It feels like Day One of the cleaning up and out process, though in reality that has already been under way. I've started with small things over the past week -- getting the dishes washed and put away, cleaning the bathroom, pulling clothes out of the closet and placing them in bags to go to Goodwill. With a deadline of the end of the month to vacate, I've got to move forward steadily and consistently every day to accomplish the task at hand.
I'm aware of the symbology inherent in all of this. For years I have been simplifying my lifestyle, releasing more and more physical things with every geographical move. The blessing at the end of the process each time has been experiencing another layer of freedom, and the ability to breathe a little deeper -- at least until I was ready for the next round of releasing. After spending time within yet another set of four walls, inevitably I'd find myself sitting with similar issues of feeling overwhelmed, unable to get a handle on organizing all the stuff, and wondering when the happy and the joy of life could get started in earnest.
It hit me about six months ago how reflective the circumstances of my external environment were of my internal environment. That may seem like a "Well, duh!" kind of statement, but sometimes the things we have the hardest time seeing what may, quite literally, be right in front of us. More importantly, I realized what was being reflected from the inside on the outside. After becoming aware that something is there, it is not necessarily immediately apparent what it's all about.
Ya gotta love those aha moments when things become clear. That's when real change, or movement or progress starts to happen. I find it to be intriguing and, overall, pretty fabulous.
So, I'm off to tackle parts of external environment and make some more of that lovely progress. Happy day to you. :)
I know exactly! I experienced massive turmoil several years ago and went from being a totally put to gether, organized person to a completely disorganized person! I hate it! I am acknowledging that it is a reflection of my inside..and I am trying to work on both inside and outside a little at a time.
ReplyDeleteMarye, yes indeed. I find that working a little at a time on both the inside and outside is a way to be gentle and loving with myself. Hope it's that way for you, too. :)
DeleteEverything works together. It's so true that letting go of worldly possessions frees us from the inside out. Getting rid of clutter is symbolic, and makes it easier to address and tend to the needs of the soul.
ReplyDeleteMJ, A to Z Challenge Co-Host
Writing Tips
Effectively Human
Lots of Crochet Stitches
I agree wholeheartedly. :) Thanks for visiting, M.J.
DeleteI'm doing this very thing in preparation for my move, although I'm not quite sure where that will be yet and I have a house to sell. I've got eight bags of stuff in my car to drop off at goodwill, slowly making progress. I think it would be easier if I knew where I was headed. But I'm not the only one to decide.
ReplyDeleteSunni
http://sunni-survivinglife.blogspot.com/
Sunni, congratulations on the progress. Trusting the process, and the unfolding -- therein lies much of the challenge. Blessings to you.
DeleteSomething I need to do more of, have been getting better but I aspire to be like a friend of mine, downsizing into a flat and has recycled so much *stuff*. I need to let go more!
ReplyDeleteMars
Curling Stones for Lego People
Downsizing, recycling, releasing stuff -- it's absolutely amazing how wonderful it feels! Good luck with it, and thanks for stopping by. :)
Delete