All that "stuff" evokes powerful emotions

DECLUTTER (as defined by Merriam Webster) - Verb: ‘to remove clutter from a room, an area, etc.’. Sounds pretty simple, but decluttering can be incredibly hard. Over the years, you’ve accumulated SO much STUFF. And while you may not enjoy all of it, or want it around you, it can be a daunting task to remove it from your home and life. Especially when that stuff evokes powerful emotions.

When I first started decluttering, the sentimental factor really got to me, but I faced additional hangups too, like “this was expensive”, “this was a gift” and "what if my mom asks if I still have that?".

While these thoughts were well-intentioned, they prevented me from being utterly ruthless, relentless and cutthroat with the limited number of things I really wanted to keep. It’s normal during this process for these feelings to creep up, but you’re stronger than them. You’re growing into a new mindset of minimal, intentional living, which is meant to benefit YOU and YOUR FAMILY and no one else. As a sentimental person, it took a deep dive into my brain to realize that whatever it is, it’s simply a REMINDER of a memory, NOT the actual memory itself. Before that realization, I wouldn’t have been able to declutter as ruthlessly as I really wanted to, even if I tried.

You don’t have to get rid of everything. You can keep some momentos from your wedding, your grandma’s bracelet or that book from Aunt Mary. As long as you love it and it’s benefitting you, it has purpose in your life. Once it becomes a stressful burden or frustration, it’s time to go.

What’s something sentimental that you’re ready to get rid of? 

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