I’ve been told that each item we own takes a little of our energy. As I creep into the basement or peer into the depths of a cluttered closet and feel my energy leaking out like water through a sieve, I’m inclined to believe them!
Recently I was talking with a good friend whose marriage ended about a year ago. She was living in a new home full of things from her old life. Last week she came to a realization. As she looked at the bed set she owned during her marriage, the table they had argued at, and so much more… it was time to clean house. Because, although there were good memories attached to the stuff there were many bad as well. So she gathered the things together, not with anger, but with gratitude for their service, for the good and bad memories they held, and sold or gave it away. She said she could feel the room getting lighter. But more importantly she felt a weight roll off her body. It was time to fill her home with items carefully selected for her new life or perhaps, leave it open, light and free.
I was so inspired by her story that I immediately started cleaning out my home. The first items I saw were two boxes with cassette tapes of children’s stories. (Yes, I said cassette tapes!) Those tapes had many good memories attached to them. My sister’s and I cocooned in sleeping bags, unfettered by seat belts riding in the back of the station wagon on a road trip to my cousins, listening to stories. Good memories, but can I hold onto the memories without holding onto the two dusty boxes in my closet? I think so! So after expressing gratitude for the many hours of enjoyment they brought me… out they went. I continued going through things and with each item I removed I felt lighter.
Sadly though I was not just experiencing good feelings. As I cleaned I noticed fears bubbling up. One of the fears was scarcity. The fear that I might need that “treasure.” Even though the logical part of my brain reminded me I had not used the item since I moved in 15 years ago! But there it was, that primal fear of not having enough. The fear that I will not be taken care of or that I cannot take care of myself.
Another fear that came up is the fear of letting go of the past and moving forward. Of realizing that my days of being a mother to small children are over. Part of me knew that holding onto toys and blankies will not change that. With tears, I thanked each item for it’s service, and let them go. As I let go of each item, I felt the freedom of new beginnings, of adventures to come and the space to redefine myself.
So my invitation to you is to open that dreaded drawer, closet or room and dive into your clutter. It has lessons to teach you and as you release your clutter I know you will be showered with gifts. The gifts that you won’t have to store…lightness, freedom, adventure and joy.
Have an Amazing Monday! ( and everyday!)
Leanna Fredrich Stress Management Coach, Adv. EFT, Adv. Psych-K
PS: As you know one of my favorite tools is tapping. If you have never heard of tapping check out this resource… Go to http://www.eftuniverse.com/research-and-studies/eft-research or listen to http://youtu.be/WH2b81Nvd20 Here is a tapping script to help you as fears come up during your decluttering project…
Karate Chop: Even though I am finding it hard to let this go, I love and accept my feelings.
Even though all these emotions are coming up and I want to hide, I love and accept myself anyway.
Even though I am afraid that I won’t be taken care of so I might need this stuff I accept these feelings.
Eyebrow: These fears.
Side of Eye: This sadness.
Under Eye: This anger.
Under Nose: These disappointments.
Chin Point: All these fears.
Collar Bone: What if I need this stuff?
Under Arm: What if I miss it?
Top of Head: This letting go.
Keep tapping on the negative, substituting your own words if you want, until your emotions have settled down to a 5 or less on a scale of 1-10. Then you can move to the positive round.
Positive Round:
Eyebrow: I am willing to let go.
Side of Eye: I don’t need this stuff to remember those I love.
Under Eye: I am well taken care of and resourceful.
Under Nose: I let go of my fear.
Chin Point: I let go of my anger.
Under Arm: I love this feeling of freedom!
Top of Head: I am excited and welcome new experiences and beginnings!