Lighten Your Load, Lighten Your Life

I have a challenge for you.

Mostly it’s a challenge for me. I’ve decided to take on this challenge because I’m tired of the burden.

What burden?

I have too much stuff.

Too many clothes, too many trinkets, too many books, too many kitchen gadgets, mementos, mittens, cleaning supplies (that are rarely used), serving dishes, coats, and shoes. Too many pens, picture frames, craft supplies, jewelry I never wear, notebooks, candles, DVDs, plant pots, and old technology/cords/chargers.

And, also, too many intentions to sort/sift/toss/giveaway/finally use all that stuff.

I heard a sermon once about stuff and something the minister said has always haunted me. She said that for every item you bring into your life, you increase your obligations. You have to find a place to keep it, use it, clean it, dust around it, get it out, put it away, and some day agonize about getting rid of it.

I would add one other – it’s one more item to feel guilty about having.

It’s not lost on me that so many have so little, while I am burdened with so much.

So, in 2024 I pledge to give away, throw out, or donate five things in my life every day. I was going to go with one or three things, but that seemed reasonable. I believe in going big or not bothering, so I’ve settled on five.

Can I do it?

I’m honestly not sure. But that fact has never stopped me before.

I suspect that most of us have too much stuff. So I invite you to join me in this Lighten Your Load, Lighten Your Life Challenge. You don’t have to commit to five things. You could do three, or just one, or go bigger and choose ten!

I created a Facebook group (sorry if you’re not on Facebook!) where I will post what I toss, plus thoughts on the process. I’d love for you to join me there to offer accountability, encouragement, and support. And if I’m giving away something you would like to have, maybe we can find a way to get it to you.

I’m not going to limit this to just physical things. Along this journey, I hope to unload some emotional baggage and bad habits, too.

So, if you’re in, let me know.

And send a request to join my private Facebook group, Lighten Your Load, Lighten Your Life. My only rules for the group are 1) Keep it kind and 2) No selling things (but feel free to give them away!).

Ready to start 2024?

I sure am.

And if you know anyone else who might need to lighten their load (and their life), feel free to invite them to join the challenge.

Hey, thanks for reading. I know you’ve got lots of options, so thanks for sharing a few of your minutes with me.

Honored,

Cara

If you’re a writer (or you wanna be) and you’d like some guidance, editing, accountability, or some good old-fashioned encouragement in meeting your writing goals, reach out. I offer one-on-one coaching. Learn more here.

My latest novel, Blind Turn is a mother-daughter story of forgiveness in the aftermath of a fatal texting and driving accident. It won the Women’s Fiction category of the American Writing Awards in 2022. Learn more about it and find out how to get your copy here.

If you’re curious about what else I’m up to, check out my website, CaraWrites.com.

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If you’re a dog lover, check out my other blog, Another Good Dog. I also wrote by the same title about our family’s foster dog adventures.

And if you want to know what is really happening in the animal shelters in this country, visit, Who Will Let the Dogs Out, and consider subscribing to the blog I write to share the stories of shelters and rescues all over the US south.

I’d love to connect with you on Facebook, twitter, or Instagram, and I’m thrilled to get email from readers (and writers), you can reach me at carasueachterberg@gmail.com.

My book, 100 Dogs & Counting: One Woman, Ten Thousand Miles, and a Journey Into the Heart of Shelters and Rescues is available anywhere books are sold, but if you’d like some help finding it (or want to read some lovely reviews), click here.