how to arrange your living environment I'm pickier about what I bring into my home. I feel of late I'm on a constant quest to clear my home of unnecessary objects, papers, etc.

We have a relative that means well, but sends me items that she personally enjoys collecting. While it's good to know something she enjoys (I've taken to buying her this item for holiday gifts), it's not something I enjoy. I appreciate her thinking of me, but I dislike her sending me these items that I have to find a place for.

I've been watching a show called Neat, which I really like. It's about a professtionl organizer that goes to people's homes and helps them clear clutter, organize their space, etc. I pick up great tips from her!

In one of her episodes, she spoke of re-gifting. A couple had a hard time parting with a wedding gift, neither of them cared for but both felt badly getting rid of, as it was a gift from someone they care about. She told them the object and their feelings about it, were creating negative energy in their home. They really didn't want it, and resented having to find a place for it, etc. So she spoke to them about giving it away. This made me think about my situation.

How do you feel about re-gifting? In other words, giving an item to someone else, charity, selling it on ebay, etc. Do you feel it's wrong? Or is this a positive way of passing along something that doesn't suit or serve you or your personal space?

:hi:

I personally wouldn't sell it, but I wouldn't say that I think that it's wrong to sell it.

I personally wouldn't give it as a present to someone else, but again, I wouldn't say that that's wrong.

My husband always says "Every invitation doesn't have to be accepted." The same logic goes for gifts that we receive, in my opinion.

:hi:

Every invitation doesn't have to be accepted. That makes so much sense!

I threw ebay and re-gifting in, as I know that is how some choose to get rid of things. I haven't as of yet, but doesn't mean I won't or that I'm opposed to it.

Usually, dh just takes item to his work and leaves them out on a table and tells everyone if they are interested to help themselves. It's a pretty good system as he hasn't returned home with any items yet. :)

(Although they don't know that I'm the one who puts the things out, I still get the appreciation vibes.)

If it's something really nice, I try to think of a friend or family member who might need something like it.

I've even gotten to the point with some of my close friends and close family members where I tell them that I'm just not going to use it. I say it in a really nice way, so they always take it really well. ( I wouldn't say this to someone who would be insulted.) I just explain to them that I don't want their hard-earned money to be wasted, which really is the truth.

unfortunately, she has very poor boundary issues. She doesn't know how to set them, and gets offended and insulted when others attempt to set them in regard to her.

The path of least resistance has been to be thankful and gracious. Given this is the third time she is sending me this kind of item, I've got to start giving them away. LOL!

When it was candles, I happily took them!! The candles she sent were absolutely the best candles I've ever owned. In fact, dh and I loved them so much, we sought them out and now buy them on ebay. Seriously, they are that good!

But unfortunately, I just have no use for this item at all. I've never been big on bric-a-brac, or little decorative items. I do sincerely wish she'd save her money--or buy them for herself.

:)

I tell myself (like you, because I do feel bad for the person, who meant well) it is ok to give away unwanted, not needed gifts and items. I have "stuff" which was given to me 30 plus years ago because of that, sitting somewhere I don't even rember where.
Is it not possible, that the gift itself being unwanted needs a "wanted" place of existence? By finding a wanted place you feel good about having made someone else happy, which happy feeling can be directly attributed to the original gift giver. (my excuse) :)
Now the hard part is moving into the action phase.

I also read for Feng Shui reasons to not pack every room to the rim, which will impede the flow of Chi.

My dilemma though is, I prefer to have a few "things" in general, but other family members differ.

:hi:

It does create good feelings to match the item to someone that will enjoy it (and wants it). :hi: I always feel better about being able to pass something along that I appreciate, but just don't have the space for.

after the 04 election I was so depressed I didn't read anything here but this forum, DIY & cooking group

i feng shuied my kitchen then and loved the`results and now getting ready to move it has been very freeing to sort, toss and pack stuff up

i ebay a`lot and will re-gift if i know the recipent will enjoy it. most of my stuff is "vintage" anyway since i rarely buy anything unless it's from a thrift store etc.


ps please excuse the typing, i'm eating with one hand while i check DU after a 14 hiur day getting this house in shape

I, too, have been ridding my house of clutter. I spent the entire weekend doing it.

OTOH, maybe it's just "spring cleaning." ;)




Cher

I hate to cook, everyone who knows me, understands this, was does my "superior" brother always
buy me, something to cook with: off it went to Katrina victims who could enjoy it.

It's funny but I feel that we are 'called' to gift things to others.

But, it's funny how the ego gets in the way! I want to keep it so badly sometimes! And, on the other hand, my hubbie gets mad at me sometimes because I give things away too easily.

I have a funny story for you! Several months ago I happened upon a book on ebay that was written by my great, great grandfather (an MD) in 1880. It was edited by my great, great grandmother, great grandmother, and great uncle. And, it was published by my great uncle. So, suffice it to say that it was a family heirloom! I found it on ebay for $10 and knew it was a steal.

When I saw it posted on ebay I instantly thought that I should give it to my cousin Julie as a wedding gift. She had just remarried, and she is the only one in the family who has become an MD. BUT, I just could not part with it!! SHAME, SHAME!

Anyway, she has been remarried for several months and I still have the book! I plan on giving it to her as a gift this June when I see her at a family gathering.:blush:

Let's hope she doesn't have to pry it out of my hands!

yourself.? It obviously means a great deal to you, and you're such a lovely person that you deserve to have something this precious.

My vote is for you to keep it! :hug:

who knows, maybe you'll get lucky twice :)

Thank you for condoning my keeping it. I think I will. My boys would love to have it when they are grown, I'm sure.

but if I were you I'd keep it and giver your cousin a platter.
You obviously like it more...

You guys have made me feel OK about being a little selfish! Thx!

care of yourself. I absolutely know that you'd be there for anyone who needed you, and you'd sacrifice your own comfort and personal desires to do it. If this book were something that your cousin needed, you'd give it to her without a second thought. Honor yourself and feel OK about giving yourself this gift which the Universe had you find. I think that it always was a gift from the Universe to you!

This book gives you joy. That's a rare thing in this world.

:hug:

Freecycle on the internet and they will direct you to your group.