 Spring is just around the corner and let me tell you something that I absolutely LOVE, is a little something I call purging. I personally define this as getting rid of old sh*t that doesn’t hold value in your life anymore. It’s similar to spring cleaning, except it’s a concept that is applied year round. In the past year or so I have uncovered the power of how mentally and emotionally freeing it feels to let go of past things and experiences. It’s said it can really improve your health and it’s no surprise as to why. If we look at Traditional Chinese Medicinewhich focuses on Chi or the flow of energy we can see the correlation of how it positively impacts our health to let the flow keep flowing! So how do you get started? I love this article by Mind Body Greenthat talks about three questions you can ask yourself when looking to declutter. Here are a few additional things I often ask: 1.Is this something I can replace?For example, let’s say you’ve been holding onto an old pair of jeans that don’t fit but you use to love. Or maybe there is a piece of jewelry you like but it’s not in style anymore but you’re holding onto it just in case it comes back around. These are things I like to view as replaceable. Styles replicate themselves about every ten years, do you really want to hold onto it for that long? Or when was the last time you fit into those jeans? While I do recommend keeping a rotation of clothes for healthy weight fluctuations (what I consider to be 5-15ish pounds), holding onto these things in hopes of the future doesn’t serve a positive flow of energy in the present moment today. 2.Does this item still serve me?For me this always has to do with books. I love to read and if I held onto to every book I ever owned there would be an entire library in my house. I keep the ones that really changed or enlightened my perspective, or that are such a great story (like this one here, I highly recommend!) I want to share them with someone else. The minute I no longer feel a need to re-read or reference them I let them go, either gifting them to a friend or family member that I think may enjoy them, to the local resale bookstore or Goodwill in the intention they will end up in the hands of someone who will benefit from the story as much I did. 3.I just bought a new item, what other item can I get rid of now?One of the reasons we accumulate so many things is because we never let go of the old things when we bring in the new. Often times when I consciously purchase something whether it be a new shirt, or sneakers I donate an old pair or other item I haven’t touched in awhile to ensure I am not accumulating more than I need. I often find I get rid of a couple things! I’ve recently found that by letting of so many ‘things’ like old decorations, clothes, childhood toys, books, etc. I emotionally feel lighter, it has lead me to procrastinate less, reduce stress and anxiety levels and has taken a lot of the decision and burden out of simple tasks like getting dressed for the day. Leaving more room to focus on more important tasks and goals. Do you like to get rid of things? Or do you have trouble letting go? Let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!
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