As we barrel along towards the end of 2014, overeating, overshopping, overdrinking and overdoing, I think it’s helpful to pause and think for a moment about what we can have less of in our lives. The things that surround us often serve a purpose. But some items also evoke emotions, and not all of those emotions are the warm and fuzzy type.
I suggest taking a look around your home this holiday season and determining what items are weighing you down with not so positive feelings. Flipping the calendar to a new year might be the perfect time to kick those items to the curb (or to the thrift store) and get a fresh start! Here are a few examples of things with bad juju that probably need to go.
Shoppers Regret: We’ve all had those shopping trips where we purchased something we shouldn’t have purchased. Perhaps it seemed like a good deal at the time, or maybe the flattering lighting made us think we looked good (but our teenager informed us otherwise when we got home), or maybe it was just a temporary moment of shopping insanity that caused us to overspend on something we didn’t need. Sometimes you’ve just got to swallow that sunk cost, accept that keeping a bad item isn’t going to make it get better, and move on.
Guilt: Are you hanging on to something ugly just because a loved one gave it to you? Or stashing family “heirlooms” in the attic just because you think you should? If someone you love and respect gives you something, it should bring you joy, not pain. There are plenty of burdens in life that we can’t control—but please don’t let stuff be one of them!
Reminders of a Bad Experience: Pictures from a failed relationship, hurtful letters from an estranged family member, an outfit you wore during an extended illness, or emails filled with bad news—these are all things that remind us of bad, sad or frustrating times. Burn some sage, host a bonfire, or fire up the shredder. Don’t hold on to things that sting.
Let’s make a new set of rules for 2015: Keep only those things which bring you joy, cause you to laugh, create a feeling of warmth, and make you feel like a rock star. Onwards and upwards in the new year…and may this be your most organized year yet!