How we keep our physical space says a great deal about how we handle and process our emotions. Just the simple act of taking some time to organize our space every day can lead to more energy, greater productivity during the day, clearer direct communication, and more opportunities for success.
The fact is when we ignore and neglect our storage spaces we create a pattern of avoidance in our lives. This avoidance, over time, can cause us to feel stressed out, short tempered, and often overwhelmed. One of the best ways to do a self-check is to open up your closets and look around your basement, attic, and garage. If you feel overwhelmed at the thought of decluttering these areas, that is a good indicator you have some clearing out to do physically and emotionally.
Often when we allow clutter to build up in our living space we may do the same with our feelings and emotions. Instead of addressing uncomfortable feelings or getting to the root of a conflict with a family member, friend, or colleague, you may find yourself consistently avoiding things, and this causes emotional clutter to build up within you, putting you at risk for depression and anxiety.
Don’t allow yourself to go through each day avoiding your emotions and racking up clutter emotionally and physically. Take the time you need and have a strategy in place to begin to sort through the junk that is creating avoidance and dysfunction in your life.
If you want to make room for change in your life on any level, you have to create the space for new things. We can’t bring in the new when our life is crammed with old clutter. If you are struggling to make a decision about a career change, relationship, or even to get healthy and begin to exercise, you have to create room for new healthy things in your life by letting go of the old.
Take the time to go through storage areas and throw away or donate anything that does not serve you in any way. A good rule of thumb is if you haven’t worn it or used it in a year, toss it. When you go through this process pay attention to how you feel. Are you anxious, sad, or angry? What does this process bring up for you emotionally? Sometimes keeping our spaces full of clutter helps us avoid painful emotions or memories of the past.
Allow yourself to explore what comes up during this process and give yourself permission to accept and embrace whatever reaction you are having. If you have tons of things from your childhood and past, you may have anxieties of letting go of the old. The idea of making room for new things in your life may paralyze you with fear, causing you to cling to the old things you see as safe and comforting.
Years ago, I was helping a friend who was going through a very difficult divorce clear out her home to prepare to put it on the market. She had rented a dumpster to get rid of things, and when I offered to help her I was shocked to find that her very large basement was full of clutter and items from her past. As I encouraged her to throw things out, she became more and more uncomfortable and eventually had to leave the area and let me sort through things without asking her for help.
Later, when we had progressed through that stressful time, she shared that her parents’ divorce and inability to get along and coparent always made her feel anxious and uncomfortable. Keeping things from her childhood became a source of comfort during a very difficult time. This behavior stayed with her into her adult life, and when she was facing her own divorce she once again found it difficult to let go of the old. During the process of clearing out her home, she realized that it was time to change this pattern of avoidance, and that to create the life she deserved she had to make room for new blessings.
If the thought of decluttering your space feels overwhelming, start small. A goal of 15 minutes a day can help you create a habit of organization daily, and it can help build momentum for you to tackle the bigger, messier areas. For instance, instead of starting with a garage full of junk, start by clearing out a desk drawer. Start with the smallest areas one drawer at a time. This will help you become more comfortable and confident with the process, and you will eventually be ready to tackle the tougher areas.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! If you find yourself being flooded with uncomfortable feelings and emotions, talk to a close friend or a therapist to sort through the feelings and free yourself of the emotional clutter. If you find it is difficult to let go of old clothing and things you don’t use, ask a trusted friend for help in the process. This can help you stick to the task at hand and help you feel supported during the process.
Once you start, you will be amazed at how good it feels to let go of the old, become organized, and make room for new blessings in your life. The process of clearing things out physically also will help you clear out the emotional clutter that weighs you down. You will find that you aren’t as comfortable stuffing your feelings and avoiding conflict with others. You will become more direct and clear in your communication, which will build your confidence and self-esteem.
If you feel like you are in a rut emotionally and life feels heavy with emotional burdens, begin the process of slowly letting go of the old. The process of decluttering and creating space opens you up for abundance in every area of your life! Remember, the simple act of 15 minutes a day with one drawer at a time is all you need to start the process. Be patient with yourself, get the help you need, and get ready for positive change and opportunity to enter into the new space!
