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It's not you

I have come to realize that when people have trouble letting go of things, treasures, mementos, projects, and souvenirs it is because they believe those items define them.  It is part of an identity, an image or vision of self. 

We think the things we own, surround ourselves with and carry with us are "us".  Have you ever known a person who due to physical limitations, space limits, or aging is encouraged to stop X but won't because it threatens their independence.  Or so they believe.  Well, our things are like the symbols of independence.  They are symbols of our image of ourselves, our what could have been, and what was.   

The truth is that we  evolve throughout life and circumstances change.  What was true or part of our path at one point changes and becomes something new.  The trouble comes when we keep clinging to those symbols of who we were rather than embracing the who we are now.


And, even if you have to downsize, have a change in your living situation, have physical changes and boundaries that are new, it doesn't have to be a loss.  It can be seen as evolving our choices, our vision of self, our who we are inside – the core.  What we can do and will do are ever new, ever changing although the changes seem sudden at times.  It is an opportunity for the new phase, the new reality, the fresh coat of paint on the powerwashed walls.    
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