1. Clutter!
Take a look in that closet, those cupboards, drawers, book shelves, toy chests..... We all have limited room. Unless you're Bill Gates, you can't just go and build yourself another house to store things. Opening up areas in our lives gives us more opportunities to fill them with what we need now. The books I was reading 10 years ago are not what my life requires for this season. Just think of all the new clothes you could buy when you see 20 extra hangers in your closet from getting rid of things that are worn out or don't fit any longer. Change can be good!
2. Worry....How many times have I kept things bottled up and bottled up and bottled up and then the blow-out occurs? Even our hearts and minds have a capacity to only hold on to so many things. How about just letting go sometimes? Stress, anxiety, ulcers, tension headaches, worry lines, scowls, knotted backs and necks, migraines, acne, over-eating, indigestion...... do I really need to go on? Why would anyone want love, joy, peace and general overall happiness when you could get a second helping of irritable bowel syndrome?
3. Unforgiveness?This can be a big storage unit in our hearts. If that area got cleaned out, think of all the love that could fill that space. Usually, when this type of cleansing occurs, we end up happier, healthier and just more joyful. Forgiveness costs a high price in the beginning, (hurt pride, feelings and emotions of being treated unfairly, letting go of control) but any good financial planner will tell you, the returns of letting this one go are well worth the initial investment.
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26 comments:
"Just think of all the new clothes you could buy when you see 20 extra hangers in your closet from getting rid of things that are worn out or don't fit any longer."
I had just had to quote you! This is exactly what I thought to myself yesterday when I was putting away summer clothes in winter storage. But I was also appalled at how much stuff I own and barely use.... I'm taking a trip to Goodwill today!
Worry has always been a struggle. So much so, I wrote this statement in my Bible many years ago:
"If you are going to pray, DON'T WORRY, and if you are going to worry, don't pray."
This reminds me to leave it with GOD...when I worry, I am taking it out of GOD's hands and trying to handle it myself....and we all know that does NOT work.
Blessings and prayers, andrea
Wow. What wisdom.
One of my favorite books is "Clutter's Last Stand" by Don Aslett.
I can't imagine Heaven anything but order and serenity.
Thanks for reminding us to let go.
I like the "buying new clothes cause there are empty hangers in the closet". I wonder if my husband would buy that excuse. Ha! I might have to try it.
Thanks for visiting my blog. It's good to "meet" you.
I too like the empty hangers approach! I've been de-cluttering my hard drive lately. I've gone through my kids closets and drawers and have a huge bag for donation. That small bit a release has opened up a whole lot of space for me to work on those other "issues".
Thank you for stopping by my place and leaving a comment!
This is such an insightful post....and so true!
A long time ago I read Suze Ormon's book and in it, she advised that you won't bring more into your life until you rid your life of all the clutter. In doing so, you make room for financial success. I don't know if I believe that but I believe having an organized life leads to an uncluttered mind and frees you up to worry about other things!
Is that your son? Either way, what a cutie! LOL
Great post. I love cleaning out my closets because in some ways I'm a minimalist, but great reminder to clean out my heart and head too!
I'm guilty of the worry. And have gotten some physical not-so-good results due to it. It is hard letting it go but am trying--each day!
We'll just call you THE INSIDER since you have insider info.
Cheri
Guess who weeded out summer clothes this morning? Yep! Be proud! I threw away the ratty, and I'm giving away the unworn. Woo-hoo!
Trying to get the rest of the family to cooperate with a de-clutter is difficult around here. When they finally join me in the quest for organization and a little less mess, it's worth it!
man....this is awesome! your post hit home with me for a lot of reasons...mainly worry about whether my family and i are in the right place. thanks for the perspective!
jeannie
The Character Therapist
Oh gosh! I have a few of those things I could stand to get rid of too.
I like your idea of releasing the clutter perhaps in our hearts and souls ... worry, stress, unforgiveness ... all taking up valuable room. A nice parallel.
WOuldn't it be great to get rid of all the extra baggage that we hold on to every day? I'm working on those points..very wise to do so for a happier life!
I need to put this to practice. Not so much the worry part, but the clutter and unforgiveness. Great post.
Isn't that the gospel truth???? I'm decluttering now and it feels like a pointless endevour.(sp? sorry it's early ;)
Terrific post, Diane. And so true. Clutter and worry are two of my biggest, uh, worries as well. I'm better at forgiveness of others (just not always myself).
Although I don't like to wish ill will on others, I'm heartened to hear that I'm not the only one who needs to clear out the cobwebs and learn to breathe. Yoga and meditation only help so much. Sometimes, it takes a conscious effort to let go.
Although I don't believe in God, I do believe in the serenity prayer... the hardest part is learning to distinguish between the things that I can change and the things I cannot.
Oh so true! I think it's easier for some people to let go of things than others. I know it's VERY easy for me to get rid of the clutter around my house, but much harder for my sentimental husband!
Glad to see so much "Fall Cleaning" going on....
Andrea-great quote
Jessica-yes that is my son, on a not so good day
Laura-I enjoy yoga too as a way to de-stress....it helps. I think for me sometimes life is so out of control that it's nice to find areas where I can make a difference and reign it in. :O)
I love this post! It rings so true :)
Been a while since I have visited here. This was a good post. Amazing what physical problems emotional stresses can cause.
Wow, Diane, you must have peeked in my closets! This is so true! You never realize how much STUFF you collect over the years . . . yes, it's time to clear the clutter! :)
Diane, I believe that you were talking to me on #'s 2 & 3! I can be really stubborn!
smooches,
Larie
Well put -- very powerful.
Thank you :-)
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