BY BRONWYN ISON
This past weekend was only the beginning of my Spring cleaning. It felt so good let go of items that I didn’t realize were bogging me down. How do we know when our stuff is holding us back? When do we know to really let go? Why can it be difficult to release certain items?
All of the above questions — I’m with you. I’ve held onto items far too long throughout my life. I suppose some items I’ve held onto out of comfort, while many have sentimental value to them. Those of us who have children, we’ve been collecting art work, handmade trinkets, photographs and more for their entire lives. These keepsakes reside in a special place in our hearts and memories. Naturally, there are some things that will find a special place in our homes or a safe zone in the garage.
Spring cleaning encourages organization and clearing of clutter. What kind of purpose is a certain item(s) serving in my life? If you cannot answer the question with honesty then it’s time to release. Years ago, while Spring cleaning, my oldest daughter, asked a poignant question. Does the item bring you joy? She was eleven years old and I found it to be a very mature question. From that point forward, I ask myself, does this item bring joy to my life or is it bringing me down? Truly, it brings a lot of perspective to that moment and thing.
You may have heard, if you haven’t used it in a year, it’s time to let it go. I believe this is circumstantial. I have quite a few items in my closet that I’ve had for years. I don’t wear each of these items every year. However, I love to find an oldie but goody and spruce it up with something new. Especially if you have is a classic piece that never goes out of style. I once heard a friend tell me, I’ve worn the same black dress to multiple events. She went on to say, I wore different shoes, carried a new clutch and changed out my jewelry. Nobody ever knew she had worn the same dress twice.
One of my favorite things about Spring cleaning — my junk can become another’s treasure. I donate everything that I believe someone else could enjoy.
So here’s to your clearing of the cutter and cobwebs. Happy cleaning to moving forward and letting go!
Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga and bronwynison.com (Online Yoga Classes ON DEMAND) 760-564-9642(YOGA)
