Perhaps when you look through that closet full of your past you think things like, I scored the winning touchdown with this football or, I hated that class! or, This is the test that proved I was capable.
Now the feelings are stirring within. What are they? Do you still feel the pride and elation you did that day on the football field? Or do you just smile wistfully and remember what a great day that was? Are you angry thinking back on that class? Do you sigh with disbelief when you recall how stressed you were preparing for that test? Or are you satisfied thinking of the path your life took, because you were able to pursue a higher education than anticipated?
How do your feelings cause you to act? Do you go out and buy a display case for that football, then put it in your rec room? Or are you happy to put it in a big black garbage bag and say goodbye? Do you want to recycle the text book and free yourself from the negative thoughts of that class? Or do you want that book taking up space in your current life? What about that test? Do you still need it to identify who you are today? Or is it enough to be grateful, remembering that you had a breakthrough that helped shape the person you are today?
And finally, what is the result of your actions? Are you able to eliminate some
of the clutter of your past and make room for your priorities today? Or will
you let stuff consume your physical space, still not adding value and still not
being respected? When we let go of things that no longer add value, we are able
to spend our time doing what we enjoy. As well, we feel a sense of pride and
relief in our ability to move forward. When we continue to close a
door on the physical items of the past, we have decisions that remain to be
made. They wait for us. They overwhelm us and clutter our minds. As you weigh
the pros and cons of decluttering your space and your mind, remember that the
items themselves are neutral. You are the one who attaches meaning to the
items, because of your thoughts and feelings. And you are the one who will reap
the benefits of reframing your thoughts and feelings, and allowing yourself to
enter into the now of your life.
