We are deep into Autumn, the season of letting go. Trees are losing their last leaves, the fruits have fallen from the branches and we can see through the bareness of the limbs.
We can mirror this season in our own lives by clearing the clutter – letting go of old, dead, useless things and thoughts, to make room for new growth and blooming.
Clutter isn’t just piles of papers and stacks of unsorted bills. Clutter can be anything you no longer use: trinkets you used to collect, clothes you no longer wear, wedding gifts from a previous marriage.
Not only do these things take up space in our homes, they keep us attached to a version of ourselves that we no longer are.
And until we let them go, we cannot move into the authentic person we truly are.
For several years I created artworks from found and recycled materials. I had full drawers and boxes, neatly organized and arranged with all kinds of objects and doodads for my creations.
Sometimes a friend would call, asking for some odd item and, sure enough, I had it.
But after two years of not making art, it occurred to me that, not only were all of these things taking up precious space, but they were making me feel bad that I wasn’t creating anything.
I kept the things for “just in case” I needed something, but realized that, I can always find them again if I do. (And finding them was part of the fun of it, after all.) The bottom line was, I was no longer that kind of artist and so I didn’t need to hold on to all of those things.
There was such freedom in the revelation.
I spent an entire weekend sorting through all of my stuff. I filled 4 boxes for Goodwill, 2 bags for trash and even made a pile of some real treasures to give to an artist friend. And yes, I kept a few special items that were just too wonderful to part with.
It was a great feeling to open up empty drawers, to feel the space I had created. Not just the physical space in the drawers, but that new space in my identity. I loved being able to stretch into the new questions: Who did I want to be now? How did I want to express myself creatively now?
It’s impossible to move into this place of transformation if we are living in a space filled with old things, old beliefs, old habits.
The first step toward any change is really examining what no longer serves us. From there we can find the courage and the desire to let those things go, to make space for new growth, new questions, new possibilities.
So what things, beliefs, habits are cluttering your life and keeping you from being able to ask new questions?
As we move into this season of letting go, what are you ready to let go of that is no longer serving who you want to be in your life?
Please share your thought by clicking on the Comments!
Ruth,
Once more, you offered here another wise, encouraging post, and thank you.
I love the way you so often give us something rich to consider, and how you write about it in a caring way that feels great.
Blessings,
Joy
Ruth, Just wanted to let you know that clearing out the clutter/old to make way for the new/authentic really hit a chord with me. Thank you.
I finally set up a space to do art, and what do you think I did…..I dragged in several unfinished pieces from the past to work on. I was actually questioning myself when I did this without thinking it through. Your “Spark the Heart” message today made it all crystal clear.
I’m going to start fresh which will be the only way I can be authentic. The moment is now. I realize past ideas might be great, but they are “past” and this is now.
Thank you again for your insightful wise words. I’m going to go through my closets tonight! 🙂 Laurie
Laurie, I’m THRILLED to hear that you have set up space for your art! And even more thrilled that you are started here. Now. New! Best to you!
Thanks Joy! I love sharing what has worked for me and that it can have an impact on others.
Ruth~
Thank you for putting this in the perfect words that motivate me. I am holding onto so many things that do not serve or represent me at all. It will probably take me a little while to clear out much of my years of collecting art supplies that I don’t even use, books I no longer read and clothes that I will not wear again, but your words are magical. As we are feeling the full effects of Autumn here, it will be fun to think of shedding these things like fall leaves. Thank you once again for another powerful post. 🙂
Tracy, allow yourself the time, the space to let these things go. Start small–one box at a time. Sometimes, thinking how another person might better use our old, no longer needed stuff, helps in the letting go. And imagining the space and freedom is also a wonderful motivator. Enjoy the process!
Hi Ruth. We have spoken/emailed a few times, but never met. I so enjoy your newsletters, reading about your life and the words, feelings and experiences you so generously share with so many of us. You truly bless me with each and every one of them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. <3
Your clearing space by thoughtfully seeing, considering, and removing what no longer serves comes at a wonderful time for me. I’m in the final stage of doing just what you describe…and your words provide just the boost my somewhat flagging, gosh what now self needed. Thank you.
Susie, thanks for taking the time to write! Sending many blessings your way!
Yeah Joy! But really, is there ever a final stage????? Ha!