Take a look around your home. Whether it’s the place where you’ve lived for most of your life and where you raised your children, or your fresh- start home, your house is an important part of your life. Sometimes the things that fill our homes can be reminders of the past, of times best left behind as we strive forward.
So…clean them out! Take stock of what still brings you happiness and serves a purpose in your life. You’ve heard of the three R’s? Well, our new project has four: Repurpose, recycle, remove or replace.
This goes for everything: clothes, books, records, dinnerware, throw pillows, souvenirs from trips taken with your ex. If it doesn’t bring a smile to your face, it doesn’t have a place. Pass it on, donate it, recycle it, toss it out.
This type of cleaning and purging can be difficult, and that’s ok. You’re once again coming face-to-face with the fact that your life has changed, and what you thought would be at your center is no longer there. It also provides an opportunity to surround yourself with great new treasures that will set the stage for everything that comes next.
Perhaps you’ll make a trip to a nearby antique or thrift shop to see what great finds are waiting to be unearthed. Or you can choose a style of furniture your ex never liked, but you did. One special piece can make all the difference.
Thrift and antique shops are full of great pieces, in good shape, that you can enjoy owning without breaking the bank. If you love antiques but your ex was more of a modernist, here’s your opportunity to buy that lovely old mahogany bookcase you’ve had your eye on for years. Always wanted a clawfoot bathtub but was told it was impractical? If you can find it, you can have it delivered and installed. What a treat!
The treasures found in these stores have their own history. They’ve had their own journey. It’s possible the shop owner can tell you a little about the piece’s story, especially if they select their goods from estate sales or have good relationships with families in the area. History can help shape our futures, giving inspiration on what you might do, or become, in the next chapter of your own life.
In the meantime, you’ll create your own space, between the cleaning out and the filling in. Live in that space for a moment. Feel the openness. Notice the room and the absences. Those are little pockets of freedom, blank slates that YOU get to fill in however you’d like.
There’s hidden wonder everywhere: in your home, your things, the treasures you find and, most importantly, in yourself.
As you clear the clutter, realize that you’re stronger than you thought! Take a few minutes to acknowledge that what you’re clearing out – had its place and time in your life. Now is the time for it, and you, to move on. Replace with something new- or new for you.
What great strength you have! How wonderful to be able to make selections and feel at peace with your choices. And notice how, with every lampshade, picture frame and rug put aside, it gets a little easier to move on to the next and this exciting next part of your life.
