lessons to be learned......... I want to make more room & time for joy, peace, family and friends!

I haven't written much of anything for the last couple months.   After Mom went back home I started moving boxes & furniture out of my storage unit (where I've kept it for almost 7 years, that's another story for another day).  And at the same time I was just starting my new job.   So my days have been very full!!!  So is my house now!

As I began to move these boxes & some of the furniture, I would occasionally come upon a box that was opened or falling apart and I'd start going through it.    The amount of *stuff* I've already thrown away is disgusting (mostly because I've kept it for so long!).   

Anyway, back to the lessons I learned.  

As I transported boxes from the storage unit to my home I started feeling a bit "boxed in", and I ended up with boxes blocking my way into the extra bedroom, blocking my way to my computer, completely blocking my dining room!!! It's like a maze in my house!!!   

Obviously I've moved, sorted & thrown out a few boxes, at least enough to get my computer.  So I can finally get back to writing!  

First lesson learned?  Don't let your past be a block to living today.   I found mounds of papers, that I don't know why I kept them, my 7th grade report cards, fun to look at for a minute or two (especially fun for my grandkids), but then what do you do with it.  I've already given 3 or 4 boxes of clothes & toys & dishes & stuff away,  thrown out 5 or 6 large boxes of junk, and I feel like I've barely made a dent.

But at least I can get to my computer again.

Second lesson learned?  If it won't help you live today better, throw it out!  Yes, it's just that simple.   If it's not something valuable you want to leave to your children AND they would want it, throw it out!  If you don't have a specific place for it, besides back in a box, throw it out!  If it doesn't make you smile, throw it out!!!!   The only exception I make to that rule is books.  I don't throw out books!  NO, not even my college calculus book or my 200 year old German Bible that I bought at a yard sale for $20, both 35-40 years lessons to be learned.........  ago.  

Third lesson learned?  Don't let your boxes of your past get in the way of your future.  Yes, I have to go through each and every box, there are some important papers I'm looking for and I don't want to accidentally throw out any pictures or anything of actual value.  But I don't let it take over my daily life or plans for tomorrow.  I wish they were all out of my way now, but they aren't, all I can do is go through them one box at a time, when I have time.  Eventually they'll all be gone and I'll be left with a tidied up house, a  swept out past, a simplified home & daily life & an unencumbered future.   

Yes, I know it all sounds a bit simplistic.  And maybe it is.   But you know what?  I don't care, it's my plan, my house, my life.  I want to make more room and time for joy, peace, family and friends!  I want to be able to breathe free and not be constantly surrounded by boxes of my past! I want to have time to spend reading, writing & being in the presence of my Heavenly Creator Father!