Selling online may have uncovered a part of me I didn’t know I had.

The other day my daughter came by the house and wanted some black eye liner. She knew that I would probably have plenty as I used to sell Avon and that mom just doesn’t wear makeup anymore. I used too everyday it was a ritual.

However after 5 children 4 of which were girls, I was just always exhausted and quit caring about getting up early enough to put makeup on.

Not to mention that my husband made me feel as though I didn’t need it or shouldn’t wear it. Not that he meant too because he always told me that I was beautiful with or without makeup, but if I did on rare occasion put it on he would say where are you going or who are you trying to impress. It was easy to just quit wearing it.

Anyway, after asking for the eyeliner she politely thanked me and said I knew you would have plenty you hoard makeup in a joking manner. But then I got to thinking am I seriously a secret hoarder?

I mean I have boxes of things that I will probably never get unpacked after my move because I do not have enough space to put things away….

But my other daughter accused me of hoarding office supplies a few years back. My son wanted a bottle of Ketchup one time and he said mom I know you probably have like 10 bottles can I come get one.

I still have online business although it is not Avon, Lingerie, Tupperware or Home Interiors these days, and when the kids were little it was more a hobby I sold stuff to earn free stuff because I couldn’t afford to pay full cost for everything that I wanted.

Now I sell Christian Based Products….

I admittedly have many Bibles, Journals, Scrapbooking supplies and Books that I wonder if I will ever read about business.

Yet still to this day I can not go into a thrift store without buying clothes and books and I can’t go to the grocery store and not buy in bulk and like 10 items of each. Whether it is cleaning supplies or food items. I just do not like running out.

Uncovering Hidden Treasures and Biblical Insights

“The line between order and chaos is a tad blurry when it comes to selling things out of my house.”

Introduction: The Hoarding Dilemma

As an online seller, I have navigated the e-commerce world, turning my home into a treasure trove of inventory. But beneath the surface lies a question: Are you secretly a hoarder? Let’s delve into this intriguing journey of self-discovery, clutter, and biblical principles.

The Makeup Drawer and Beyond

My daughter’s request for black eyeliner triggered a cascade of memories—the days when makeup was your daily ritual and I had 4 girls that helped themselves to all of the makeup in the house. But life shifted. Five children, exhaustion, and your husband’s well-intentioned comments altered my perspective. I stopped wearing makeup, and the ritual faded. Yet, remnants remained—boxes of unused items, a silent testimony to my past.

The Accusations and the Truth

My other daughter labeled me a hoarder of office supplies. My son, seeking ketchup, knew that I would have an abundance. And now, as I sell Christian-based products, I wonder about the Bibles, journals, and scrapbooking supplies. Are they treasures or excess baggage?

The Thrift Store Temptation

Thrift stores beckon with their promise of hidden gems. You’ve honed an eye for valuable finds, I’m not even flipping them on eBay. Is it the dopamine rush—the thrill of discovery— that fuels my addiction. But is it hoarding or savvy business?

Biblical Insights on Stewardship and Contentment

1. Stewardship: God entrusted you with resources—time, talents, and possessions. Evaluate each item. Does it serve a purpose? Is it a tool for ministry or a burden?
2. Contentment: Paul’s words in Philippians 4:11-13 resonate. Contentment isn’t complacency; it’s recognizing sufficiency in Christ. Seek His perspective on abundance.
3. Generosity: Proverbs 11:24-25 teaches that generosity leads to prosperity. Hoarding stifles blessings. Share what you have.

Conclusion: Unearth the True Treasures

As you navigate thrift stores and bulk purchases, remember: It’s not about accumulation but stewardship. Unearth the true treasures—the ones that honor God and impact lives. And may your heart echo Paul’s: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Decluttering without guilt is a liberating process that allows us to create space, both physically and mentally. Here are some practical steps, along with biblical principles, to help you declutter without feeling burdened:

1. Define Your Goals:
   • Physical Goals: Clarify what you want to achieve. Is it a clutter-free home, an organized workspace, or a simplified wardrobe?
   • Emotional Goals: Consider how decluttering will positively impact your well-being. Less clutter means less stress and more mental clarity.
2. Reframe Your Perspective:
   • Educational Approach: Instead of guilt, view decluttering as an opportunity to learn. Each item teaches you something—about your preferences, needs, or memories.
   • Release the Past: Understand that holding onto physical possessions doesn’t change the past. Cherish memories, but don’t let them weigh you down.
3. Remember Stewardship:
   • Biblical Principle: God calls us to be good stewards of what He provides. Evaluate each possession: Does it serve a purpose? Does it align with your values?
   • Generosity: Consider donating items to bless others. Let go with the knowledge that someone else might benefit.
4. Practicing Self-Kindness:
   • Grace for Yourself: Understand that decluttering is a process. Be kind to yourself if you feel attached to certain items.
   • Forgive Past Choices: Guilt often stems from regret. Forgive yourself for accumulating things in the past and focus on the present.
5. Set Realistic Expectations:
   • Small Steps: Break down decluttering tasks into manageable chunks. Start with one drawer or a specific category.
   • Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge each step forward. Celebrate the space you’ve created and the freedom it brings.
6. Remember Contentment:
   • Biblical Principle: Philippians 4:11-13 encourages contentment regardless of circumstances. Find joy in simplicity and gratitude.
   • Focus on What Remains: Instead of mourning what you discard, appreciate what remains—the essentials and the meaningful.
7. Seek Accountability:
   • Involve Others: Share your decluttering journey with a friend or family member. They can provide encouragement and perspective.
   • Pray for Guidance: Seek God’s wisdom as you decide what to keep and what to release. Trust that He knows your heart.

Remember, decluttering isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating space for what truly matters. As you let go, embrace the freedom that comes from living intentionally and appreciating the blessings around you.