Yesterday I went through a trunk in my room storing clothes that are too small for me. As I pulled each item out, I thought about it. Was I holding onto that dress because I really liked it, or because I really like the memory of the amazing backyard bridal shower my step-sister threw? Do I like this sweater, or just that fabulous restaurant where I wore it? Do I really need to hold on to these?
I kept a few things – a few fancy dresses I wasn’t ready to part with, a few summer dresses I’ll revisit as the weather gets warmer. Between that purge and the few days before, I piled up 5 garbage bags for donation and another of trash.
It felt a little horrifying to see. It felt more horrifying to walk back and see everything still full. A few things moved from the drawers to the closet to make room for specialty things like bathing suits and painting clothes in the dresser. There’s still some coats in the coat closet. Still plenty of clothes in my closet and drawers. Still jewelry in my jewelry drawer after decluttering today and I’m sure there will still be shoes, purses, hats and headbands tomorrow after I review my accessories.
But when I walked into my room for something today, it felt lighter.
I didn’t place it at first. It just kept catching me. Like catching a breath.
And that’s what it was.
Room to breathe.
It’s not just that my closet and drawers reflect what I really like, the items in them also have space to breathe, not straining and stressing against their spaces. And so do I.
Uncovering Real 