Every year I clean out my closets.
There is stuff that no longer fits … but I can’t let it go because it’s got a memory attached to it.
There is stuff with holes in it … but it was my favorite, so I can’t let it go.
There are items that literally don’t make me happy when I wear them … but I feel guilty for throwing it out.
Yet if I don’t go through this ritual, I will stay stuck and bogged down and totally uninspired.
It’s critical that I get rid of the old to make room for the new.
My rule of thumb each time I do this: If the item does not bring me JOY when I wear it … then I say “Bye Felicia”.
And besides, life is way to short to wear stuff that doesn’t make you happy.
I apply one of my all time favorite life mottos to this ritual (thank you Marie Forleo!): “If it’s not a HELL YES! … then it’s a hell no.”
There is something super therapeutic about this ritual for me.
And it makes me wonder: Should we also be cleaning out the closets in our lives every year?
I’m guessing you have stuff laying around in your life that no longer fits.
I bet you have a few things in your life that are worn out and tired.
Are you still hanging on to items that no longer bring you joy?
Maybe now is the time to clean out your personal closet.
I am a big fan of making lists, of writing things out. It helps me get my head on paper. I’m so visual that it also allows me to see patterns.
Here is a quick exercise you can do to help you start to sort through the clutter:
1. Get out your favorite notebook and pen. Yes, one that brings you joy!
2. Turn on some Zen music, set your timer for 20 minutes.
3. Now … start to answer these questions:
- What things are you currently doing that you absolutely dread?
- Who in your life makes you feel like crap?
- Is there a space in your home that doesn’t bring you joy when you are in it?
4. When your timer goes off. Look at that list. Notice: Any patterns? Themes? Ah-ha moments?
5. Pick three things right now that you will make change on in the next 6 months.
I promise, doing this will bring you so much peace of mind and joy.
It’s not easy.
It can be really hard and uncomfortable at times to let go of certain things, to say no, to say goodbye to certain people, places, or things.
Yet, you cannot have both courage and comfort.
You have to do the uncomfortable if you want to live a comfortable life.
Personally, I have a zero tolerance policy for negative people, places, or things. You should too. This does not make you cold or hard, it makes you brave and strong and smart!
Every year make it a goal to take stock of your life’s closet.
- What fits?
- What doesn’t?
- What has holes in it?
- What’s too tight?
- What no longer brings you joy?