All you need to know about…

giving happiness global impact

Spark More Joy and Giving Around the World By Cleaning Your Closet

An easy give is the act of sharing. Why not clean your closet to spark more joy and giving while making yourself and the world a happier place. Going through some of your things, deciding what you no longer need and sharing them with others. The cost of this give is only your time, but the reward is so much greater.

Spark More Joy And Giving By Tidying Up

Marie Kondo has become the queen of “tidying up”. Her bestselling books, tv shows and various media appearances are all based on the idea of sparking joy. Instead of looking at your items and deciding what to throw out, she suggests we look at our belonging for what to keep. The idea is that you look at all your items, such as your t-shirts, and choose the ones that “spark more joy”, the ones that make you happy. Keep these items and dispose of the rest. Instead of looking at it as getting rid of stuff, look at it as helping others by sharing your belonging with someone who may need it. An easy give.

6 Simple Steps to Spark More Joy and Start Your Giving

I know tidying up, cleaning out, and sorting through the seemingly endless piles of “stuff” that we all accumulate can seem like an overwhelming project, but the key is to start small. Follow these simple steps recommended by Marie Kondo:

  1. Choose one shelf, one drawer, one item (t-shirts, shoes, hats or bags for example) and put them all in a pile.
  2. Look at each item and decide if it “sparks joy”
  3. Ask yourself if you still need this item or if you could let it go
  4. If it doesn’t spark joy – put it in the donation pile to give away
  5. If it still makes you happy, then keep it
  6. Before you discard it, say thank you

Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able tackle another drawer, another shelf and eventually your closet. The act of cleaning out, creating space, and sharing your items with others will bring you a sense of accomplishment and is sure to spark more joy.

Turn Your Tidying Up Into Giving Around the World

Look for local charities in your area that can use your discarded belongings. Some charities re-sell your items and some give them directly to those in need. Choose how you want your items to be used and find a charity that will match it. You can choose a charity that you want to help raise money and donate your items there. When they sell your items, someone will get a great deal on something they need and the money goes straight to the charity. A win-win as you spark more joy and give at the same time. When deciding where to give your items, think of these three types of charities:

  1. Charities that Benefit People – Salvation Army, diabetes, cancer survivors, people re-entering the workforce, women’s shelters, homeless shelters and refugee agencies. We also love Big Brothers and Sisters for children’s and young adult clothing.
  2. Charities that Benefit Animals – Local animal shelters always need blankets and towels
  3. Charities that Benefit the Environment – Re-using any of your items will help the environment by diverting things from the landfill.

Enjoy your clean space knowing that you have not only sparked joy but created new “gives” that contribute to global change and making the world a happier place.

Ready to see how your small acts of giving can change the world? Sign up for a free membership at 365give to receive giving inspiration, giving tips and be a part of a global community committed to increasing happiness.

What people are saying about 365give

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the teaching you provided today. Your message was delivered eloquently, compassionately, and without judgment. The kids were engaged, and now have knowledge with which they can change the world. We all appreciated how you took the time to help us learn to build positive mindsets and practice happiness.”
Shelley Gardner, Grade 6 Ridgeview Elementary (West Vancouver)
“Actions really do speak louder than words, which is why I believe the 365give Challenge has resonated throughout my community. Every give we do is so important to us and leaves us happier and appreciating our lives a little bit more than before.”
Mahina Niyozova (Tajikistan)
“After watching the 365give TEDx Talk, I was inspired to join and begin a daily giving program in India. Today, along with 12 other volunteer women, we provide 100 meals to local underprivileged children in Bangalore for school every day.”
Deepika Ahuja, Mom (Bangalore, India)
“My life has greater meaning now.”
Renate Jorge, @BeKindBrazil and 365give Member, Family Program (Brazil)
“I just wanted to share that 365give really helped me. I am a better person now, thank you.”
MayLee, 365give Member, Individual Program
“This 365give Challenge has really injected excitement and extra enthusiasm in each work day as I think about what we can do. It has motivated me and the students.”
Cristina Peters, School Counselor (New York City, USA)
“I have seen a huge shift in energy throughout my classroom since doing the 365give Challenge. The Challenge has empowered my students to make a positive difference in the school’s community and beyond.”
Cella Adriana, Special Needs Educator /The Holliswood School (New York City, USA)
“The 365give Challenge helps students understand their impact on others. It opens avenues for introducing and discussing global and local issues in classrooms. It is powerful to watch students of all ages think about how they can make a change in another person’s life with one small act.”
Jessica Hall, Primary Teacher, French Immersion at École Pauline Johnson (West Vancouver, Canada)