My husband and I are making a big move out of New York City to the Jersey shore.
It’s only a month away and we’ve already started packing up or apartment.
However, in many ways, we are making a more important step of making more space by letting go.
Back in 2019, we moved from our large 5-bedroom home in New Jersey to a small 2-bedroom apartment in New York.
Now, that was tough! Of course, we all seem to manage to fill up the space we have and we certainly did.
However, using my mantra was “less is more” made it somewhat easier to pare down and part with so many things. I mean, did I really need all 30 pairs of black pants?
So, here I am again just 5 years later, sifting through my possessions and determining what to keep and what to let go (and maybe letting go of some of the “pared down” 20 pairs of black pants…).
Especially with us over 50 gals, we’ve had lots of time to accumulate possessions as well as relationships, and habits. While some of these additions enrich our lives, others may hinder our growth and weigh us down.
So, while this is more a forced exercise for me at this time, I would encourage all of you to take the time to reassess what we truly need and what we can release to make space for new opportunities, experiences, and joy.
Letting go is a powerful act of self-care and liberation. It’s about decluttering not just our physical surroundings but also our minds and hearts. By shedding what no longer serves us, we create room for what brings us fulfillment and purpose.
Start by decluttering your physical space. Look around your home and identify items that no longer bring you joy or serve a purpose. Marie Kondo, a renowned decluttering expert, suggests holding each item and asking yourself, “Does this spark joy?” If the answer is no, it might be time to let it go.
In fact, I did this last weekend when I was going through a closet in my office. I decided to part with many business marketing items that I had created along with coursework material. In the end, I decided that I they no longer sparked joy and really didn’t serve me purpose in my business currently.
Over the years, I’ve also learned to do this with relationships. I started to really consider which ones were uplifting and supportive, and which ones drained me of energy.
And I decided to let go of some. Yes, really. Especially at this time in my life, I believe it’s okay to let go of toxic or one-sided relationships that no longer serve me. I deserve to surround myself with people who inspire and encourage me to be my best self.
Sometimes it’s not so easy as some may be family. However, I have found that limiting engagement politely and trying to always spin the conversations to more positive perspectives was the ticket. In fact, it made our relationships even better.
In addition, emotional clutter can weigh heavily on our hearts and minds. This one took me a while as I tended to be highly reactive. However, when I really started to practice forgiveness, both for others and myself, I find I feel so much more joy and lighter.
I started to let go of grudges and regrets that were only holding myself back. I realized it’s OK to embrace self-compassion and allow myself to move forward with a lighter spirit.
Let’s face it, as Lewis B. Smedes said, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”
Finally, especially in our current world filled with distractions and endless consumption of news and social media, it’s important to be mindful of what we allow into our lives. I watch minimal news and really evaluate my social media, and just limit exposure to negativity. Instead, I try to seek out content that inspires and uplifts me.
As we create space in our lives, be open to new opportunities and experiences. Pursue activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Whether it’s trying a new hobby, traveling to a dream destination, or learning a new skill, or move to a new home, embrace the excitement of the unknown.
As I’ve learned more to let go of what no longer serves me, I am creating space for what truly matters. It’s a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth. I hope you all try to embrace the process with an open heart and mind and watch as your life unfolds in beautiful and unexpected ways.
“It is our choices that show what we truly are far more than our abilities.”
~Louise Hay
Live well and love more,
Jill Gordon
CHHC, MHt, MNLP, MTT, MSC, CLC
Certified Holistic Health Counselor, Master Certified Clinical Hypnotist*, Master Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming*, Master Certified Life and Success Coach
www.JilltheHealthCoach.com
All material in this newsletter is provided for information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this publication;instead readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. The information provided has not been approved the Food & Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness or disease.