How Much Is Enough?

It seems that everywhere I turn, there is more depressing news about the economy. Business has slowed, and home foreclosures are up. In these uncertain times, now is a good time to begin asking, how much is enough?

How much is enough, and how do I know that I have it? Webster’s Dictionary defines enough: “as much or as many as necessary, desirable, or tolerable; sufficient.” Notice there is not a specific number attached to the definition. What is enough is different from one person to another. How do I know, then, when I have a sufficient amount of something?

In my own life and when working with clients, I have found that one or more of the following signs exist when enough has become too much:

• There seems to be a lack of storage space. “I need a bigger shelf, closet, house, etc.” is a common complaint.
• There are more items than one could reasonably use. These items typically include clothing, shoes, pantry items, candles, lotion and bath products, books and magazines, files, office supplies, and most items found at warehouse stores.
• It becomes a burden to manage the items. You have trouble finding things because there is too much of something else in the way.

Most of us have too much of something, but it didn’t start out that way. When we moved out of our parents’ house into our first apartment or home, we had very little, and what we had was not of good quality. As we began to make more money, we simply acquired more and better possessions. We never stopped to ask, “Do I have enough?” Now enough has become too much. We as a society and as individuals need to take back control and realize our sufficiency.

Follow these steps to realize how much is enough:

1. Consolidate what you have into one place. “Too much” often hides in multiple locations. By storing like items together, what you have can be easily seen. Keeping all the spices on one shelf or in one cabinet will show just how many bottles of vinegar you really have.
2. Choose the best; toss or donate the rest. You cannot possibly use all the lotion in the drawers and cupboards. Keep one or two of your favorites, and let go of the rest. It isn’t being used anyway.
3. Don’t buy any more until you’ve used what you already have. I know this sounds obvious, but many people purchase the same items over and over, thinking that they still need them. Put yourself on restriction. I am on “candle restriction” until 2010.
4. Use something else that will get the job done. Instead of running to the store every time an item is needed, stop and ask, “What else could I use?” Most of the time, another item will work.
5. Remember, what you have is sufficient. I have enough Christmas decorations, giftwrap, summer shoes, stationery, and knick-knacks. That is cause for celebration! I need to constantly remind myself, “I have enough.”
   

What about you? Do you have enough? Today, celebrate what you do have and be thankful. Share a little of your “too much” with someone in need. Enjoy the freedom of sufficiency and having enough.

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