Life's a game of give and take

Sometimes we have to let go to make room for something new.

Marvin Gaye - Life's A Game Of Give And Take

Building a new world is much easier if there’s space to move and breathe. Letting go is never easy, but it’s necessary if we want to make space for something new in our lives. Whether it's physical, digital or emotional clutter, clearing space can help us move forward and open doors to new worlds. In this letter, we'll discuss some ways to let go and create space for something new.

Create a Gratitude List and Start a fire

Creating a gratitude list is a good way to start letting go of things that no longer serve us. Take a moment to write down the things that you’re grateful for in your life, and then write down the things that you’re ready to let go of. This exercise can help shift your focus from what you don't have to what you do and can make it easier to let go of things that are holding you back.

After spending time reflecting on the things I was ready to let go of, I wrote a list on a sticky note and burned it as a symbolic way to free myself of things that no longer served me. My list included alcohol, talking negatively to myself, being reactive, and complaining. Burning my list in an empty candle jar felt very freeing (just do this safely and in a well-ventilated area, no actual fires please)!

We may feel like certain things are harmless to us in the long run, but ultimately you reap what you sow. Our daily habits determine our health and our future. So letting go of harmful situations and actions that no longer benefit us, and replacing them with healthier ones can help us build trust in ourselves and greatly improve our quality of life.

Declutter Your Home

Our external environment often reflects or determines how balanced our internal world is. If we’re surrounded by mess and clutter, there’s less space to think clearly and to make new decisions that will lead us toward the life we’re trying to create.

One of the most effective ways to make space for something new is by decluttering. I tend to dread decluttering as I attach meaning to old objects and clothes even when I don’t use them anymore. But each time I do, I feel lighter and it feels good knowing I could donate my stuff to someone who would use them more or earn some extra cash selling my old clothes online.

Try it out for yourself. Set a goal to declutter a particular area of your room or home each week and donate or sell items that you no longer need or use. You'll be surprised at how much space you can create by getting rid of unnecessary items. Plus, a clean and organized home can help reduce stress and increase productivity.

It’s almost springtime, so this is the perfect time to do some spring cleaning and let go of stuff you no longer need.

Taking a Break from Technology

Technology can be a great tool, but it can also be a source of distraction and overwhelm. Taking a break from social media or technology can give you time to reflect and recharge. Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help release negative thoughts or emotions, and starting a journal can help you document your journey of letting go and creating space.

Sometimes we need a wake-up call to take this matter seriously. Ironically for me, it came from my phone. Sunday morning rolled around and the dreaded screen-time report popped up on my phone: “This week, you spent an average of 5 hours and 37 minutes on your phone each day”.

What?! I knew I had developed a habit of scrolling my phone as soon as I woke up, and that it was causing me anxiety. I knew it wasn’t a great way to start the day, but I felt I couldn’t stop. So I deactivated my Twitter and Instagram accounts and placed my phone farther from my bed. Before going to sleep, I set the intention to meditate and journal as soon as I wake up, so I can start my day with a clear mind and a chance to reflect on how I want the day to go.

Every now and then I deactivate my socials to give myself a chance to disconnect and break the draining habits of opening these apps, scrolling, and posting mindlessly. If I am using social media, I want to use it more intentionally and be more thoughtful about what I am consuming and sharing with the world.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your technology use, you can give it a try too. You'll be amazed at how much clarity and perspective you can gain by disconnecting from the constant noise of technology.

Conclusion

Letting go can be a difficult process, but it is necessary if we want to create space for something new in our lives. Focus on the present moment and trust the process of letting go and creating space for new opportunities and experiences. Whether it's decluttering your home, taking a break from technology, or creating a gratitude list, there are many ways to let go and create space for something new. So take a deep breath, think about how you can let go of what no longer serves you, and embrace the new possibilities that await.

How will you practice letting go? Feel free to comment on the post or reply to this email and let me know.