As I mentioned in a post last week, I received a promotion at work. I’m thrilled. I get to work on many of the same projects I’m already working on, just at a higher level of responsibility.
I say bring on the challenge.
With this promotion comes a new office. Which means packing up my current desk and moving just around the corner to a larger space.
As moves go, this is breeze.
It’s also super easy because I’m a huge fan of purging things. I love clearing out clutter and making space. I feel like moving gives me the perfect opportunity to do just that.
Getting rid of old files is an honest-to-God joy for me. And I have to say, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve thrown something out that I really needed.
For this reason, I generally go with my gut.
If my first thought is to toss it, it goes.
If I have a little hesitation, I can almost always get away with just taking a picture.
So, as I’m packing up my space, patting myself on my back about not being hoarder, I had a very humbling moment of self realization.
Just because I toss paperwork with ease, doesn’t mean that I don’t have unreasonable fears about letting things go.
Or worry about things running out.
For an example, I only had to look back to this morning.
I was packing my gym bag this morning, when I realized that thanks to double workout days (and not keeping up with the mounting pile of laundry), I’m low on sports bras. Do I have some- of course- I have about five in a drawer.
Are they usable? Today they will have to be, but they should have been donated long ago.
And why haven’t I bought any new ones?
Because I’ve kept these old worn ones that I HATE wearing in my drawer.
If I just let them go, I know I will just bite the bullet and go right out to get more sports bras. Sure, they aren’t fun to shop for, and seem to cost way more than they should (rightttt???), but I’d at least have usable ones. I have just held on to the old, unusable ones for too long because I don’t like to be wasteful.
In the same vein, I can get a little crazy when it comes to letting the fridge or pantry run too low. When I open either one of these and see space on the shelves, I’m desperately searching my calendar for a time I can get to the grocery store.
Sure, eating at home is cheaper and healthier, but my need to keep supplies on hand is a little disportioncate to the situation.
As my husband says, when the zombie apocalypse hits, we’ll be fine on rations.
So am I beating myself up about any of these things? No, not all. One of the beautiful things about life is there is always room for improvement.
Paring things down and making life less cluttered leaves room for what you really need, not just the things you are scared to throw out or be without.
