Is a piece of furniture keeping you small?

Julie Lanphear • December 19, 2025

The $3,200 Green Couch:

A Lesson in Living Bigger

A green couch with throw pillows

I had a problem sitting in my office. Specifically, a high-end, incredibly comfortable, forest-green couch from a boutique store in Denver.


It was in excellent condition. Logically, I had three choices:


  1. Sell it: I could easily get $900 for it today—money that could go straight into my 401(k) or toward furniture that actually fits my current space.
  2. Keep it: It’s my most comfortable piece of furniture. Maybe I’ll have a bigger house one day?
  3. Give it away: My friend has a growing family and a house with plenty of room. She could use a better sofa for her growing family.


On paper, selling it was the "smart" move. Keeping it was the "safe" move. But as I sat with the decision, I realized this wasn't about a couch. It was about inertia.


The Trap of "Small" Living


In the past, I’ve given things away—even cars—not because I was generous, but because I was afraid of the sales process. I was avoiding the "hassle." That’s not generosity; that’s hiding.

But this time felt different. Hovering between selling and keeping, I felt like I was staying "small," holding onto a vague fear that I’d face scarcity in the future and regret letting the couch go.


The Pivot: Trusting God’s Provision


I decided to give the couch to my friend and her family. They were ecstatic! It fit their needs perfectly. I also gave them the area rug, and it fits perfectly in their home.


The moment I made that choice, the energy shifted. It wasn't just about clearing floor space; it was about reactivating generosity. I realized that my highest priority is to live in the "flow of God’s provision." More than that, I got an office space I love. It’s roomy and warm now that the couch is gone, and I find my creativity flowing more freely. It was the right decision for me and for them: a win/win if ever there was one!


When we hold onto things too tightly—whether it’s a couch, a job posting we're afraid to publish, or a conversation we're avoiding—we're acting as if the supply is limited. But when we give, we aren't just helping someone else; we become part of the provision. We move from a posture of "What if I don't have enough?" to "I am a channel for more."


Why This Matters for Your Big Decisions


Whether you are a solopreneur struggling to hire the help you desperately need or someone facing a personal crossroads, the principles are the same:


  • Take the Small Step: Overcoming inertia doesn't require a giant leap. It requires one small, tangible action that moves you from "thinking" to "doing."
  • Identify the Fear Holding You Back: Naming the fear is the first step. Are you avoiding a move because it’s hard or because it’s not the right move? Be honest about your motivations.
  • Live Bigger: This isn't about the size of your house; it's about the size of your spirit. When you act with boldness and generosity, the rewards—peace, purpose, and joy—are always greater than the cash value of what you gave up.


What’s Your "Green Couch"?


Is there something you’re holding onto out of habit or fear? Is there a presentation you're afraid to deliver or a job posting you're scared to list?


Stop waiting for the "perfect" moment. Take one tiny brave step today. You might find that by letting go of what you’re holding, you finally open your hands to receive something much better.


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