A few days ago I took inventory of my life. With a cup of tea, my journal, and a blanket crocheted by my husband’s grandmother, I sat.
I thought about joys and sadness; I focused on what I cherish, and acknowledged what I don’t. I made a list of the things I love to do and wondered why I didn’t do more of that. I looked around and saw clutter in places I’d not noticed before, and I came to the realization that I spend most of my time maintaining a life that is muddled with too many distractions and too many things.
I realized that I need more space.
Not a bigger house; ours is just fine. No, I need to remove what doesn’t matter. What I don’t love. And not just the physical things, but also the things that squander my time. I need more space in my life for the things I love to do, and experience, and hold.
Now, I’m not about to go all KonMari and start donating most of what we own. Nor am I going to begin saying no to every social opportunity that comes our way. I am, however, learning to consider more carefully these things that I welcome into my space, whether they be items or experiences. I am learning to make room for the meaningful, by clearing out the frivolous. More importantly, I’m learning to identify the frivolous before it gets a foothold.
I’m becoming more mindful of what I invite into my life.
Art, music, and other creative pursuits – step on up to the front of the line. Nature? Yes, please. Love, friendship, and family time, you’re leveled up.
Social media – you’re demoted to once a day. And all of those clothes bagged up in my closet to donate? Out you go, along with stacks of old magazines, piles of papers, and old cracked dishes that I’ve kept around “just in case”. I won’t be distracted by you anymore. I will no longer make room for you.
I have more important things with which to fill my life.