Old Boxes: August 17 - 23

Image generated by Adobe Express.

After many years in Rochester, NY, my youngest sister is packing up her home to move to another state. She had to deal with old boxes that had been just sitting around for years. It was a pain at first but liberating in the end. It got me to think how often we lug around boxes from one stage of our life into the next even after they no longer serve a purpose. What if we could let go of the old boxes?

Practice

Let's take inventory of your inner closet. Find a quiet spot where you won't be disturbed for the next few minutes. If you like to journal, paper and pen could be useful.

Maybe start by taking a look at the outfits hanging up in your inner closet. What roles have you worn over the years? Student? Breadwinner? Caregiver? Parent? Boss? Peacemaker? Homemaker? Which ones do you still wear? Which ones have you outgrown? Which ones do you keep even though you'll probably never wear them again? Take time to sort through them as you decide what to keep, what to give away, and what to let go of.

Now take a look at the upper shelf of your inner closet. What hopes and dreams, accomplishments, half-finished projects, broken relationships, and expectations placed upon you by others, have you tucked away for safe keeping? Which ones are still valuable to you? Which ones are faded and worn-out? Which ones are just taking up space? How would it feel to make room for future possibilities?

Next look on the floor of your inner closet, especially back in the corners. See any old boxes, which have been forgotten about? Maybe you'll rediscover a misplaced treasure. Whatever the case, how freeing would it feel to clear out the clutter? Continue to explore from top to bottom, from front to back.

You may not be moving to another state but one day you will ultimately leave the unfinished business of your life behind. Mindfulness encourages us to let go of the worries of the future and the regrets of the past, so we can live more fully today. The more we practice letting go today, the easier it gets tomorrow.