We are given material possessions before we are even born. While we're in the womb, our mothers receive gifts of clothing, toys and accessories. Some of these are necessary, of course, but others are simply for us to enjoy and grasp on to. We carry these material attachments throughout our childhood and into adolescence. Sometimes, when something is especially significant to us, we even carry them into adulthood. Not only do we become attached to specific material things, but I think we become addicted to materialism in general.

Material items make us feel comfortable and at home, and they remind us of significant moments in our lives. They are nostalgic. But they can also weigh us down. When we become so consumed by our items, our "stuff," it's easy to lose sight of our goals and our possibilities.

I recently began cleaning out my life of material things. I've donated, I've recycled, I've sold and I've discarded. I've taken all of these things that I thought I needed and removed them from my home and my life. And I feel so much lighter. I feel more in-tune with my surroundings, my environment, the people that I care about and, most importantly, with myself. I feel myself as an individual, a creature inhabiting the Earth, and not a being defined by what I own.

Without the weight of possessions, you are free to travel and explore. You have less to worry about. You have more freedom.

We are born into a world of materialistic expectations, where we are defined and valued more by what we have and less by what we do. We are shown again and again that the more material goods you own, the better, wealthier and higher status you are. But what good are those things doing you? The unnecessary ones, anyway. Of course we need food and shelter and clothing. But what about expensive cars and closets bursting with clothing and things you never use? Clearing your life of these things you think you need will help you realize that you are happier with less. Less really is more.

Find joy in experiencing life, not collecting things. And learn to let go of those possessions that you are holding on to for their sentimental value. Take those memories and hold on to them, but let go of the objects that are weighing you down. You'll be surprised how much lighter and whole you feel.