“We cannot measure abundance by what we accumulate. Abundance is an experience of the heart, a wind that blows through us like a flute. Our treasures are in the eye, the ear, and in the heart, that feels the wonder of things. ”
– Wayne Muller, Legacy of the Heart.
Let go without letting go. “No regrets” decisions.
Phrases I use often enough but how do we do this?
Below, I share with you the second half of the 10 questions to ask yourself, 10 you may not have thought of before today. First half are found here. I thought 10 was a lot to absorb in one blog posting so I split them up.
They can be applied to any culling out/weeding out/simplifying you’re doing — whether it’s papers, collectibles, books, clothing or ___________.
Fill in the blank for what you’re struggling with.
My Letting Go questions (questions 6-10):
#6 Who in the family would LOVE this as I have in the past? You loved it once … but maybe it’s not a favorite anymore. Be honest. Who else could love it as you have? Or can you make something new out of it (your wedding dress >>a christening gown for a new family member?)
#7 Think REDUCE. We think we have to “get rid of everything.” That’s because we are worried we’ll get rid of something we really wanted. Keep the “really want’s.” But take a photo of you with your collection of 30 collectible status and find some loving homes for some of them. Not all. Just some.
#8 Pick a magic number. Keep 15 shoes per season. Or 2 magazine subscriptions a month. 20 kitchen glasses. Two file drawers for business papers you use often. Or on your calendar: no more than 2 new presentations a month.
#9 The friends approach, developed by Judith Kolberg. About each item, ask yourself: is this a lifetime friend? A seasonal friend (in your life for a purpose, then leaves)? Or an acquaintance friend (not well known, short term).
#10 Say “goodbye” out loud. Whether you’re reorganizing with someone else or working on your own, go ahead and say it out loud. Tell your story one last time. BUT if by telling your story, you realize this is a lifetime friend/favorite treasure, please reconsider whether you really want to let it go.
Letting go is about knowing your favorites, your priorities in life, your treasures and keeping them. It’s about moving on, keeping the best of the past and bringing it with you into your next chapter. Hopefully some of these questions will help you with that.
