Letting Go: Decluttering My Life

Continuing with the theme of my recent post, 12 New Chapters, I recently adopted, or rather had thrust upon me, a new philosophy to help me with my goal to declutter - "Let it Go!" (Cue the music!)

Now, as I meander about my day, I purposefully look for things to let go. As a way to increase the speed of which I sell, donate, or dispose of things, I am actively seeking "ten a day" - ten things to get rid of, ten things to "use up" that have been sitting around waiting for a raining day or forgotten in the back of the cabinet, or ten things to give to someone who could put the item to better use. 

What I've found is that with each object that I free myself from, I feel more organized and less stressed. I have a donate pile and a garage sale pile in addition to the countless things I am tossing - on a daily basis! And I have so much more to do.

I am not saying I am going to become an actual minimalist, but just these little steps in this short amount of time have shown me the light to being less cluttered in the physical aspect of life. In addition, I am looking for ways to consolidate other areas - whether financially or mentally. For example, I recently closed a bank account that I had a small balance, but didn't actively use. All it gave me was more paperwork to track. 

The other day at work I cleaned out my top desk drawer. Not because I didn't have work assignments to complete, I did, but nothing pressing, but simply because I have noticed that decluttering my physical space helps me declutter my head space. Make sense?  When that very small task was complete, I felt rejuvenated and ready to take on my next project, despite the crazy week it had been. 

At home, I am going room by room, cabinet by cabinet - weaning out all the crap I no longer use or need. I wish I had a dumpster in my driveway to just toss it all in and have hauled away. Instead, unfortunately, I have to look at those previously mentioned piles and wait for donation pick-up dates or upcoming community garage sales. Although not as ideal of having the stuff instantly removed from my presence, seeing the organized piles do give some sense of gratification similar to the feeling I get when I cross something off my to-do list. 

So, it may seem silly to you that I break out in song every time that little voice in my head tells me to let it go, but for me, it really is part of the therapeutic process. 

"Let it Go" from Disney's Frozen

Until next time, have a great day and, as always, thanks for stopping by and reading. 

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