You know I’m devoted to helping each of you live your sweet life, la dolce vita. I have something for you today that is especially sweet. Can clutter reveal limiting beliefs? As we say in Iowa, You Betcha!
There I was clearing things out when I picked up the railroad lantern my dad had given me from his working days. It doesn’t work and it’s collecting dust yet I hang onto it. So I asked myself why. My self said, “Because your father gave it to you.” Suddenly I realized I was not only holding onto a useless lantern, I was holding onto an old belief. My belief was that I’m obligated to hold on to what people I love give me.
I cleared out that old belief, took a picture of the lantern then kissed it goodbye and went to the next piece of clutter.
Just as our closets are cluttered, our minds are cluttered with the stories we tell ourselves. “My dad would be hurt,” “It was a gift,” “I haven’t worn it yet,” “I might need it some day.” These are signs of old beliefs we carry, stories that clutter up our minds.
What stories do your clutter reveal? That dress you don’t wear, for example. What’s the story, the belief? The things we keep that we no longer need are like the beliefs we hold that keep us in the past.
Here are some other examples:
The clutter: An expensive dress you bought ten years ago and don’t wear.
The story: I spent good money on this dress.
The limiting belief: When I spend a lot of money on something, I need to keep it. After all, money doesn’t grow on trees!
New belief: I keep only what I love to wear.
The clutter: Shoes you don’t like or wear.
The story: I may need them.
The limiting belief: I must wear shoes I don’t like.
New belief: I wear shoes I love, even if I can only afford two pairs.
Is this making sense to you? So often, when we want to get rid of stuff, we resist because it is more than getting rid of a thing, it is getting rid of what we used to believe about the way we want to live or look.
De-cluttering my closet brought me more into the present moment. Wicker baskets replaced piles and I know where things are when I want them. I have only what I love and will use. I’m so happy walking into my closets now. Why? Because there is nothing in there that I don’t use at this moment in my life. I unhooked from the hold of the past that these things had over me.
The energetic weight of carrying old beliefs around is wearing. It’s discouraging to step around what’s in the way in our closets–and in our minds.
Life is sweeter uncluttered.
Try it with me! Let me know what limiting beliefs and old stories cleaning out your stuff reveals.
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Decluttering is magic! Definitely a great article for a Be Happy Coach to write. Decluttering makes one happy!
Diane,
I’m glad you have found it to be magic also, just like dissolving our limiting beliefs helps create a magical life.
I received this email from Linda after she read this post:
I have been working on this and lately I’ve been able to follow through more than I have in the past. While packing away winter clothes I come across some things that I haven’t even unpacked for years. A few of the items immediately went into the give away pile but some of the others I picked up and even held them up to me. I tried to rationalize why I haven’t been able to let them go. They don’t hold any memories of special times. A few of them I’ve never even worn. Finally I realized that they all are things worn around the holidays – not a particularly jolly time for me. Hasn’t been for a couple decades or more. Am I hoping I’ll have happier times if I hang on to them? Maybe. Before I can do any more the unbearable tension sets in and I am rendered unable to make any decisions. My packing containers have not yet been put away for the season and before they are I’m hoping to pull a couple of those holiday things out and let someone else enjoy their holiday.
Thanks for letting me share,
Linda
Linda’s update from her experience in letting go of clutter: “I just thought I’d update you on my progress. After expressing this issue to you I kept trying to think of why I would want to hang on to dresses that while they may have been stylish at one time they certainly aren’t anymore. Of course I also began to look around the disorganized mess I had been living in for a couple of decades. As I put this issue on a back burner I got a call from veterans charity looking for old clothing. And at some point over the next few weeks the issue from my back burner moved front and center. I started with clothing that I had no problem letting go of. And after I had packed up 3 large bags I started going through boxes that had been packed forever and ended up with a large box of give aways. But before I closed up those bags I dug out the dress that started it all and found one more for good measure. Now this was a wonderful breakthrough for me but it wasn’t the end. During this time I saw a notice about a local food pantry needing donations for a rummage sale. They didn’t want clothing but household items. I’m happy to say I cleaned out many more items. And the gentleman that picked up the items found a home for an exercise bike I purchased and could not use because of a knee injury. Since this happened I can’t seem to stop organizing and letting go. Old memories don’t seem relevant anymore and when one pops up I am now able to just move past it. This has also shifted the energy in many areas of my life as helpful people are showing up and I have not been able to go anywhere without having a conversation with someone nice.
I want to thank you because your posing the original question and me answering seemed to be the catalyst for me to finally move on.”
Thanks!
Linda
Linda,
Thanks for your emails and for permission to publish them as posts. I’m so happy that as you stated, “Old memories don’t seem relevant anymore and when one pops up I am now able to just move past it. This has also shifted the energy in many areas of my life as helpful people are showing up and I have not been able to go anywhere without having a conversation with someone nice.”
It starts a snowballing effect.
Keep up the great work!
Yes, I so agree cleaning out clutter as well as taking care of unfinished business, and those limiting beliefs leave us more room to receive happiness and joy. Soon to be an empty nester, again, and can’t wait to clear the clutter!
Love this. So clear and oh so true. I’m now taking a short break from the computer while I spend a few minutes cleaning out my closet.
Hope your closet is clearer now, and your mind also. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Hi Lenora,
What a great post! I love that you’ve created a tangible step to dealing with both internal and external clutter. Wonderful insight 🙂 Kate- http://www.zealandcoaching.com
Kate,
Thanks for stopping by! Isn’t it interesting though how everything is connected? Change one aspect, and others fall into place. Great to meet you!