Self Improvement Article

"To have what you want, want what you have...or let it go"
by Leslie Karen Sann, MA, LCPC

Some people struggle with knowing what they want, yet are aware of what they don't want. The good news is that you can make space for discovering what you really want. How? By getting rid of that which no longer serves you. If you don't want it, then let it go. In the cleared space, it becomes easier to discover what you DO want, or even what you have that you have forgotten to enjoy.

Spring is a great time to reorder your life...to let go of those things that have become stagnant, are broken, or have outlived their usefulness.

Creating what we want is about being in motion, taking action, moving forward. When we hold on to too much "stuff" we end up lethargic. So if you¹re feeling kind of sluggish and unmotivated, do yourself a favor and clear some space.

Remember, everything we have takes energy to maintain. The more we have, the more we need to invest in keeping it around--investments of time, money, and/or energy. Facing and addressing this reality is what simplifying one's life is about. What do you really want? If you have anything around other than that, get rid of it.

Start on the physical. What can be cleared, put away, let go of? Go through closets, drawers, basements, storage bins. This isn't a new concept. You know how good it feels to clean a garage, file your papers, pay your bills. Anything left undone draws energy and becomes a subtle drain. If you want to feel better, then clean a drawer.

For most of us, clearing the physical clutter is much easier than clearing the emotional clutter. It's easy to see the results of a newly cleaned closet or a freshly weeded garden--the results are tangible and feed our positive energy. But, to live the life you want, clearing that emotional baggage is extremely important. A great way to do this is to turn the intangible into something tangible, something you can hold. Try writing about it with the intention of letting it out and letting it go. The best thing to do with the paper after you've finished writing is to burn it (or flush it).

And, finally, we've uncluttered our physical and emotional selves, but what about our minds? What about our thoughts? Are they positive and directed, free from clutter? One way to free ourselves of unwanted mental clutter is by paying attention to the garbage we say to ourselves. Once we acknowledge the negative way we treat ourselves, or others sometimes, it's a matter of taking the garbage out. Notice your self-talk and when you find yourself in criticism or judgment, take out the trash. One of the most powerful ways to do this is to shift your focus to appreciation and forgiveness.

So, do you have what you want? Do you want what you have? Are you ready to let go?

Consider these questions carefully. Is it time to take yourself through a little Spring Cleaning?

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Leslie Karen Sann, MA, LCPC, is the founder of Living by Design. Since 1986, Leslie has supported thousands of people in creating greater harmony and fulfillment in their lives while achieving their personal and professional best. Through personal and professional coaching, workshops, and print articles, she assists people to produce results, discover their value and realize their dreams. She also publishes a free bi-monthly newsletter designed to motivate and inspire people to live a life of their own design  http://www.living-bydesign.com for more info. 

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