Dear FlyLady,

I have been fluttering off and on since I was 13 and my mother found your system.

I am now 24, and your flywashing is finally beginning to “sink” in. Last year, my husband left me, so I moved to a new town and started back at my college degree.

My little apartment is always tidy thanks to you! I have gotten very good at decluttering, but it seems if there is always more.

While decluttering, this past week I came across my engagement right. It’s gorgeous. It is a antique silver filigree Art Deco ring with a large amethyst. I love it, I’m always taken aback by the beauty and the workmanship that went into making it. I had hidden it though, because my heart breaks every time I see it. It is a painful reminder of my past. I have tried several times to donate it, even sell it. I could never bring myself to do it.

Then, yesterday, I was having lunch downtown with a friend and on our way back to work we stopped in a small jewelry store that sells similar items. I watch her face light up as she looked at all the different pieces of jewelry, and I realized I wanted to give her my ring. I didn’t want to sell it, or give it to a stranger. Art should always be appreciated, and I knew beyond a doubt she would give it a good home.

I feel as though a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and that I have finally let go of my heart break. That ring became the figurative scary monster under my bed (don’t worry there’s nothing actually under my bed), and despite my love for the ring itself, I could not enjoy it.

She loves the ring, and seeing her love it fills my heart with joy. It is as if blessing someone else with it, got rid of all of its negative vibes. I don’t know how long I would’ve held on to that ring and the emotions that came with it had I not given her the ring, but I am sure it would have continued to plague me with sadness.

So, I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for teaching me that letting go of the clutter in my life really does bless others.

Flybaby in Colorado

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FlyLady here: You are really embracing what FLYing means. Especially during this Holiday Season. When we hold onto things that don’t bring us joy it does nothing but make us unhappy. When we bless others with the things that cause us sadness and then watch how incredibly happy it makes them we are filled with awe and joy! You are such a wonderful friend and blessing to her!

I refuse to hold onto anything (even if it sentimental) if it doesn’t bring me joy. I don’t do anything that doesn’t bring me joy anymore. We all deserve peace and joy. What a wonderful time of the year to bless others with gifts that bring them joy. The more you give the more you receive. I’m am so very proud of you! Thank you so much for sharing!  I love you and I am so proud of you!