Adapting to life with a health problem often brings new ways to live and new things to buy. I lost my hair because of lupus – I had to buy wigs. My wardrobe changed drastically because, whenever I go outside during the day, I have to wear long sleeves and wide-brimmed hats (no more shorts and T-shirts).

But as I accumulated the things that I needed because of my illness, I also accumulated piles of things I no longer needed. Hair clips and ties. Clothing. Old appliances that were too difficult for my arthritic hands to operate. Dishes that were too heavy to carry safely.

Instead of throwing these out, I made a careful assessment. Who could benefit from them? Where could I take them/to whom could I donate them?

Trying out one of the online auction sites was another option, of course. But there are so many people who cannot even afford to shop there, that I opted for making donations. And, when I did, the uplifting feeling was wonderful!

Not only did I feel relieved that I’d cleared some space and “moved on” from possessions that no longer made sense for me to have, but I also felt good that I could help other people, too.

No doubt about it, we who live with serious illness can make a difference in the world around us in many ways. Just look around you – your trash could very well become someone else’s treasure!

Blessings for the day,

Maureen