What Are You Making Room For?

Going through my closet is a lesson in humility. It's a visual reminder that "stuff" takes up more than physical space. “Stuff” can also create unnecessary stress. I have a lot to learn about rightsizing.

For years, I've encouraged people to simplify before moving to Friendship Haven. It makes the transition easier and creates room for what matters most.

This is one of those classic cases of not practicing what I preach. It's time for me to get it in gear.

I think there are three distinct types of "keepers." The sentimental keeper. The "just in case" keeper. And the "I have no idea why I still have this" keeper.

True confession: I fall into every one of those categories.

The sentimental items are the hardest. I hang on to pictures, keepsakes, and clothing that remind me of special moments. It's difficult to part with the dress from that memorable event, even though I know there's no chance I'll ever wear it again. As we've gotten older, we've also inherited meaningful belongings from people we love. Letting go can almost feel like we're letting go of the memories themselves. If you've figured out how to do that, I'd love to hear your secret.

Then there's the "just in case" category. I save things because I might need them someday, or someone else might. The funny part? I keep them so long that when I finally do need them, I can't remember where I put them.

The third category is the most dangerous: the "I have no idea why I still have this stuff" category. Stuff I haven't used in years. Stuff I probably never will use. Stuff that somehow doesn't have a home but still has a place in my house. Most people have a junk drawer. I have what could easily be described as a junk room. I’m not proud. This collection of wedding decorations, seasonal décor, frames, knickknacks, and a whole lot of things that have simply accumulated over time.

My mom has become an inspiration. She's been working her way through her home, room by room, choosing space over stuff. Ironically, some of what she cleans out ends up at my house! It's a never-ending cycle, but she's taught me something important: the hardest part isn't deciding what to keep, it's deciding to start thinking about it and do it.

Maybe writing this is the push I need. And maybe it's the nudge someone else needs, too.

I've realized that rightsizing isn't about getting rid of things. It's about making room. Making room for less stress and more peace of mind. If considering a move to Friendship Haven making room may mean having time and space for new experiences like trying out an aqua aerobics class, a line dancing class, having coffee with new friends, or simply enjoying the view rather than mowing the lawn.

The lesson many of us can learn, whether we're moving or not is simply to get started.

I'll end with the same question I started with: What are you making room for