This is part of my Spring Cleaning series that runs on Wednesdays through the end of Spring. In this series, we’ll explore the things that clutter our lives (especially, mental and emotional clutter) and how to let it go.
It’s time to let go.
There is something you have been holding onto for years. You know the thing I mean.
It could be:
- a pair of jeans you haven’t been able to wear for five years
- a grudge with your brother who has made some bad choices in his life and said some unkind things at Christmas dinner three years ago
- a flower vase that your mom gave to you but doesn’t match your style and you never use it and never will, it just sits in the cabinet taking up space
- the anger you feel toward your stepdad for listening to your phone conversations in high school
- a box of baby clothes in the garage that you keep even though your kids are already in middle school and you don’t really plan to have more at this point
… just to name a few.
But yours is probably different. Whatever it is, whether it is physical, mental, emotional, or familial, no matter if it is a good memory you are trying to hold onto way after its over or a bad memory that won’t leave you alone… no matter what it is, it’s time to let go.
(Note: I’m not saying to let go of the good memories, but the physical things you hold onto may not be adding any real value to your life now. Keep the memories, the photos, and a few small tokens. Let go of the rest.)
These things that we hold onto take up space in our lives. They occupy physical space, emotional space, and often mental space (as we retrace old conversations or dream up new ones that might make it all better). This is space that we could use right now to create new memories or to simply enjoy a full and relaxing breath.
It’s time to get real.
Continue reading “how to let go even when it feels like you can’t”