I’m culling yet again! Less than two years ago my husband and I did a big downsize and moved from our dream home in the Okanagan Valley to a 2-bedroom rental apartment in Victoria. At that time I sold and gave away a lot of furniture, books, clothes …. When we moved from the rental apartment to our new townhome in late November, I culled yet again. Several months ago I committed to clearing out our Seacan (Big Steel Box) of remaining “bits and pieces” by the end of June this year. Now the pressure is on!
When I go through my boxes it feels like a life review. Recently I found a number of photos of my kids, friends, other members of my family and myself and had to make the tough decision about which ones to keep and which ones to throw away. I know that I could scan them all, but at this point in my life I don’t have the patience for that! Do your relate?
I’ve done a number of things throughout my life and have been going through courses I designed and taught; articles and documents I’ve written. On the one hand it’s felt good to realize what I’ve done, on the other I wonder how I used to accomplish what I did in a day. It’s a far cry from my current level of productivity!
I love books and have again gone through them and made decisions about which ones to give away. Some of them are in a “holding pattern” as I feel like I “should” read them again, but I question Is this a good reason to reread a book? Am I just afraid of letting go of more of my stuff?
So what am I learning from this experience? It’s teaching me to let go of things that no longer are of interest or bring me joy. It’s made me realize things that used to stir my passion, no longer do. My life has gradually switched from an almost total focus on activities involving my logical left-brain to a focus on my creative right brain and listening to my body; from a focus on achievement, to connection and creativity. It’s an interesting and yet at the same time, strange place to be. In the past I’ve always pretty well known the next step to take. Now I’m being asked to be patient, to create space and to notice what comes up. Have you ever been here? I also realize that when I let go, it opens the door for new people and possibilities to show up in my life. So I need to trust that I will be “shown the way”; all in good time.
Have you ever been in a “holding pattern” and wondered what your next step should be? What was that experience like for you? Have you culled your possessions recently or in the past? If so, what was that like for you?
I invite you to share your thoughts and experiences below, as that’s how we learn from each other. Until next time!
Omg – even more to chat about with you Pam and looking forward to seeing you when I come to the Island at the end of June – I could be your final culling accountability support & Healthy Celebration design buddy 🙂
LOVE YOU DEARLY
xoxo
Jan Mills
ph 250.979.0008
texty 250.878.7900
Hi Jan, Indeed we will have lots to chat about when we see one another. Thanks for offering your kind support. Look forward to seeing you soon. Warm Hugs, Pam
Hi Pam,
I love what you wrote and understand completely as I am at a crossroad in my life and am also somewhat in a “holding pattern”. Last year, I lost a beloved family member who lived with me, sold my house, downsized and retired. I also had lots of stuff to “cull” from my personal life and from my rich and rewarding career as an international consultant, coach and trainer. Thus, the “holding pattern” – where do I go from here? Like you, I also need to trust that I will be shown the way, all of course, in good time (I am taking this as a learning experience to practice patience). However, I want to be proactive – I want to actively shape my future and do something I am truly passionate about…. Thank you for expressing your thoughts so clearly. You have helped me realize that I am not alone, others face times of culling, crossroads, holding patterns etc… and that new doors, new opportunities and new possibilities will open…. Bravo to you for an amazing and well-written article. Lots of food for thought!
Hi Lorna, Wow! What a year of transitions you have had! Thanks so much for sharing your experience with “culling”, and being a “holding pattern”. I encourage you to read some of my past blogs on the Art of Change Framework and perhaps take the “Transition Journey Quiz” once again. The model and tools may be helpful. Appreciate your positive feedback and am happy that you resonated with the article. Best of luck on your journey! Pam
“from a focus on achievement, to connection and creativity.” I love that, and, yes, I’ve been there several times. When we make the hard decisions, we end up feeling so free!
Hi Barb, Happy you connected with the switch from focusing on achievement and the logical left brain to a focus on connection and creativity. It is SOoo interesting where life takes us if we’re willing to trust and embrace change! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Hi, Pam! I love that you’re culling (again!). Isn’t it therapeutic? I did a section of my master bedroom closet over the weekend – and it felt great to release things that I no longer need.
Hi Jill, Yes, indeed culling is SOoo therapeutic. It is awesome as well when you give things away that others really like and want. Thanks for sharing your experience. Best of luck on your culling adventure!
This has been me! I’ve been going through closets, drawers, old files and more, organizing, getting rid of, reviewing and generally clearing out. It was like I could not move into any new work until this was completed. Now it feels done (mostly)—at least I don;t wake up each morning drawn to another area to go through! Maybe it’s that box of stuff that I’m slowly shredding…
And now there is a bunch of new avenues opening up.
Hi Laurie, Congratulations! Good for you for doing so much culling and clearing. That’s so cool that “a bunch of new avenues are opening up” for you. I’m looking forward to that 🙂 . I appreciate you sharing your experience. Best of luck on your new adventures!
I give you a lot of credit for being able to stand back and objectively let go of the things that no longer serve you! I’ve been in my house since 1982 and have so much stuff! Even though I have given away or sold a lot of things, you would never know. As someone who also has many interests and many years of collections, I find it really challenging to let go. For example, when I was was very ill I found an incredible spiritual art course and now have 15 years of art stored in different places in my home. It sounds like moving has been a great motivator for your culling. My brother lives in Victoria as well and my experience of it is it is a place to be lighter and to have less, just enjoying the natural beauty and energy of the place.
Hi Beverley, Thanks for sharing your experience. It is true that there is so much natural beauty where I live, plus each time I cull and get rid of more “stuff” I feel lighter and happier. When Alan and I did our big downsize less that 2 years ago, it took alot out of me. At that time I wasn’t ready to let go of everything. I think “culling” and letting go of old belongings and things we’ve created, is a layered process that we all need time for. It is helpful to know and trust that in the end you will feel so much lighter. Moving to a smaller place is also a huge incentive for “culling”. Best of luck on your “culling journey”.