One Person's Silver Is Another's Gold

I witnessed the aftermath destruction Hurricane Harvey brought upon the Houston area. The scene was the equivalent of what I imagine a war-torn area would look like - houses destroyed, people exhausted carrying the next load to the curb, debris crowding the neighborhood. Their belongings which had been collected over a lifetime was just thrown away by the merciless storm that ravaged the area. The curb held their memories in the structure that once stood, the washed away photos and clothing, and all the other special items that kept them connected to the lives they built. The things didn’t necessarily define who they were but it was a collection of all the items that shaped the love they carried in their hearts.

I witnessed the pain of their loss – the loss of things. The memories of their loved ones, past and present, were in those things. It is ok to be sad about losing things and grieve the loss. It is healthy to say good-bye to what once was. The home that used to be their safe haven was now a rubble of pain. In an instant, it was all gone.

It made me think about my own life. How much do I attach myself to things? What if the things I attached myself could disappear in a moment’s notice? Would I miss the polka dot dress that made me look slim or the shoes sitting in my closet that I never wear anymore? I don’t think I would miss them. I question why I hold onto those things if I wouldn’t miss them.

During this time in Houston, I received an email from a consignment store where I had left a beautiful Indian Sari from my trip to India almost two decades ago. I could not part with the Sari for years because it held a special memory of my amazing trip. However, the beautifully ordained garment no longer served me in the present moment. It was so special to me that I could not just donate to anyone; rather I left it with an Indian specialty clothing store. Almost a year later, I received an email that my item had sold and my consignment share of $25 would be waiting for me in my PayPal account. What an amazing gift!!! I felt I had honored the item by taking it to a place who would cherish the piece as much as I did. In return, the piece gave pleasure to someone else and helped me create income.

I learned many lessons from Hurricane Harvey but one stood out the most – things can be gone in an instant. My part is to let go before it is too late. By letting go, I am giving someone else the opportunity to enjoy the piece as much as I once did. Our things do not define us but they do hold special places in our hearts. When you no longer have use for those items in your life, choose places to sell them who will respect them as much as you do. It may surprise you to learn that what you consider silver may be someone's gold and one way to increase your income.

Read more about ways to increase your income in my new e-book, Money Does Grow on Trees – 12 Steps to Increase Your Income. Click on the link to get your FREE copy today! Link to Free E-book

Want to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey? Donate to Mercy Chefs who provides hot meals to those directly affected by natural disasters. Link to Mercy Chef’s