How does clutter hold you back?

Have you ever saved items that remind you of a bad time in your life, a difficult relationship, a trauma? This week I spoke with a prospective client who was very forthright in saying that she is trying to declutter all things that have trauma connected with them. She went on to say that she realized there are a lot of negative people in her life; she wants to get rid of the negative stuff and surround herself with positive people.

The physical clutter around us directly impacts our emotional health. If we are surrounded by clutter, it can be hard to find calm, joy, and balance. And it can hold us back, especially if some of that clutter represents something negative in our lives. It takes courage to let go of things we love; some find it hard even with items that raise negative emotions. What might be possible in your life if you made the time and had the courage to get rid of the clutter? What freedom might you feel by doing that?

Recently I read a sermon by Brother Curtis Almquist of the Society of St. John the Evangelist, a community of Episcopal monks in Cambridge, MA.  There is deep wisdom in his words:

“Is there anything right now in your life that is good, perhaps amazingly good, that you are clinging to? It may literally be some tangible thing, or some experience, or some relationship that means the world to you. Whatever it is, cherish it, but don’t cling to it. Recently I was listening to someone speak about their life, which is in major transition. They are having to radically simplify and downsize their life. This person has taken on a practice of giving away things they love. The issue for them was not about giving away or disposing of things they no longer need or desire. That went without saying. Their delight, their newfound freedom, was coming through giving away things they love. You might consider a similar practice.  Give away what you love and you will be left with love.”