Friday Feels: Emotional Clutter

Earlier this week, we talked about emotional clutter. The kind that builds up in our minds and hearts. (You can access that newsletter which includes the daily checklist, here.)

I did want to talk a little bit about another way it sneaks in…and stays with us. Through our memories.

Over time, our brains tend to smooth out the hard parts. The arguments, the regrets, the disappointments. They do not hit as hard anymore. Instead, we remember the good stuff. That is called the fading affect bias. And while it can be a gift, it can also keep us stuck.

Stuck in relationships, routines, or roles that used to work but no longer fit.

I have done it. I have stayed in old patterns just because they felt familiar or used to make me happy. But I have learned something important. We can appreciate the past without carrying it into the future.

So here is your gentle nudge today.

Is there something you have been holding onto just because it once meant something?

It is okay to let it go.

Letting go is often exactly what we need in order to keep growing.

In fact, every kid on the monkey bars knows they have to let go in order to move forward. Something to think about at least.

Next week we will shift to Family Focus as we tackle everyday clutter in shared spaces. From overstuffed closets to catch all kitchen counters, we will walk through simple steps to bring more calm to your home.

Have a great weekend!