Clearing Out Emotional Clutter

On January 1, 2016 I woke up and looked around my house and thought to myself, “I need to throw some junk away.” Thus began the 2 day period that I’m calling “The Great Purge of 2016.”I’m what some might describe as “comfortable” with clutter. I don’t like things to be dirty but I’m ok with a pile of papers. As you might imagine, this can lead to some pretty creative organizational methods. Where is my light bill right now? In the stack of papers furthest to the left on my kitchen island. I know exactly where it is and when it’s due, but someone else would have trouble finding it. Sound familiar?It’s obvious to see…there are many problems with this particular organizational method. For starters, I can get accustomed to the piles and not realize how much harder I’m making things on myself by living this way. One of my goals for 2016 is to increase simplicity and productivity, so streamlining my house and organizational processes falls under that resolution. As I walk around my house post-purge, random items that need to find new places to live are sticking out like sore thumbs. I think to myself as I scan a room, “just because I’m used to seeing this here doesn’t mean it belongs here.” Then I gather up those items and either toss, donate or put them where they need to be.It occurred to me that the same can be said for things that clutter up our inner lives. Just because we’re used to something doesn’t mean it needs to be there. Isn’t it interesting to think how you may have grown accustomed to something (or someone) and assumed you’re stuck with it…but what you really need is a plan to purge it from your life?You may be used to negative self-talk, anxiety, irritability, un-forgiveness or an unhealthy relationship, but that doesn’t mean it really belongs in your life. Maybe it’s something more physical and chronic like headaches, worsening eye sight, and stomach problems? Regularly, I hear from clients who are experiencing symptoms like these. They assume there is a medical cause (not a bad guess!) only to be told by their physician that there is nothing wrong with them. Only then do these individuals start to wonder if perhaps the cause of their symptoms is more rooted in their inner, emotional life.What about you? Does any of this sound familiar? This is a great time of year to assess if there’s anything in your life that you’ve grown accustomed to that is keeping you from living your best life. A vibrant life full of freedom and peace is available to those who are willing to put in the work to purge the unnecessary and pursue better things. Why keep clutter that you’re comfortable with when a better way of doing life is available?  Start the journey today!