Individuals who have been blessed with much can make  significant charitable contributions by parting with items that they no longer use, or could possibly live without. By simply reflecting on one's lifestyle, you will begin to see that there may be a better place for some of your possessions.

It was a couple of years ago when I first came up with an idea for a non-profit organization. For whatever reason, I had suddenly become overly aware of the excess in my own life. I don't want to paint the wrong picture, because I am not an overly indulgent individual by any means. In fact, I consider myself the queen of moderation. Still, as a queen of moderation I seemed to have acquired a slew of items that made me feel a bit wasteful. How many pair of black heels did I need? How many handbags would I actually use? Why did I have more than 20 pair of jeans? Would I ever wear the same ball gown twice? Why did I buy a suit that looked pretty bad on me? Why did I purchase a beautiful painting and never hang it? Would I ever use the silver tea set and jewelry that was passed down to me? What could I do with these toys and clothes that my children barely used? So, you see, it was questions like these that got me thinking - I could live without these items and not even notice a difference.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think anyone should stop shopping, and I surely know that I never will. Hail Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and online shopping! I think that people are entitled to spend the money they make. I think that what they do with what they acquire is more important. Really folks, if you're not using it, don't clutter your life. Sometimes material items have a way of holding us hostage - there is a freedom that goes along with living life sparingly. Make use of it, or let someone else reap its benefits. I always hated the bumper sticker, "The one who dies with the most toys wins. " I felt it was more like, "The one who dies with the most toys wins nothing."

Paige Wheeler