This year, I've helped people who feel overwhelmed at home let go of stuff that no longer "fits" them. Do you know the #1 thing that makes us all hang onto things far longer than we actually want to?
GUILT.
Guilt for buying so many things in the first place.
Guilt for wanting to get rid of something that meant so much to someone else.
Guilt for adding things to the landfill.
Guilt for running away from two of your past relationships, and thereupon letting BOTH of those former loves back into your life in 2020, only to get your heart broken TWICE since it turns out you actually walked away in the first place for good reason. No? Just me?
Well, regardless...
"Guilt is a wasted emotion." -- Iyanla Vanzant
Can we all pretty please just agree to leave guilt behind in 2020? Here's how you can start:
Pause & gain clarity: Feeling guilty about getting rid of something? Stop & put your guilt into words (either written or out loud.) Why's it there? What's it about? Then, move the guilt aside so you can see clearly what's left. Do you actually truly love this thing? Keep it. Do you actually truly kinda loathe it? Capture it with pictures, stories, memories, or honor the person who gave it to you...and then let it go.
Stop dwelling & gain energy: Feeling guilty about something you've done? What an energy suck. What's done is done. By hanging onto the guilt, you're stuck in a time loop, unable to move forward. Don't waste energy on decisions you can't change. Similarly, don't avoid dealing with the consequences of your choices now...you'll just put off the inevitable & let guilt continue to hold you (and your loved ones...) hostage.
Flip the script & gain momentum: According to research from The University of London, wallowing in guilt can lead to a number of things you don't want, like weight gain, stress, and being less motivated to complete physical tasks. Instead of beating yourself up for what's already done, start forgiving yourself. Guilt is debilitating. Forgive yourself & turn it into a valuable learning experience, so you can move on.
"Guilt is in our lives to teach us, not torture us." -- Dr. Robin Smith
Let go of what doesn't serve you, so you can move forward into 2021 with clarity, energy, and momentum.
What do you want to leave behind in 2020?
If it's me & this blog, go ahead. Don't you dare feel guilty about it! I hereby promise not to take it personally.
And if it's guilt or something else entirely you want to leave behind, let me know -- I want to hear your thoughts on this topic. Whatever it is...don't let guilt be the reason you drag it with you into 2021.
Happy Holidays & New Year, love! May this next year be filled with far less heartbreak and far more connection for everyone,
xxKristin