Because it’s spring, leading into summer, I know there are lots of people out there who are moving, or just in the mood to clean out their garage. I’ve been doing the same thing, making piles to give to Goodwill and looking for things in the basement I can sell. There are a couple apps I’ve been using; one of them is called Decluttr, and there’s another app called Let It Go, and it helps people buy and sell various items to people who live close to them. I think the name is genius. Lately, I’ve been on a mission to get rid of and sell all the things I have that I no longer need, use, or want. But it’s tough going through your belongings though, especially if you have a hard time rationalizing your need for the item. I know there are many times I’ve said to myself, “But what if I need it one day?” or “It still works fine.” It’s tough to decide that something in front of you no longer has the same value in your life as it once did. It’s the same thing with people or memories of a certain period in your life.

I’ve read a quote that goes something like, “Sometimes you find it is easier to let things go simply because they are heavy.” I love this because not only does it apply in the literal sense, but it also applies to other entities that are not necessarily physical. What I mean to say is, that there are some things in life, (like working for a non-profit specializing in helping abused children) where you don’t need to keep those thoughts, feelings, and anger with you forever. While it is important to learn from your diverse experiences throughout life, some things do not need to continue to occupy your mind for months, or years after you’ve dealt with it. It becomes baggage, much like all those empty glass jars you can’t seem to part with. You keep telling yourself that maybe those emotions, those people, those thoughts will come in handy someday. But the truth is you’ve already mastered the skills you need to deal with that situation, that person. The lessons you’ve learned, the things you felt, they haven’t disappeared, but they’ve been built upon through more recent experiences, they’re now layered with more wisdom and more grace.

Much like the collection of china dolls I had as a kid, I will always have the memories of them being given to me as gifts, and sitting on my shelf. However, I don’t need to keep them in my possession as a constant reminder that they were indeed part of my childhood because I already know that. I don’t need to think of my previous job at the Child Advocacy Center each day with all the scary and horrible things that adults do to children. In the back of my mind, I’m always thinking of those children. My heart will always ache for them, but that doesn’t mean I need to carry that aching heart every where with me. It is much easier to be helpful and productive when there isn’t as much baggage to carry, physical or emotional. It’s okay to let things go if they are too heavy. It’s okay to admit that you need help carrying it too. Let’s be mindful about what we decide to carry around with us, not all of it is essential.