How Letting Go of Emotional Baggage and Physical Clutter Improved My Life
Life is full of moments that shape who we are, and sometimes it's the things we let go of that bring about the most significant transformations. For me, it's been a journey of shedding emotional baggage and physical clutter. This article explores the journey I embarked upon and the unexpected positive impacts it had on my life.
Emotional Insecurities: The Heaviest Load
Emotional insecurities have been a heavy burden on my life. These feelings, which have haunted me for years, lack a rational basis but still persist. I often look back at my life from childhood and fail to find reasons for these insecurities. Despite being born into a well-to-do family, married to a loving person, and having the support of a mother and sister, I have often felt insecure. It wasn't until the age of 51, as a result of a spiritual quest, that I was able to shed these feelings. However, old habits die hard, and even now, I am still working on letting go of these insecurities.
One of the greatest challenges I faced was the hesitance to allow people to become close to me, as I had an initial default setting that kept people at bay. It's a hard habit to break, but I have started to enjoy my own company. This journey of self-discovery and emotional freedom has been transformative.
Physical Clutter: Unnecessary Burden
Another aspect of my life that I needed to address was the physical clutter. One of the items that added to this clutter was a collection of necklaces I had accumulated since childhood. When I moved from NYC to LA, I transported these necklaces in a rather unconventional way—taping them to the inside of cardboard cat food boxes. They sat in a corner of my room, gathering dust and multiplying over time.
The necklaces were a mix of sentimental and personal objects, ranging from items inherited from grandparents to ex-boyfriends, and even some with my initials engraved. However, I never wore them, and their sentimental value caused me guilt for not engaging with them more. Over time, I started to question whether I could treasure the memories without holding onto the physical objects.
The decision to let go of these necklaces was not easy. I had to consider whether to keep them in a proper jewelry box, polish them, and make an effort to wear them or simply give them away. After much reflection, I decided that the physical objects were just that—objects—and that other people might genuinely enjoy them more.
I ended up putting almost all of the necklaces on a local 'Buy Nothing' Facebook group. Soon after, a woman who had recently moved to LA from Denmark reached out to let me know that one of these necklaces was a Danish coin that delighted her. Her response brought a sense of joy and satisfaction. By letting go of these physical reminders, I released a significant amount of emotional weight and placed it in the hands of someone who could appreciate them more.
Aging with Purpose
Another positive change in my life has been the increase in my productivity and engagement in various projects. At 91, I am undertaking more projects than ever before. This newfound energy and enthusiasm for work show that it's never too late to embrace new challenges and find fulfillment in meaningful activities.
Conclusion
Life is a constant journey of letting go. Whether it's emotional insecurities or physical clutter, sometimes the greatest improvements come from the things we decide to release. By shedding the past and embracing new opportunities, we can experience a more fulfilling and lighter life. Let this article inspire you to start evaluating what burdens you might be ready to put down.