Day 5 – Donate Something You Never Use: Giving with Purpose, Healing with Intention

There’s something surprisingly powerful about letting go.

Yesterday, I gathered up a giant bag of clothes—some of mine, some old baby clothes—and dropped them off at a Women in Need bin. These were pieces I hadn’t touched in ages, clothes I no longer wear but for some reason had been holding onto. (Okay fine, maybe I inherited a little of that “pack rat” DNA from both sides of my family—thanks Dad, thanks Grandpa.)

But here’s the thing: this wasn’t just a spring-cleaning task. It was an intentional act. A mental health choice.

As I placed the bag in the bin, I imagined someone else—maybe a mom struggling to stay afloat—finding a few of those items and feeling a flicker of joy. There were dresses, workwear, cozy sweaters, and summer pieces. All clean, gently used, and once loved by me. I pictured her trying something on and catching her reflection, smiling not just at the outfit, but at herself. Maybe for the first time in a long time.

Because every woman deserves to feel good about herself. Even if she’s not going anywhere. Even if she’s just dancing alone in her kitchen, in a dress that fits her just right.

There was a time when I had very little. And still, I’d find something to wear that made me feel a little more like myself, even if no one else saw it. I dressed up just to remember I was worth the effort. So when I let go of those clothes yesterday, I chose to believe I was passing on that moment—giving someone else a chance to feel beautiful, worthy, and seen.

And guess what? It made me feel lighter too. Not just in closet space, but in heart space.

The Science Behind the Warm Fuzzies

There’s actually a scientific reason that donating feels so good. Studies have shown that acts of generosity—especially ones that are meaningful to us—activate the brain’s reward system. Giving triggers the release of dopamine, a feel-good chemical that boosts our mood and even reduces stress.

In fact, a study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that people who regularly engage in altruistic acts, like volunteering or donating, had lower levels of inflammation and stress-related hormones. Other studies have linked generous behavior with decreased rates of depression and greater life satisfaction.

In short: giving helps us, too.

Letting go of things we don’t use can also be part of our healing. Clutter, especially emotional clutter, can become overwhelming. It weighs us down. Releasing that—physically and symbolically—can be a form of self-care. It’s not about “tidying up” for the sake of appearance. It’s about making space for better feelings to move in.

Final Thoughts

Doing this challenge has already opened up so many beautiful experiences for me—and we’re only five days in. Donating something I never use gave me an opportunity to connect with past versions of myself, honor my present growth, and create a hopeful moment for someone I’ll never meet.

It reminded me that healing doesn’t always come in the form of big changes. Sometimes it comes from a dress, folded carefully, passed on with love.