Clearing Out Emotional and Physical Clutter

    
At a time when we're rethinking life, I thought this article by Michelle Aycock would be very helpful and inspiring. Hope you find it useful.

"Most of us feel a need to organize our lives and begin making goals that we would like to accomplish in the new year. In attempting to organize your life, you may find it difficult to let go of things that are no longer useful. I have put together a list of four things that you do not need in your life. It is important to take the time to clear out negative thinking patterns that may be draining your emotional energy or those things in your life that you no longer need. Clearing out not only the physical stuff, but also the emotional junk can leave you feeling refreshed and motivated to reach your goals so that you may begin to enjoy your life.

Here are some things to consider eliminating from your life:

• Negative and emotionally exhausting relationships. Some relationships are emotionally draining, but some are emotionally uplifting. If you are putting a lot of emotional energy into a relationship but still continue to feel emotionally exhausted, you then must ask yourself, “Is this relationship mutually satisfying? Do we support and encourage each other?” If not, then it may be time to move on. Not only ask these questions regarding your intimate relationships, but also friend and family relationships.

• “Someday” thinking. One of the biggest road blocks to having the life you want is being stuck in “someday” thinking. Some day is not a day on your calendar and without some planning it never arrives. Ask yourself, “Why am I putting my life on hold?” Make a list of all the things that you have been wanting to do and goals you would like to achieve. Which is the one that you will most regret not having accomplished in your life? Go down your list one by one and take steps to work toward each and every goal.

• Old ideas and attitudes. Albert Einstein once said, “You can’t solve a problem with the same mind set that created it.” Shifting your perceptions is often the key to new opportunities. You are in charge of your own life. It is not your current circumstances that are holding you back, it is the way you are thinking about them. If you sometimes say, “That’s just the way it is,” instead say, “How can I think about this differently?” Just beginning to think about things differently can open up possibilities you hadn’t imagined.

• Piles of stuff laying around. Take inventory of items that simply take up space or collect dust such as clothes you don’t wear, old magazines or old bills that need to be filed. Ask yourself, “Is this something that I truly love or is currently functional in my life? If your answer is no, consider getting rid of it by donating or recycling it. Clutter can not only block us physically but also emotionally.

Take the time to evaluate how each of these four things may be interfering with you enjoying your life. Once you determine what you would like to change in your life, then begin by taking action by actively working to reach those goals. Hopefully the new year will bring more peace and enjoyment to your life."


More on rethinking life:
Rethinking Your Life in 3 Weeks
Spring Cleaning Your Relationships
10 Types of Emotional Clutter