What Does Your Clutter Weigh?

Now I am not asking you to put all of your stuff on a scale. For some people there might not be a scale large enough, I am talking about a feeling. Do you feel overwhelmed when you enter your home or office? Does the amount of stuff in your space negatively impact your physical self? Does the length of your to-do list making you feel like you are drowning? These are the signs that your physical or time-related stuff is taking its' toll on your life.

But here's the rub...if I asked you to delete some of your possessions or some of your tasks, you would probably tell me all of the reasons why you can't.

1. The X brings back memories. (and that's why I need to keep 20 elephant figurines packed in a box rather than the five most treasured ones on a display shelf in the living room)
2. The Y will fit once I lose weight and it is still in good shape. (of course it is eight years old and I need to lose 30 pounds)
3. Group Z will be upset if I don't take on the project. (I've done it every year even though I really dislike doing it and know that someone else could do a better job)
4. Etc.

I'm not saying that these reasons are wrong. I am simply suggesting that we try to look at the situation from a different vantage point. Mark Twain wisely said, Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. So let's take the examples above and turn them around a little bit.

1. What adventures will you miss because you are living in the past rather than in the present? Decide to honor "the best" items and then create some new memories.
2. Can you touch any item in your closet or dresser and know that wearing it will make you feel and look good? I saved lots of great clothes from when I was a "different weight". Meanwhile I purchased what was most convenient and dreaded making the "clothing decision". I started working with a wardrobe consultant and learned how to look and feel good with clothes that fit my "current body". I deleted items that didn't fit or didn't look good, Dressing is no longer a chore and I love the compliments I receive. Good thing I took the initiative because I found out after the fact that my sister had nominated me twice for What Not To Wear! Decide to "deacquire" items that aren't being used.
3. Would you like to take up a new hobby or spend time with family and friends? When you work on tasks you don't like or aren't skilled at due to feelings of guilt, people-pleasing behavior, or the inability to say "no" you are denying yourself the opportunity to participate in more enjoyable activities. Decide to be more deliberate in choosing your projects.

Name one item weighing you down and take one step toward "lightening" it.