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What are your beliefs regarding a gift given to you? Meaning, what would you like to do with your unwanted gifts?
So what does one do when they receive a gift they dislike, or don't need another one of? Do you grin, politely say thank you, and toss it onto pile of other unwanted, unused gifts? You couldn't bear to give it away to someone that could use or love it. You feel guilty if you do.
There's no one here to judge you. What do you feel like doing with all gifts you've gotten and never used?
How can you stop feeling guilty of holding on to piles of gifts that are unwanted by you but that might be treasures to someone else?
1. Stop living with fear that gift giver might inquire about their gift. As Paula Langguth Ryan talks about in her seminar, "Break Debt Cycle for Good,"..."If gift giver asks where their gift is that you have given to another, you might reply something like: So and so admired it so much or was in need that I gave it to her."
2. Choose not to feel guilty, and give up blaming others for your guilt beliefs. Today, choose your own beliefs of what you can do with gifts that are given to you.
3. Take risk today of overcoming your fear of losing relationship with gift giver, and of overcoming guilt of giving gift givers gifts away. If your relationship with gift giver is good and supportive, I believe they will not judge you but rather support you in your choice to share your gifts.
4. Replace your negative feelings, guilt and fear, with positive feelings. It's really okay to let go of things that belong to you that you no longer use or have a need for.
5. Give yourself permission TODAY not to feel guilty and to let go of all your unused and unwanted gifts.
6. Have courage to get rid of gifts that are taking up your precious space.
7. Don't judge yourself or let others judge you for sharing your gifts with others.
8. Remember gift givers aren't responsible for your happiness or your stuff...YOU are!
Tips to help you receive gifts you REALLY want:
>>Start keeping a gift list of every dream, desire, and whim of things you want or need. Don't think of cost, and please don't think you are not deserving.
>>Share your gift list when asked what you want. Don't be shy about this.
>>Be specific, if you want a particular book, list author and name of book.
>>List your sizes, and color preferences.
>>Give gift giver three to four choices with different price ranges.
>>Don't give same list to everyone.
Following above steps will lift burden of gift giver of trying to stand in your shoes, and decide for you what you need or could use. And believe me, gift giver will appreciate a gift list more then a, "I don't need anything." Don't forget to get same information from others when you become gift giver.
The things you have around you should nurture you, and give you positive energy. So, clear off tops of your closets, corners of basement, and attic of all gifts you've stashed away, never used, and give all that stuff away, today, freely, and hang your gift guilt beliefs up forever!
**** For additional help: The Organizing and Feng Shui Wizard, Janet L. Hall, FSII has a FREE newsletter, OverHall IT! at http://www.overhall.com/newsletter.htm and many organizational products for your office, home, and computer at http://www.overhall.com/products.htm Janet is a Professional Organizer, Certified Feng Shui Practitioner, Speaker, and Author and can help you regain control of your life, your time, your stuff, and your environment.
Copyright Ó 2001 by OverHall Consulting P.O. Box 263, Port Republic, MD 20676 All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce, copy, or distribute so long as article is kept intact, this copyright notice and full information about contacting author is attached.
For additional help: The Organizing and Feng Shui Wizard, Janet L. Hall, FSII has a FREE newsletter, OverHall IT! at http://www.overhall.com/newsletter.htm and many organizational products for your office, home, and computer at http://www.overhall.com/products.htm Janet is a Professional Organizer, Certified Feng Shui Practitioner, Speaker, and Author and can help you regain control of your life, your time, your stuff, and your environment.