More Warmth Than I Need
I am not a winter person! Cold weather is not my friend and the thought of snow (and more often ice here in Kentucky) makes me shudder. To say the least, this is a time of year that can be a struggle if I don’t practice self care. As our winter weather officially arrived this week with a low on Monday morning of 4 degrees, I found myself not complaining as much as I have in the past. After writing the post, More Things Than I Need in November, I continue to be aware of how fortunate I am. As our weather continues to be frigid with a possible 5 inches of snow arriving, my mind has been on those who are not as fortunate.
- I have never had to worry about not having heat in my home. Never have I had to worry about a home with poor insulation or been fearful the utility bill could not be paid.
- My closet has always included a variety of coats with matching scarves and gloves. I own clothing that can be worn in layers.
So I have been thinking of those in my city who have only one coat, or lost one of their gloves. There are people in my city who don’t have the fortune to have the warmth that I have. I came home tonight and started going through my collection of scarves. My collection includes sets that I haven’t worn in 5 years yet I found myself thinking “I might wear this again someday.” I am not proud that I even had that thought. If I haven’t worn it in that amount of time, I will not be wearing it.
I will be donating many of my scarves and coats so that someone will have warmth that may not have it. If you are like me and have more warmth in regards to coats and scarves, I encourage you to contact your local homeless shelter, the Salvation Army or even the Family Resource Center at a local school and ask if you can make your own donation.
Do you have more warmth than you need?
I am right there with you on not liking winter. And this is such a great idea! Isn’t it amazing how being grateful for what we do have, or where are, makes it easier to get through? Anytime I am having a lot of pain and I think how can I keep going on with this? I always think about others who are suffering even more. It makes me realize it isn’t so bad. Thanks for the reminder that we need to practice this more! I need to donate some of my stuff too!
I’m right there with you in often having to remind myself that others do not have what I have. We’ve all have things we don’t use.
Just one more reason to love you, Sheryl. Having lived through Chicago winters for 8 years, I saw first hand those who had no roof over their heads, no heat, no real winter clothes – I passed them every day going to work – and it broke my heart each and every time. I was also able to see others give them the scarves from around their own necks, the gloves from their own hands, and countless cups of hot coffee. There is still kindness being shared out there, thanks for the reminder that we are more than capable to offer ours 🙂 xo
Oh thank you Emily! I’ve had students say to me that homeless people scare them and I’ve had to talk about how this could truly happen to anyone. I’ve been blessed in my life and holding on to items I don’t need does me know benefit.
Aww this is so sweet! I actually only have one coat and I have two scarves but that’s it. It’s not freezing often in Georgia so I just have a few basics to get me through the coldest days. This is something to sincerely think about though. What a kind heart you have!
I so wish I lived in an area where we didn’t need a variety of clothing. Kentucky weather runs the spectrum (has been 4 degrees this week), and in a week could be in the 60’s. Nonetheless, I have a closet full of items I don’t wear and someone else could benefit from.
Sheryl, this is so good. Such an important and good reminder.
Thanks Nina!
I only have one really warm winter coat. I donated the others last year. I’ve been trying to simplify and share for some time now
I’m in the process of simplifying more myself. Our weather isn’t somewhat chaotic so I know I will need more than one coat but I certainly don’t need as many as I have.
Good for you! This is such an amazing way to help others. I got rid of my coats a couple years back because I never wore them. Now I have just a light jacket and a leather jacket for cooler weather. It’s so nice to be able to help people with things we didn’t use anyway, isn’t it?
Kentucky weather is so chaotic and crazy. It would be nice if I could get away with just a lightweight coat. I do mostly wear wool wraps as they fit me better. I’ve been blessed to have way more than I need.
Amen to this. I need to donate several things… as I complain about the weather this week, this is a great reminder how lucky we truly are.
It’s just been something I’ve been thinking about lately especially since I started focusing upon having more things than I need.