After a tumultuous night of howling winds in Montana, the sun is out and the sky is blue. It’s another reminder, however, of the greater winds of change that are hurtling around the planet since last week’s tragedy in Paris. The only blessings I can identify are that another wake-up call has taken place and our globe seems so much more connected. And we pray that these blessings outweigh the darkness and the grief.
And meanwhile, this shot of a Bozeman sunset from a few days ago, clouds hurtling towards the horizon. For some reason it spoke to me of the project I am in the midst of, clearing space in my office. When I moved about six months ago, there were numerous boxes stacked in the garage with the label, “I just can’t deal with this right now.” Every time I’ve driven into the garage since then, I’ve looked at those boxes of scrapbooks, family pictures, work files, photography, etc. Finally a couple of weeks ago, time was up.
Just as I embarked on the project, a friend lent me The Magic Art of Tidying Up, which I added to years of study of de-cluttering, feng shui and space clearing. Suddenly it seems that so many of the memories are already within me. There are always a few treasures to keep, but the globe seems to be spinning too fast to hold onto everything. And in order that a new chapter be initiated, a clean page be created, much of this weight just has to go.
What is always so invigorating, and tends to be forgotten, is the emotional de-cluttering that accompanies the process. I find I can let go of an identity I claimed years ago. I find my work has evolved and my vision boards have come to fruition. Files for clients I no longer have can be replaced with creative and inspiring new projects, housed in my new “Fun Basket.” What better time and season to re-awaken to our own gifts and talents and re-commit ourselves to sharing those with others. How else will this world rise up to meet the challenges we face? May your own life be re-energized, re-vitalized and re-awakened as well as we ride on the winds of change.