OT:Clearing a Space for Change

If there was ever one that fit me to a T it is this one. My patio if full of boxes of stuff that I have not been able to unpack since my move in July. I have a room here that I sit in with computer the same, full of boxes, and I have a double car gargage that I can not use because of the same.  

The Weight of Objects

In life, we tend to have an easier time acquiring possessions than we do getting rid of them. Just as we harbor emotional baggage that is difficult to let go of, our lives can tend to be filled with material objects that we may feel compelled to hold on to. Most people are not conscious of how much they own and how many of their possessions are no longer adding value to their life. They fiercely hold on to material objects because this makes them feel secure or comfortable. While it’s true that the ownership of “stuff" can make you feel good for awhile, it seldom satisfies the deep inner longings that nearly everyone has for fulfillment and satisfaction. It is only when we are ready to let go of our baggage and be vulnerable that it becomes possible to recognize the emotional hold that our possessions can have on us.

It’s not uncommon to hold on to material objects because we are attached to them or fear the empty spaces that will remain if we get rid of them. Giving away the souvenirs from a beloved voyage may feel like we are erasing the memory of that time in our life. We may also worry that our loved ones will feel hurt if we don’t keep the gifts they’ve given us. It’s easy to convince ourselves that unused possessions might come in handy someday or that parting with them will cause you emotional pain. However, when your personal space is filled with objects, there is no room for anything new to enter and stay in your life. Your collection of belongings may “protect" you from the uncertainties of an unknown future while keeping you stuck in the past. Holding on to unnecessary possessions often goes hand in hand with holding on to pain, anger, and resentment, and letting go of your material possessions may help you release emotional baggage.

When you make a conscious decision to fill your personal space with only the objects that you need or bring you joy, your energy level will soar. Clearing your personal space can lead to mental clarity and an improved memory. As you learn to have a more practical and temporary relationship to objects, positive changes will happen, and you’ll have space to create the life that you desire.

What do you think?

Yep- I can totally relate to this one. We are remodeling our house and in doing so I have had to clear out cupboards and downsize. I want the open spaces more than the accumulated stuff. This is a tough job. It's overwhelming, and getting started with the process is the hardest part. I'm doing it though, one box at a time. Goodwill is getting used to seeing me. Now I am even tackling the garage! I'm hoping that come summer I will have cleared out my whole house, including the garage. I used to say that my weight was my last mountain to conquer. I must  have been overlooking the "stuff"! Now I am saying, the "stuff" is my last mountain to conquer!
Julia

I also can relate loud and clear.  Our basement is full of boxes.  We had a leak earilier this week, and now the boxes are scattered all around.  We have lived here a year and 1/2 and I still haven't been in those boxes!

Maybe I will get snowed in and will have a real reason to stay home and work on it this weekend.  One could only hope!

Jeane  

I have things in my garage at my house in the valley and don't miss them but won't get rid of them.  How sad?  I am going to try to make an effort to rid myself  of both types of baggage and see if I cannot have more space.