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Many of us have things in our homes that we've never used because they are considered the good stuff. For instance, there are perfectly good dishes and cookware sitting in cabinets across the world that want their day in the oven and on the table. They have never felt a morsel of food or even been given a bath to get rid of the dust. We have special serving dishes and platters that we're saving for parties that we'll likely never have. We also have plenty of glasses taking up room on our shelves without a thought as to using them, instead choosing to use paper cups for every sip we take. Our thoughts probably range from 'I don't want to dirty up any dishes and have to wash them,' or 'I'm afraid I'll break them.'

Some people are so good with preserving household items that they won't even use their good dishes for the holidays. Well if that's not a special occasion then I don't know what is. The dishware we're so protective over probably isn't fine china so there's that.

What about those special bottles of wine or spirits that we've been saving for a special occasion? Five years later and still nothing to celebrate, huh? It's time we choose breathing as a special occasion and crack open that bottle.

I really hate to type this sentence because I don't want to know that people still exist who have plastic on their couches. Hey you, do you have plastic on your couch? How long has it been there? Take it off. Please, for the love of God, just take it off. If it's been there for a dozen years or more, for goodness' sakes remove the plastic already and let someone sit on your precious couch! It's quite an indescribable feeling to sit on a couch heavily covered in noisy plastic that won't let you go when you try to get up. Even the plastic is trying to remove itself from its confinements.

What about all those special occasion clothes we have that never get their night out on the town? Some of us have kept these unworn dresses, suits, and shoes for so long that we've either lost a ton of weight or gained a ton of weight, so we won't ever get the chance to wear these items.

I challenge us all to start living in our houses more and using or wearing the things we hold so closely to our hearts. Otherwise, we may only be saving these things for people to sort through after our funerals.

Years ago I decided to start using my good dishes. In fact, I don't even have ugly dishes anymore. Don't get me wrong, these aren't expensive dishes at all. They are just your slightly above average white, square-shaped dishes. I will use these plates and saucers for the smallest of items . . . grapes, chips, a sandwich, etc. Not all the time, but the majority of the time. Let me tell you, it feels great to eat off of decent dinnerware instead of just allowing dust to enjoy them. It's sort of like eating at a nice restaurant every night. I'm not saying give your 5-year old child a PB&J on china, and a fancy glass for their water, but then again, maybe I am.

We are waiting for too many special occasions that may never come. Use your fancy dishware. Drink the booze. Take the plastic off your couch. Wear those new shoes to the store.

#home #living #specialoccasions #happiness #preservation