SLOVENIA'S 5 CORE VALUES

Have you ever watched those cleaning programmes on TV? They usually show really extreme cases where people are already suffering from huge health problems because of the stuff they have in their homes, but these are usually psychological in nature. Nobody wants a cluttered flat that is difficult to move around in because of the stuff.

We need to check repeatedly that we are still using all the things we have. We throw away items that are broken, and donate those we no longer use and clothes that are too small. When it comes to clothes, I do it by first folding them all out of the wardrobes. Then I go through those wardrobes, and then I start picking out the clothes that I still like and wear. I throw away all the clothes that are damaged, and the ones that are still nice but I don't wear anymore or are too small, I put in bags. I usually do this twice a year. 

Then an event from years ago comes to mind ...

I was just finishing my thesis when, unfortunately, my partner's marriage broke up and I was left alone with my daughter. We moved back to my birth house. I was receiving a scholarship and some pension from my recently deceased father. That period was not easy, I admit. Suddenly, my world fell apart. First the death of my father, then the departure of my partner, but I had to keep positive because I would have done anything for my little baby.

I happened to see on the internet that a lady was donating clothes. I was embarrassed to ask her for them, but I wrote her a message anyway, explaining my situation. She quickly wrote me back saying that she could see me the next day and that she had decided to give the clothes to me. 

The next day I borrowed my mum's car and drove to the agreed place. The lady was waiting for me. She was nice and a little older than me. When I got out of the car, she came to me, hugged me and said, "Everything will be all right." I was embarrassed. She opened the boot of her car. It was full of clothes and there was a huge bag of toys and books for my daughter. I cannot explain how grateful I was. What a joy that was, because things really came in handy.

So from then on, I also donate clothes that are too small for me or that I no longer wear to people I know need them. I also donate other things, like kitchen utensils from my wardrobe. They say good things come back to good people. And if we can brighten someone's day, that's the best thing. We never know what paths life will take us down. Let's help if we can.

Maja Grošelj, 17. 2. 2025