How many tee-shirts do you own? I wonder how many tee-shirts are really essential. This was the discussion my hubby and I held last week as we looked at our overstuffed closet, packed with too many tops and tee-shirts.
Now most of our tee-shirts are fun memories. Many still bring smiles to our hearts. But to be honest quite a few are faded and a bit past their prime. Some are one size too small. Time to declutter the closet. We went to work!
The closet now looks much better and didn’t take as long as we thought. We were tired, but we felt peace and joy and quite a bit lighter once the job was done,
But the process made me consider this:
What about my internal closet? What needed to be weeded out? What was I keeping that was past its prime and time to release?
As I was pondering this, writer Emily Freeman asked this deep question that struck my heart: What’s something you’re craving that has nothing to do with food?
Two distinct questions invited me inward: one asking me to release and another asking me what I desired. Interesting contrast!
The spiritual practices that helped me with these questions are my tried-and-true ones: prayer, silence, stillness, journaling. I listened and wondered as I walk, as I sat in my garden. I held them loosely in my open hands as I went to sleep as sometimes clarity comes in the twilight moments. I paid attention to holy hints in scripture, sacred readings, in nature for any guidance.
Slowly the answers emerged. Writing them out certainly helped to bring them front and center!
- I was clinging too much to outcomes and fears. Time to trust more and enjoy the journey. Be more present. Less focused on the future.
- Let go of old narratives that no longer fit who I was now. That former negative self-talk doesn’t describe the beloved child of God I know I am in my later years.
- And what am I craving? I am craving to know and love God more and more. I desire clarity, not necessarily to see the end results, but at least the next right steps I am to take. And then I yearn for courage to do the right thing and to speak up as needed. We need brave people in this world, and I pray I can be brave when God needs me to act.
Both cleaning jobs took energy, time, and some emotionally letting go but the end results were peace and joy and much insight. No regrets ever for occasionally decluttering!
How’s your internal closet?
Since we had our house repainted, I’ve caught the decluttering bug again. I got rid of quite a few items–including clothing–but not enough yet. My closet is still too packed. Most of my tshirts are full of memories too.
And yes, cleaning our internal closets is important as well. Both need a thorough decluttering from time to time!
I don’t think decluttering is ever done and those tee shirt multiply on their own!!
Wonderful insights, jean!.Thank you for sharing your inward journey from questions to answers. As I read your bullet points I found myself saying internally, YES! AMEN! ABSOLUTELY! I too want to enjoy the journey on the path God has chosen for me–even in this last season of life. THAT’S where I’ll find joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment!
Sometimes we do need to pause and take a hard long look at what is past its prime to cling to and we need to let go of, right? Sure does feel good and lighter and fresher to let go of things, internally as well as externally!!
You are so right!