"Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." ~Albert Einstein
Most of us have a tendency to tolerate certain things in life that keep us stuck, hinder our growth, and slow down the momentum we need to achieve our goals. Messes and Incompletes that irritate us, clutter that robs us of the room to breathe and think, these are what we deal with on a day-to-day basis.
Tolerating little things in life can get in the way of accomplishing bigger things. Holding on to "stuff" gives us a false sense of abundance. Our craving of physical objects is more often than not a sign of discontent of the soul, an attempt to fill a void deep within that cries for attention and satisfaction. Inevitably the hunger for physical pleasures and pursuits is never satisfied because we are in fact empty from the inside.
This cycle is never-ending as we try to fill the void by accumulating more and more until it becomes a bottomless pit that never ever gets filled. It satisfies only our ego. Unfortunately we live in a world where we are judged by what we own and how we dress and come across. Where greed overpowers need. Where we are measured not by our values but by the quality and quantity of our possessions.
Collecting items merely for the sake of propping up our ego or declaring our status to the world does not serve us as it still leaves us with a feeling of insecurity and of not being good enough. Clearing the clutter is something we are encouraged to do, and even though we go into the process with the best of intentions sometimes it feels so difficult to let go of possessions we have hoarded for years and probably will never use again. Why? Because giving them up will strip us of the identity we have created for ourselves. The one ruled by our ego mind.
So here we are, trying to make sense of our life. Let us stop chasing after the illusion that more of the material possessions will make us feel better. We know now that the problem is deeper than that, one that no amount of 'stuff' can cure. The emptiness, the deep longing and yearning that cries out to be satisfied will continue to haunt us until and unless we become mindful in our efforts to fill this space with different and better choices. To recognize what will really fill the need of the soul.
Likewise, shedding and letting go of toxic relationships; people who have taken different paths and would drag us along if we let them, those we failed to recognize as "users" and "takers" that we realize now have been holding us back from being the best version of ourselves. Learn to say "No" to those people. It does not come easily, this word "No!" but like a muscle that needs to be flexed, practicing it a little more each time becomes easier. And when we have to say "No" to our loved ones, it breaks our heart and sends us on a guilt trip from which we have to constantly pull ourselves out of. Although we must remember that guilt is a choice. We always have a choice. Yes, it will take time, but with time we will grow stronger.
Certainly be aware this is a process that may take weeks, months, perhaps even years if you let it. Be patient. Just leaning into it and taking action, as Jack Canfield would say, will propel us to achieve our goal, the goal of achieving freedom at last. Freedom from worrying about what others think, freedom from the limiting beliefs that we are not deserving or good enough, freedom to go after our dreams and fulfill our life purpose. To be, do and have all that we thought was possible for others but never for us.
Now you know differently. Realize that you have been your worst enemy. The words you have been saying to yourself, the lifestyle you have been living, have been responsible for stalling your own success. But that was then and this is now. Now you have a choice. There is room for new awareness and realization, of what you are really capable of, what your personal choices are, and new perspectives on past events.
It's time to clear all. De-clutter your life so you can live more simply and authentically. And above all, so you may win the game of sustaining your inner peace, to rise up and embrace the Gifts given you by the Divine.
Life is happening with every breath you take, so live each moment immersed in it with peace, joy and contentment. It may seem like a distant dream but as long as you are moving and taking action just know it will be your reality sooner than you realize.
"Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world.
Today I am wise, so I am changing myself"
~Rumi
© Rani St. Pucchi, 2016
For more information on Rani please visit www.ranistpucchi.com