Kick It To the Curb With Kindness

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“In the process of letting go you will lose many things from the past, but you will find yourself.” – Deepak Chopra

It’s probably no surprise to anyone that my house has kid clutter. After all, I live with a five-year-old and nine-year-old. But I try on a regular basis to give things away as we grow out of them.

This has sometimes caused a problem. When Mr. D sees pictures of himself playing with something in the past like a Radio Wheel tricycle, it often spurs an idea that he wants to play with that now. The idea that he has grown too big for the objects doesn’t quite land. And the truth that I kicked it to the curb (with a free sign) isn’t very popular with him either.

But Michelle Oram (Boomer Eco Crusader) has given me an idea of a better way to do it. With Clutter Tales!

This idea comes from Michelle’s blog series called Clutter Tales. In the latest episode of the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast, Vicki Atkinson and I talk with blogger and retirement specialist, Michelle about her these stories she’s written about the objects she’s decluttered.

We all love Michelle for her grounded approach to decluttering and the accountability example she provides.

She shares some of that and more in this episode featuring her clutter tales.

Michelle provides a great approach with what to do as we declutter and uncover the wonderful memories that are stashed in the objects we’ve hung onto. By writing out those stories, Michelle shows us how we can hang on to the essence even while saying “thank you” and letting go the objects.

So Vicki and I laugh along as we talk about a piece of French homework from the 80’s.

And we appreciate the greater lessons taught by an effective high school teacher.

This episode is a fantastic dive into how we celebrate and share the life we’ve lived while freeing up space for the life we have now.

I’m certain you’ll enjoy the scenic and beautiful places we go when we share the power of story.

We know you’ll love it!

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to it from your computer on Anchor: Episode 81: Clutter Tales with Michelle Oram

AND subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

Transcript for this episode:  Episode 81 transcript

Links for this Episode:

Boomer Eco Crusader – Live Green | Declutter | Simplify Life

Clutter Tales Archives – Boomer Eco Crusader

Other Episodes with Michelle:

Episode 39: Renaissance Woman with Michelle Oram

From the Hosts:

Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

(featured photo from Pexels)

27 thoughts on “Kick It To the Curb With Kindness”

  2. Here’s to the retirement specialist, Michelle. Too many think retirement will just be a matter of doing nothing, when, in fact, doing something that matters is ever more important.

    Liked by 4 people

  4. Mr D and I have something in common. It took two of my three kids leaving home for me to realize that it was time to give away the old race track and connects amusement park ride that we had gotten them. Ugh. Yes, I’m the real kid in the family. Ha ha! Thanks for the nudge to tidy up and find new uses! Ha ha!

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  5. OMG Wynne, this reminds me of the book I read earlier this year, “Nobody Wants Your Sh*t: The Art of Decluttering Before You Die” by Messie Condo. I’ve been throwing away, recycling or donating stuff that I felt I no longer needed here and there, but of course the mounds of more stuff seem to rise like the sun. UGH! 😝 So now, my husband and I have been pulling out stuff from the closets that have been hiding for years now. So we have mobilized our determination to declutter consistently and as expeditiously as we can. Our mindset is quite different now. Thanks for sharing Wynne! 🥰💖😄

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      1. LOL 😂😝🤣 Wynne, thank you for keeping us grounded on so many levels. This time it’s about our clutter and I’m about to do a little mountain climbing practice with mine! 😜 Have a FANtabulous weekend my dear.

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  8. I’ll listen to get some decluttering tips. I’ve promised to declutter the guest closets in our house where I am storing things I don’t want to part with. When we went to Salt Lake City to visit my husband’s childhood friend in July, the friend gave my husband a project they worked on in fourth grade.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. From fourth grade? That’s incredible. Imagine the story that project could tell about all the places it has been! What did your husband do with it once your friend gave it to him?

      Liked by 1 person

  10. I enjoyed your conversation with Michelle. I can see how decluttering is a trickier premise with young kids. Truthfully, I just throw it out when they’re not around. 😆 But I can see how a similar exercise can be healing and provide closure for kids too!

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  11. Thank you for the great quote and podcast share. Looks like a great resource. I’ve let a lot go over the last few years, but there is always room for improvement. 👍🏻

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  12. French homework from the 80s! Ha! This is a delightful topic, and I can so relate about getting rid of a little boy’s toys that he’s grown out of. I have frequently had to tell people when I list stuff on-line, “Please come during the school day, so my son doesn’t see you taking it away.” 😛

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