I seem to have a tiny problem. As much as I want to embrace a clutter-free life, I keep buying more stuff. I get into a phase where I am looking through the house for things to donate or to give away. I purge freely, happy to have the space and empty drawers. But I’m also piling up craft supplies and unread books and new clothes. Sigh. I don’t know if you’ve heard of Zulily, but I am addicted to their bargains. Our mailman probably hates me. I’ve decided to forgive myself in advance for this because… well, who really cares?
What are our real treasures in life? People for sure. Perhaps experiences with those people. Certainly we each have a few items that are special to us.
Six years ago, when we were packing important items to take with us before a hurricane arrived, we crammed both of our cars with things. Of course we took tax returns, the cats with all their food/litter/crates, and photos, as well as water, toilet paper, canned food, sleeping bags. But when I looked around the house, I was afraid of losing any of it. I started stacking the pictures on our walls into my trunk. I wanted to take candlesticks and special cards I’d received and even certain books. I also had what I call a “Holocaust mentality,” wanting to take anything valuable just in case we never returned. The hindrance then was fear.
Now I would do it very differently. The three of us and our immediate needs are important. Everything else is replaceable. Tax returns and paperwork and most photos are digital. I think one car would cover it. We are the treasures.
Another part of Trust Your Vibes that spoke to me: Lighten up. If you want to live a six-sensory life, you must clear away everything that prevents you from tuning in to higher vibrations—that is, everything that takes up space or energy but doesn’t contribute to your life. This includes unnecessary and unwanted possessions, unfinished business, too many commitments, negative thinking, judgments, mental projections, resentments from the past, and negative associations in the present. If you pay attention to how things feel and what purpose they serve, you can get rid of anything that doesn’t feel good or serve you.
It’s like she knows about my aversion to clutter and my tendency to over-schedule myself! Sigh. It also seems irresponsible to be the kind of wasteful consumer that fills our homes with things we don’t love or need. Granted, with kids it’s a constant battle. At least for us it is. Our daughter’s projects and games are all over the place.
Trusting your vibes means not only insisting on a clear space, but also keeping your environment as simple as possible so that energy isn’t blocked or stuck in the past. Don’t hold on to things for sentimental reasons or because “you might need it one day.” This will just bog you down and cause you to miss the higher, lighter energies of spirit. Ruthlessly go through your stuff and get rid of everything that doesn’t feel positive. And remember that as long as we hold on to things, they hold on to us.
I think the key word here is “ruthlessly.” This reminds me that I wanted to toss all my old journals and a ton of kitchen stuff, like these corn holders. Yet another reason I dislike Texas… it’s stereotypes.
I have a small category of items that I am either holding on to “just in case” we need it, like strange-sized kitchen bowls and serving platters. Then there are the things other people made with their own hands, like a basket my mom made or a needlepoint my grandpa made that even has a personal note on the back. I don’t necessarily need or want these items, but I also don’t want anyone to take them from me, so it doesn’t harm me to keep them in a closet somewhere. I realize there are other emotions at work in the decision. Some of these items I’m just not ready to make a decision about and that’s ok too.
When you let go of your past, your present truth emerges. It takes a lot of energy to carry your history with you all the time, and it clouds your connection to the Divine. So choose to become extremely curious about your new story, in what God has in mind for you now and for tomorrow. Then decide not to let your past define you anymore.
I care less about our stuff. I am not attached to our bedspread or our picture frames or our lamps. Sure, I’ve created a nest that is personal to us, but the things themselves carry no sentiment. I feel free. I could give away 90% of our possessions and be completely fine. This knowledge reassures me that I am content (and that it’s ok to buy one more dress).
How about you?
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