I can still hear my Mumsy telling me, “…don’t be a doubting Thomas!”
It will be two years this October when I retired from a career in Corporate Communications. I was running zero to sixty every single day, commuting from the Sunshine Coast to the Lower Mainland during the week and packing my “life” into weekends. While I loved the work, I was becoming restless for change. When I started Tick off the List, I began the journey to reinvent myself….it’s weird to write that but it’s true. Now I’m doing things I am truly passionate about…with a few detours along the way. Recently, I scaled back housekeeping work so that I could take on more home organization projects but not without doubting my decision. This morning I was reading the Book of James 1 NIV…If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. My faith in God has lead me to this work so this scripture has reminded and encouraged me not to doubt but to continue to believe and trust Him and the path that I’m on to help others as best that I possibly can.
Being in state of doubt can be paralyzing so can living in a mess. Living in a household that is constantly messy and cluttered can take a toll on one’s mental health. I’ve seen it, I know it. No matter the size or state of your mess, the most courageous step forward is to ask for help from a friend or family member. Be encouraged and know that you can make a fresh start! By the way, I freely donate time to share ideas and resources to get you started.
Here’s some tips to clutter free living and some ways to bless it forward!
- Books & Magazines ~ there are countless ways to donate books and magazines – consider for example donating to residents living in long term home care centres but contact them first.
- Blankets & Towels ~ your local SPCA and wildlife shelters are always in need.
- Travel Toiletries – when I was travelling for business in my past career, I used to collect hotel toiletries and ship them to the Union Gospel Mission in Vancouver. My parents and business colleagues who travelled on business would give me their unused hotel toiletries so I could fill a box for the UGM in no time. Plus I’d throw in a few toothbrushes and toothpaste I’d purchase on sale. If you have a growing collection of unused shampoo, conditioner or bodywash bottles as well as soap, consider donating them to the Sunshine Coast Community Services or the UGM. Costs you nothing but some time or postage yet life changing for those that need a little bar of soap or some hand lotion.
- Home Decor – I like simple, easy to clean living spaces so home decor is kept to things that are meaningful and that have purpose in the room. Is it time to refresh/rethink your space? Ask yourself are you using it on a regular basis? Does it have a purpose in the room? Maybe it’s time to donate it and that’s a good thing!
- VarageSale is a local buy and sell app – for any and everything else you want to part with, I highly recommend this app to connect with others in your local community. This past spring and summer I have been downsizing my garden and blessing forward various perennial plants, potted veggies, even some indoor plants. We’ve met some wonderful people through VarageSale transactions.
I started Tick off the List Home Services to help others redefine their living spaces no matter the size especially kitchens where we collect so much stuff. It can be humbling even overwhelming for people to show me their mess but I see possibilities to make it better and that gives me joy. As Mumsy used to say, you need to get into a mess to get out of one. Maybe I can help. Feel free to email me.
~ Niki | niki@tickoffthelist.ca