Bagua 2: Gifts, Ornaments, and Knick Knacks!
Welcome back fellow lovers of all things literary! How did the book decluttering go? Did you find any cash tucked in among the pages? That’s always a bonus! I’m curious to hear about it!
As I was thinking about this next life area, I realized that despite the fact that I didn’t think I had any knick knacks, looking around, I really do! I don’t so much have ornaments hanging around, but let’s dive in and see what you can find…
Welcome back fellow lovers of all things literary! How did the book decluttering go? Did you find any cash tucked in among the pages? That’s always a bonus! I’m curious to hear about it!
As I was thinking about this next life area, I realized that despite the fact that I didn’t think I had any knick knacks, looking around, I really do! I don’t so much have ornaments hanging around, but let’s dive in and see what you can find…
Bagua 2 includes gifts, ornaments, and knick knacks. According to Feng Shui For Us, this life area has to do with marriage, relationships, and partnerships. I can see how they relate to each other. I like to add tchotchkes to this list... it's just plain fun to say...
Make a Date! This should be a no-brainer by now. As it has been more than 21 days, by this time you have formed your habit. Great job! If you are staying committed and focused to decluttering, by my suggestion on Saturday or Sunday (or really whatever day works for you and your schedule or lifestyle), then proceed as usual on that day.
Make A Plan! According to FSFU, “This decluttering prescription has two stages:
Stage One:
First, look for all glass items that are broken or cracked and throw them out. No matter how much you like the item, once glass breaks or cracks, it cannot be fixed. Then, look for porcelain and ceramic items that are broken, cracked or chipped off. If they can be repaired so that the break won't be noticed, do it. If not, let them go.”
I basically agree with this. However, I have to admit that I have some items with cracked glass that I keep. One in particular that I can think of: I am a sucker for coloured glass. I have this cute little turquoise glass vase, and it does have a crack in it. I use these pieces to decorate the windowsills in my house. So for my use, this piece serves its purpose as a decoration. The glass is not sharp, but (I just checked) it definitely leaks when filled with water. So, while I am not trying to encourage you to hoard, faithful reader, I am just saying I get it. I think if it is broken, sharp, and/or dangerous, fix it or get rid of it. Period. I have been known to repurpose broken items (as shown in photos of previous blogs), but I also make a commitment to get to it right away, or dispose of it right away. End of story. Next:
Stage Two:
Look for items that were given to you by people who no longer are in your life. Keep the ones that bring you good memories, let go of those that bring you bad memories. Then, look for each item that (even though they were given to you by people who love you) either doesn’t go with your style or you simply don't like them, and let them go. If it makes you feel better, first talk to the person who gave them to you and explain that you are in a decluttering process and ask if they wouldn't mind if you donated the item they gave you to a charity, while reassuring them of your love.”
This makes sense. Again, I basically agree. However, I would also consult the giver of any gift to see if they by any chance would like the item back. If you put a lot of time and thought (or money) into a special gift for a specific person, would you want it to end up in a dumpster? FSFU recommends that we “let go of all that were given to you by a former romantic partner.” Here too, I disagree. If it is something that brings you joy, or reminds you of a good memory, or even in rare times when you are still good friends with said former romantic partner, I don’t see the harm in retaining any given piece. Unless you are in an active relationship or marriage and your current significant other does not approve. This can cause great disharmony. In this case, you should seriously weigh your options, and as above, contact the person and explain the situation to them. If they are a true friend, they will most certainly understand.
For this week, make a few phone calls. Remember to keep it short in order to stick to the task. Celebrate! by enjoying the beautiful weather. Then:
Next week: Bagua 2: Gifts, Ornaments, and Knick Knacks! Part Two!
Make a Date! This should be a no-brainer by now. As it has been more than 21 days, by this time you have formed your habit. Great job! If you are staying committed and focused to decluttering, by my suggestion on Saturday or Sunday (or really whatever day works for you and your schedule or lifestyle), then proceed as usual on that day.
Make A Plan! According to FSFU, “This decluttering prescription has two stages:
Stage One:
First, look for all glass items that are broken or cracked and throw them out. No matter how much you like the item, once glass breaks or cracks, it cannot be fixed. Then, look for porcelain and ceramic items that are broken, cracked or chipped off. If they can be repaired so that the break won't be noticed, do it. If not, let them go.”
I basically agree with this. However, I have to admit that I have some items with cracked glass that I keep. One in particular that I can think of: I am a sucker for coloured glass. I have this cute little turquoise glass vase, and it does have a crack in it. I use these pieces to decorate the windowsills in my house. So for my use, this piece serves its purpose as a decoration. The glass is not sharp, but (I just checked) it definitely leaks when filled with water. So, while I am not trying to encourage you to hoard, faithful reader, I am just saying I get it. I think if it is broken, sharp, and/or dangerous, fix it or get rid of it. Period. I have been known to repurpose broken items (as shown in photos of previous blogs), but I also make a commitment to get to it right away, or dispose of it right away. End of story. Next:
Stage Two:
Look for items that were given to you by people who no longer are in your life. Keep the ones that bring you good memories, let go of those that bring you bad memories. Then, look for each item that (even though they were given to you by people who love you) either doesn’t go with your style or you simply don't like them, and let them go. If it makes you feel better, first talk to the person who gave them to you and explain that you are in a decluttering process and ask if they wouldn't mind if you donated the item they gave you to a charity, while reassuring them of your love.”
This makes sense. Again, I basically agree. However, I would also consult the giver of any gift to see if they by any chance would like the item back. If you put a lot of time and thought (or money) into a special gift for a specific person, would you want it to end up in a dumpster? FSFU recommends that we “let go of all that were given to you by a former romantic partner.” Here too, I disagree. If it is something that brings you joy, or reminds you of a good memory, or even in rare times when you are still good friends with said former romantic partner, I don’t see the harm in retaining any given piece. Unless you are in an active relationship or marriage and your current significant other does not approve. This can cause great disharmony. In this case, you should seriously weigh your options, and as above, contact the person and explain the situation to them. If they are a true friend, they will most certainly understand.
For this week, make a few phone calls. Remember to keep it short in order to stick to the task. Celebrate! by enjoying the beautiful weather. Then:
Next week: Bagua 2: Gifts, Ornaments, and Knick Knacks! Part Two!
RSS Feed
