Recently, I wrote a column for Adotas called, “Brand Storytelling at its Finest.” I offered insight into my raving recommendation for TOMS shoes (fun yet simple, kick-around shoes). I also highlighted the brilliance behind the company, particularly its story: “With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.“ Move over shopper’s remorse, you can actually feel unbelievably satisfied about a purchase.

Other companies can learn a lot from TOMS and I hope to see more companies move in this direction. As an extremely selective consumer, I personally strive to invest in safe products made by companies that have a high moral compass, a commitment to high-quality products made with integrity and a selfless purpose beyond profit (e.g., preventing children from unnecessary disease).

TOMS continues to carry a heart-warming story that gives back. Here’s a video from the first shoe-drop in Argentina. Grab a kleenex!

What are your thoughts on TOMS? Do you know of other companies that give back in some way? If so, please share them.

Plain and simple: labels suck. As a health-conscious person, I’m always confronted with the question, “are you a vegetarian or a vegan?” In the past, I would immediately answer this question without hesitation. Now, I refrain from answering with a  “yes” or “no.”

Why? I am simply opting out of a label. A label is a categorization that may or may not be accurate due to predefined criteria. Often times, it can lead to generalizations. Whether a label is attributed to diet, race, ethnicity, religion, political view, sexuality, economic status or any other category, it does not allow for flexibility. Additionally, it relies on assumptions, which can result in dismissal from an opposing group.

While common interests and beliefs may be shared among certain groups, it doesn’t mean all people are the same. We are all diverse individuals who offer our own unique contributions and flair to the world. Not to mention, we are all shaped by different experiences and stages of life.

I’m first to admit that I’ve used labels and I’ve even labeled myself. We are a world of labels. With that being said, it’s important to look beyond the label, so you can understand and appreciate similarities and differences and even find common ground. At the end of the day, we are all human.

What are your thoughts on labels? Have you been categorized as something yet you didn’t meet the assumed critiria?

A few weeks ago, I purged everything in our house. I literally threw as much out of my closet, kitchen and bathroom as I possibly could! A hoarder would have had a heart attack by the mass exodus of my “stuff.” I have to admit, I was shocked myself.This was not only spurred by the new year but also from the book, The Happiness Project. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it.

In the book, the author talks about the stress of having too many choices that often bring us unnecessary anxiety. The solution was to eliminate choices/options that are not offering value. Insert every article of clothing that I continually bypass and never wear, accessories that have been holding my jewelry box hostage and the “junk” that never had a reason to occupy my home in the first place. Rather than agonizing over these irritating choices, I removed them all together.

What an amazing relief! I’m already seeing the difference in how I feel. I save time by not having to dig through endless crap (yes, it was crap) and I get right to business with my realistic options. I also have more space and everything feels clean and organized just like the Container Store (okay, not really, but one can dream…). The icing on the cake, I feel good about giving my stuff away to Goodwill, so someone else can make better use of it. As the saying goes, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

I shared this experience with one of my friends and she mentioned she recently did the same thing. Her greatest moment was finally giving away the haunting pair of jeans that she hadn’t been able to get into for years. She didn’t need the constant reminder that put her in a perpetual bad mood. She also knew she could always buy a new pair of jeans, regardless of the size.

Moral of the story: Get rid of those choices that are bogging you down. It’s amazing how a clean, welcoming environment can translate into a clear, positive mindset.

What type of stuff is occupying your home and mind? How would you feel if these choices were gone?