As the days grow shorter, the
nights longer, it is good to celebrate this season of letting go by making
changes that make our living area more inviting, more comfortable for the
season when we often do spend more time indoors. Consider beginning the day with a resolution to let go of
five things in your home that are taking up space.
It’s a good practice, letting go, trusting more, not hanging
on so tightly. To keep the task
manageable, focus on one area where you would like more clarity, less clutter,
and dedicate 15-30 minutes getting rid of what you no longer want or need,
having a container to get it out of the living area, and saying “good-bye, it
is time to let you go.” When it
comes to clutter, persistence, determination, and honoring your pace all
matter. Welcoming help can speed
up the process too, especially if you have the collaboration of a
non-judgmental friend.
Why do we have difficulty letting go our stuff? For me, there is comfort in being
surrounded by the familiar, even when it is too much. Do we trust the Universe will provide new possibilities if
we let go? I have a friend who learned to have a place for everything, and if
she needs something new, then it doesn’t enter her home unless something goes
out. Many of us didn’t grow up
with this discipline that keeps down the clutter.
We do have to face our habits that undermine letting
go. I work better with a potential
reward, like a walk in nature, watching a movie with a friend, or a special
healthy snack for my efforts. It
often taken decades to accumulate stuff, so be realistic. It won’t just disappear unless you have
a house fire, so it has to become a priority to down-size. It takes time, but like losing unwanted
weight, it can be done. If you
have been hanging on to something thinking your kids or grandchildren will want
it, go ahead and ask them if they want it now (or later)! In reality, it is
easier to part with your things if you know a family member will want and
appreciate it.
Just as the season requires us to slow down, change some
priorities to prepare for winter, there are real benefits to having a more
organized and clutter free home.
More spaciousness is usually more relaxing, easier on the
eyes and it is easier to find what you are looking for if it is organized. Just as yards look better without
weeds, tools left out, leaves in compost area or bagged, so too, the inside of
our homes is more inviting when we clear out the old. So best wishes this fall on creating space not by expanding,
but by letting go!
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