Box up the past.

I read a fantastic article in the June issue of O Mag, that talked about the power of organizing, and how it can help you shed the shackles of your past when you're trying to move forward. I used to think that the physical environment did not affect my emotional, or spiritual self, but I am starting to believe I'm wrong. (It ain't the first time.) I think if you subconsciously hold onto your past as you're trying to grow, you stay rooted in your old identity and you never give yourself the chance to bloom into something new.

Here's an excerpt. It's written by Julie Morgenstern, author of, "When Organizing Isn't Enough." Morgenstern was an ambitious theater student before leaving that profession to start a successful small business.

"In my work with clients, I've found that without a framework, most of us stumble blindly through transitions. For example, if you think of every object or activity as a treasure and can't bring yourself to heave, you won't free any space for growth. If you value nothing from the past and always jump straight to the heave stage, you'll end up leaving some wonderful gems behind and feel empty. When you don't re-connect with your identity, it's easy to get caught up in someone else's vision of who you are. And if you're afraid to move forward, you'll stagnate in the present, limiting your ability (and opportunity) to achieve the change you want."

Tomorrow -- change, continued...

Comments

[sarah]

I believe this. It wasn't until I boxed up old relationship stuff that I was able to move forward in my life. I think it's your body's way of saying you are ready to move on.

great post, thanks!

[Stephanie Quilao]

For me, I find that my physical clutter is a reflection of the mental & emotional clutter that goes on inside. When I start cleaning up the inside, I get really motivated to clean my physical space. Just yesterday, I even woke up early to organize the piles of laundry & clothes I had laying around. Afterwards, it felt freeing because I wasn't looking at "piles" any more. Ahhh!

Likewise, if you don't make room for the new stuff, how can any of it come into your life. That thought always helps keep me on track ;)

[Stephanie Quilao]

For me, I find that my physical clutter is a reflection of the mental & emotional clutter that goes on inside. When I start cleaning up the inside, I get really motivated to clean my physical space. Just yesterday, I even woke up early to organize the piles of laundry & clothes I had laying around. Afterwards, it felt freeing because I wasn't looking at "piles" any more. Ahhh!

Likewise, if you don't make room for the new stuff, how can any of it come into your life. That thought always helps keep me on track ;)

[The Soul Sorority]

Hi Stephanie -- yes, I love how well you just said that! I know, just recently I tidied up my dozens of piles and stacks around my house and felt like I had a rebirth, LOL! It's amazing how the smallest effort helps. thanks for sharing!

[Karen Happywoman]

Hi, You've got some great content! Especially the part that says one has to re-connect with his/her own identity. That is so true! How else would you find ways of tapping in to your own energy? How could you go through the unpleasant experience of leaving a comfort-zone and the effort of creating a new comfort-zone that serves your needs? In my work with women and horses (communicating, dealing with stress) I try to encourage my clients to discover what feels good to them. What are your real values? What makes you feel fulfilled? How do you get all these things aligned to prevent having what you have described so well as the "octopus-syndrome"?

[The Soul Sorority]

Hi Karen -- YES. I love the questions you asked. I am still figuring out the answers. But I think a realization that it's time to move in that direction, TOWARD what is fulfilling, is Step One. :) Thanks for the comment!