This is the third time I’ve packed things up since I met Michael, which means it’s the third time I’ve had to purge!
After we got engaged eight years ago and decided to live together, I had to downsize my belongings!
I had a lifetime’s worth of “stuff” that I needed to go through, and it was absolutely one of the toughest things I ever had to do.
I wasn’t willing to give up anything when I moved out of my home on Maui to La Jolla 10 years ago. Michael and I were talking about what I should bring to his place. He said, “Why don’t you just get rid of everything and just bring your clothes?”
That suggestion set my hair on fire! I couldn’t really get rid of everything! That would be absurd.
But over the next couple of weeks, I started walking through my home, entertaining the idea of actually doing just that and getting rid of everything!
I realized that I wasn’t fondly attached to these “things” I didn’t want to get rid of but was clinging to my possessions because they represented my identity. My possessions provided a certain amount of security and connection to my past, which brought me some comfort since the future was still so new and unknown. What I didn’t realize was that it was also keeping me tethered to a reality I was SO ready to replace.
I began to realize how liberating it would be to clean the slate and have a fresh start with Michael.
I was very attached to my dishes, bedding, furniture, art, and books! And the more I contemplated letting it go, the more I noticed these things created a heaviness. They didn’t lift me like they used to. I’m embarrassed to admit that when I was going through my things, I noticed I had purchased two of some things. I had two pairs of the same boots, shoes, etc. I think shopping had become a surrogate parent!
But I did the unthinkable. I got rid of everything!
Did you see the picture of the shoes that I got rid of?!
I felt so liberated! Like a huge weight was lifted! Like anything was possible. Like I was giving myself permission to embrace a new way of being and shedding my old identity in the process.
Believe it or not, once I started the process, I couldn’t get rid of my things fast enough. How interesting that I clung to these things like my life depended on them, and it turns out my life depended on releasing them!
I was able to fully lean into my new reality with my new love.
Now I’m starting the whole process over! We are renovating our home, so I’m going through every closet, every drawer, every nook, and cranny must be sorted. It’s time to purge again! And this time, I’m ready.
So here’s what I want you to think about-
What possessions, feelings, or negative core beliefs are you holding onto that actually don’t serve (and have nothing to do with) the BRIGHTER future you’re ready for?
Feel into that for a minute.
Take an inventory of your house and then an inventory of your emotions and beliefs, and PURGE, sister!
You’ll feel a thousand pounds lighter, and space will be cleared for your NEW reality to step in!
Happy cleaning!
💖Women Reinventing MidLife – This month, my friend Deb Johnstone has put together a free online event with an incredible panel of expert women in midlife (including me) to help women in middle life create the life they love.
If you feel stuck in midlife mayhem and you’d love to rediscover you, find new direction and thrive in your next chapter, then what you learn in this event can make all the difference to you. Register here with your complimentary ticket and join us starting July 25th. Feel free to forward this invitation to a friend!
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