From Cluttered to Clear: Creating Room for Life's Surprises

When I sold my house and moved into what many thought of as a spacious apartment, I had to downsize by two thirds. And still, every millimeter of that apartment was stuffed with my belongings.

I used to regularly carry a purse. That purse, no matter how big, was always overfilled.

That was pre-COVID. Then, for over 2 years, there was nowhere to take a purse, so I switched to a backpack. That backpack made it possible for me to buy a few groceries every time I went for them. I also made a point of grocery shopping frequently – it was often my only outing.

Frequent grocery shopping became a routine, and meant that my backpack was always mostly empty.

COVID has come and gone. I married and moved everything from my apartment back into a house. Then, gradually, I discovered that much of what I carted from place to place were still in boxes in the basement. I began to clear cupboards and shelves, leaving some entirely empty.

Pre-COVID, I would routinely fill my day, just as I had filled my purse and apartment. It never felt like I had enough time. That meant I didn’t have any time or energy for surprise opportunities or emergencies. When those came up, I’d often miss the opportunities, and panic over anything unexpected that felt like an emergency because I had no time to deal with it.

While some might say I continue to be too busy, I always make sure there’s room for the unexpected.

I feel good now, daily. I live well now, daily. I am better now. Daily.

Quote of the week

Knowing when enough’s enough, is enough to know.

• Ursula K Le Guin’s translation of Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching, verse 46, Wanting Less

Antony Gormley: Sculpted space, within and without

Announcements

Maryanne Nicholls is a Registered Psychotherapist.  To find out more, gain access to her weekly newsletter, meditations and programmes, sign up at www.thejoyofliving.co .