Cresting The Hill

 THE ART OF LETTING GO

Over the course of our lives we accumulate so much in the way of clutter - notably, our possessions, commitments and even our thoughts. So, in a world where less is often considered more, it is a good idea to simplify and declutter all aspects of it on a regular basis.

The best way to do this is to let go of everything that is holding you back. If you don't, you can start to feel completely overwhelmed. But, if you do, it can be quite a liberating and invigorating experience.

But how do we kickstart the process of letting go enough to actually be able to simplify and declutter the complexities of our lives? And what does that actually mean?

Today I have a collaborative post that puts the spotlight on the art of letting go and how you can create the physical and mental space you need to live your best life.

UNDERSTANDING THE NEED TO LET GO

Before we highlight the practical steps of decluttering, it’s worth mentioning why humans tend to hold on to things in the first place. 

Generally, they do this because possessions often carry some kind of emotional weight. For instance, an old sweater might bring back good memories of the person who gave it to us. Or that stack of books or magazines might represent hobbies or aspirations that have never quite been pursued.

People also tend to equate letting go with losing something, which can make the process feel uncomfortable. However, holding onto too much—whether it's physical items, outdated commitments, or even unhelpful thought patterns—can significantly hinder our growth and happiness.

Subsequently, simplifying our lives isn’t just about getting rid of stuff, but it is also about creating a life that will make us happier and more at peace.

HOW TO LET GO, SIMPLIFY AND DE-CLUTTER

So, how do you go about enabling yourself to simplify and de-clutter your life?

1. Begin with Self-Reflection

When it comes to letting go, self-reflection is an excellent starting point. It is important to take some time to think about what’s truly important to you and what you want most out of life. 

Ultimately, understanding your priorities will help you make decisions about what to keep and what to let go of. Once you have determined this vision, the process becomes easier to manage.

2. Tackle the Physical Clutter

Often, physical clutter is the most visible and tangible form of clutter we have to deal with in our lives. For this reason, it is an excellent place to initially focus your attention because the process of decluttering your physical space can have a powerful impact on your mental and emotional well-being.

While it can be daunting to start decluttering your possessions, it is a good idea to look elsewhere for inspiration.

For instance, if you are living with a disability, you can refer to the simplicity of how a specialist disability accommodation provider like VertikaSDA lays out their apartments. Likewise, seniors can take a leaf out of the book of modern retirement communities.

Whatever physical items you do decide to remove, it is a good idea to donate them to charity or recycle them where possible.

3. Simplify Your Commitments

In the same way that homes can become cluttered, so can our schedules. Often, this is due to overcommitting ourselves, which can lead to stress, burnout, and a feeling of being constantly overwhelmed. 

If you want to simplify your life, it is important to take a close look at your commitments, whether they be work, family, household chores or social.

You should determine which of these are essential and which bring you fulfilment and joy. It is also important to learn to say no to things that will be a drain on you and to delegate where possible. 

At the end of the day, by doing a lot less than you have been, you ultimately make room for more meaningful activities and relationships in your life.

4. Let Go of Mental and Emotional Clutter

Unfortunately, mental and emotional clutter can be just as, if not more draining than physical clutter.  In fact, negative thought patterns, unresolved conflicts, and lingering regrets can be quite debilitating to your mental state over time. For this reason, it is important to take steps to let go of this type of clutter otherwise, it can continue to be a millstone around your neck. 

The best way to do this is to start by identifying which negative thoughts or beliefs are holding you back the most. For instance, are you constantly worrying about the future? Or do you hold onto past mistakes or regrets? 

Once you’ve identified these restrictive thoughts, you should then start to take steps to eradicate them. There are several ways you can do this, including practising activities like mindfulness, journaling, and meditation.

All of these can help you rationalise and release mental and emotional clutter, and it's also worth committing to slow and unbusy living to bring some balance if your life is too busy.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?