Clear Clutter and Find Your Life
The simplest and most complete definition of clutter I can think of is: “clutter is anything in your life that no longer serves you.” It seems our western culture has taught many of us a huge desire to acquire things. We often don’t know when to stop buying, or when to get rid of the things that we don’t really need or want any more.
Part of the reason it is hard to let go of things is the feeling that because we’ve paid good money for them, we are losing money if we get rid of them. We keep a tight grip on these things, not because we still need and use them, but because we don’t recognize that, for us, they have lost their value.
One of the first things to do if you are unhappy or overwhelmed with the possessions you have is to ask yourself what is really important to you.
What exactly will you be losing if you toss them or give them away?
Do your things make you feel happy or fulfilled, or do they cover up an insecure feeling?
How valuable are these things, really, in your life?
So often the acquiring of possessions causes us to lose track of what really matters to us. What is important in life is feeling happy, feeling fulfilled, knowing that you are enough. By getting rid of the extraneous and superfluous things that clutter your home, your life and your relationships, you will figure out just who you are and what you really care about.
Clutter can keep you living in the past. We forget that the past is just that — the past. It no longer matters. Many of the things we keep are tied to emotions. Emotions are tied to beliefs. If the beliefs no longer serve us or allow us to move ahead in our life, then its time to let those items go. By doing so, you will find a lightness and relief in your heart.
As you begin to declutter, you’ll realize just how much of yourself you’ve invested in your things. You may realize that by hanging on to the things that no longer serve you, you have been preventing yourself from being able to change and grow.
So, make a decision to let go of the clutter that is dragging you down. Ignore the advertising and old memories that have given you a feeling of lack, and a mind-set of want. An object, regardless of what it is will not make you a better or happier person — at least not for long.
Once the initial excitement of owning that new dress or new appliance or new car is gone, you are still the same person inside. Break away from the belief that things will make you happy and fulfilled.
As you have these enlightening thoughts, the desire to toss that clutter will become overwhelming. Once you begin the act of decluttering, you will probably find it takes on a life of its own.
