Someone made a comment about feeling bad about getting a deal at a thrift store. They felt they were taking advantage of someone else’s misfortunes. Perhaps someone died. Downsized. Had to move away or into a nursing home. All true. Those things do happen. But sometimes people just choose to get rid of stuff. They get tired of it. Redecorate or remodel, take in a parent or a child goes off to college. Children grow up, people gain and lose weight. Garage sales have leftovers and some just give up their life as sellers of second hand wares. Whatever the reason, a treasure ends up in your hands. Be happy!

At resale stores you can find items you just can’t get anymore. It is a place to find vintage jewelry, old records, pottery and glass that was once made in the USA. It was made to last and stand the test of time. You appreciate that. You collect it, cherish and treasure it. It makes you happy.

Perhaps you buy there to sell elsewhere. That’s OK too. Because you are selling to someone who also appreciates the things of yesteryear or a good deal. Either way, it is good for the planet. Better to resale something and sell it a dozen times than to make a ton a stuff that won’t last very long and end up in a landfill. Let’s face it, they just don’t make things like they used to anymore. Things are purposely made to wear out so you must throw it out and buy another. This is not good for the planet.

Another reason is you can save a ton on children’s clothes and toys. This way, you have the money for those items that must be new. I grew up on resale. It was great! I was never told something was too expensive or that I couldn’t have it because it was just like one at home. So when we did go to the retail stores, it was special. I learned to care for and treasure my possessions.

Shopping resale also helps those in need like the disabled and disadvantaged if that store employs or sets aside monies for them. So you are also helping your fellow man, which is a good thing.

Of course, if you go into it with the idea of being greedy then, these words are not for you, and you may need to reexamine your life. But that’s a subject for another time.

So be joyful at the resale store and try to buy only what you really have to have and not clutter up your house so that it looks like a junk store. Otherwise, when you pass, some poor slub will have to lug all your junk down to the thrift store! So when you go to the resale shop this weekend, why not do a good clearing out and donate to a charity shop where it will do some good instead of collecting dust in your basement or garage. That being said, I think I will do just that!