In today’s society, it can be difficult to let go of things that no longer serve us. When we go through tough times, our things can be a source of comfort but in the long run, these items only serve to weigh us down.
With this post I hope to provide insight into how to let go of such possessions that no longer serve us. I’ll talk about why we should commit to this practice and unpack the reasons why it’s so hard for many of us to tackle this job.
Why Should We Let Go of Material Possessions?
Material possessions don’t make us happy. They might make us more comfortable or facilitate the way we live our lives but they don’t bring happiness in and of themselves. The desire to accumulate material possessions can be a distraction from what we really need and want in life: connection, joy and wellbeing.
Material things weigh us down and limit our freedom. We often tell ourselves that if we don’t need something right now, we’ll probably need it in the future. But because we don’t know exactly when we might need it, it gets tucked away in a cupboard or box and forgotten about. This leads to an accumulation of unnecessary stuff.
When we have a lot of material possessions, it can cause a lot of stress and anxiety, particularly if we don’t have the space to accommodate them.
Why is Letting Go of Objects So Hard?
Accumulating objects makes us feel secure and in control. We can hold on to things because we think they’ll provide financial security or physical comfort in times of stress or hardship. We think we’ll be happier if we have an abundance of possessions.
We’re bombarded daily with messages about the importance of building wealth and financial security through work and material possessions. We’re told to measure our success by how much stuff we’ve accumulated. This makes it hard to let go of things that no longer serve us and hence contributes to the ever-increasing pile of clutter in our homes and storage units.
How to Let Go of Those Possessions That No Longer Give Us Joy
1. Clarify your intentions
Decide what your intention is for your belongings. Do you want to keep them, donate them or throw them away? Become clear on this intention before you start letting go of the items that are no longer serving you.
Here are some questions to ask yourself: What am I holding onto out of fear that I might need it in the future? How will I feel if I give it away now? Am I holding on to these things because they have nostalgic value? Is there a sentimental attachment? If so, how would I feel if someone gave me the object as a gift now?
2. Start small
Don’t try to tackle everything at once. In the beginning, just let go of one item at a time as you continue your process of letting go. You can always let go more as time goes on.
3. Thank your items for their service but choose to let them go
Letting go of possessions that no longer serve us can reinvigorate you and make you feel fresh again. It can free up space in our lives, allowing more room for ourselves and others.
Most importantly, be patient with yourself. Letting go of items that no longer serve us is not easy but if we allow ourselves to show gratitude towards them and honor our intention, we’re more likely to achieve the results we want.
Throughout the practice, you can take note of the ways in which your things served you and how they shaped your experience of life thus far. Then let them go with love and gratitude for all they brought you. If you’re still stuck, it might be time to get help from a professional organizer – if you have any questions, my DMs are always open!
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