Progressive Choices

From a Woman’s Perspective Column by Marilyn Wetston

Creating a good circle is a win- win situation.

The holiday season has passed. In December and January we likely pulled our winter wardrobe together, shopped our selves silly for gifts, partied and rung in the New Year..Now what?

The gray days of winter are likely to be more frequent than days when the sun will shine. So what can we do to brighten the gray days?

First, be thankful for your bounty. You are truly blessed if you have your health. Remember your friends and family. They are still there to warm your heart even if the holidays have passed. Make plans to get together and share that warm feeling again now. It doesn’t have to be a religious or national holiday to have a special gathering. If you have socialized enough and need a break, there are other ways to warm your heart, avoid the winter blues and move into spring.

Examine your closets..how many coats do you really need? Pull the coats and jackets you are keeping just because you own them. Keep the ones you wear and donate the surplus. Remember there are individuals who don’t have even one warm jacket. They will treasure your old favorite. Now sort through your scarves and gloves. Again eliminate your surplus. Next review your winter wardrobe. Most of us have items that are perfectly good but we never wear them. Why save these garments? Remember those less fortunate than yourself and be generous. Giving to a good cause is its own reward. You’ll find that it will light your heart to gift your useful extras to your less fortunate neighbors. Don’t hoard. That old suit you rarely wear will make a perfect job interview suit for someone and be the one they gladly use every day.

If you have recently re-decorated your home and have new items to use, pack up the old dishes, pots, pans, cutlery, towels and bedding. Once again your surplus will be treasured by individuals that have little or nothing. Do remember that items should be gently used. If something is totally worn don’t donate it it is time to throw it out.

If you are one of those special people who have donated in advance of this season there are still things you can do to brighten up your days. Gift yourself to a good cause. Simply call an organization who’s cause you believe in and lend them a hand. Cancer patients need drivers, children need big brothers and sisters and the list goes on.

Want to organize your closet? If you don’t know where to begin simply send a self addressed envelope or visit me at Marilyn’s 200 Spadina Ave., Toronto, Ont. M5T 2C2 to obtain a Closet Organizing Instruction sheet. Next issue, it will officially be spring and I will walk you through the closet organizing process.

In the meantime, keep busy, do good deeds and you’ll never be oppressed by the Winter Blues. You will also create a good circle. By organizing your closet and home you will make your living space efficient and by donating your extras you will be giving to those in need and making there lives a little easier.