I can’t take any credit for this question, but I’m so excited about it, I just have to share.
I found it in this great post on decision-making over on Shawn Driscoll’s Lead the Way blog. The question? very simple – Does this item represent where I’m going or where I’ve been?
That simple phrase has been dancing around in my head ever since. Because, you can get rid of some serious crap with the usual questions of Do I use it/Do I love it/etc. But sometimes those questions can let you hang onto things needlessly. Things that you have, in fact, used in the last six months but that really have nothing to do with the person you want to become or the life you want to lead. This question can pave the way to actually following your dreams.
Now, I’m not one to recommend something without trying it out myself first (I promise you that), so I took it for a little test-drive this morning. And oh, holy crap! Does it ever work well! Stuff I’d been holding onto limpet-like for way too long – gone! In just a few minutes, I had filled a green garbage bag full of clothes and fabric for the Goodwill and started another pile of stuff to go to the auction. And this was just a test-drive!
Try it the next time you need to unclutter and just see what you’ll allow yourself to let go of. And then please let me know what dreams suddenly have room to grow in your life.
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14 responses so far ↓
Mary Atkinson // October 1, 2009 at 2:46 PM |
I’m going to try this right now as I begin the daunting task of making my studio the wonderful space it could be if only….
But I’m not sure I have the courage.
Here’s hoping.
Barb McMahon // October 1, 2009 at 6:36 PM |
Keep your eyes on the prize Mary! You DESERVE that fabulous studio. You’ve EARNED it!
I’ll be waiting for your progress reports…
sandy // October 1, 2009 at 4:01 PM |
I’m going to the basement right now to re – unclutter, I’m sure I’ll be unloading more stuff using this question!! Thanks, HappySimple!!
Barb McMahon // October 1, 2009 at 6:37 PM |
Any time, Sandy! Can’t wait to hear how it goes!
Deborah // October 1, 2009 at 4:15 PM |
That’s a great question. I too am going to put it to immediate use. In my case, am I hanging onto people from my past through their things? Ah – ha!
My problem is asking whether I’m ever ever ever going to possibly want it once I’ve gotten rid of it. That hooks me into keeping it everytime. Esp. if it’s something I might use.
A friend gave me a great idea for things I’m sentimental about though – just take a picture and then toss the thing out.
I love that idea. I can look at the picture and get all misty about the old days without having to dust the thing, vacuum the thing or trip over the thing.
Barb McMahon // October 1, 2009 at 6:39 PM |
And I think our memories of loved ones are much better when we’re not dealing with their stuff on a daily basis.
As for the ‘might I need this ever again?’ question, a day at the auction or a trip through a thrift store always assures me that if ever I do need to replace something, I’ll be able to, cheaply and easily.
Deborah // October 1, 2009 at 4:16 PM |
btw – photo is so appropriate – love your eye.
Barb McMahon // October 1, 2009 at 6:40 PM |
Awww… thanks, Deb!
Kim // October 1, 2009 at 8:00 PM |
I think you have just helped me clean out the last drawer on my list! Perfect!
Barb McMahon // October 1, 2009 at 10:52 PM |
Excellent!
Mrs Green // October 10, 2009 at 8:37 AM |
Fabulous! I had this exact same epiphany back in the summer. My question now is always ‘does this represent me now or how I was in the past?’ which is basically the same as you have said
Just imagine all that stuff holding you back in the past! I can never decide on the ‘do I love it, do I use it’ items, but if something is holding me back, then it’s time to let go. I have one small cardboard box which is old things like letters, photos and school stuff, but that is all I’ve allowed myself. And I only keep that because I have kids who might want to take a look at it one day.
Barb McMahon // October 12, 2009 at 12:40 PM |
One of the unreported freedoms of not having children is being able to let go of anything you want to without the worry of letting down the next generation.
I do have one vintage suitcase that holds the sentimental stuff. If it fills up, it’s time to cull.
Thanks for checking in – your blog is amazing!
Shawn Driscoll // October 27, 2009 at 6:02 PM |
Thanks for sharing the post and question with your readers. It was powerful for me (I recycled over 5 feet of paperwork, and donated boxes of books to the Library).
Glad it worked for you too!
Barb McMahon // October 29, 2009 at 10:22 AM |
Thanks Shawn! I’ll be taking another run at my stuff over the next few weeks. And I’ll probably post the results…