Today we're focusing on your clothes.
1. Comfort.
I want you to take a look through the clothes in your closet and
drawers with only your comfort in mind. Comfort is not just physical.
It's also social and emotional. Some clothes make you feel comfortable
at home, some make you comfortable at work. Take one item off a hanger,
or out of a drawer, hold it in your hands and ask, "Do I feel good when I
wear this? Does it make me feel beautiful or handsome or sexy or
business like ? Would I buy this today?" You can try it on if you'd
like. Ask, "Do I want to continue wearing this?" If you have any
hesitation, that means it's not for you.
Your comfort
can not be sacrificed. Your comfort keeps you connected with your
well-being. Sometimes we sacrifice our comfort for style, or to protect
our
self-image. We wear something that is 'in' even though it feels
physically or emotionally uncomfortable. Or we hang on to clothes that
used to fit us when we weighed less, hoping to one day get back
there, but these clothes end up becoming constant reminders that we are
not happy
with our bodies. The quicker they go, the sooner you'll feel free
again.
Separate out the items that you want to keep
from the ones you are letting go of. Put the clothes clutter in a bag
for charity, and when you are done, load them up in your car and drop
them off at a donation bin or charity store.
2. Shoes.
Again, focus on comfort over what's in style. A pair of shoes may look
beautiful, they may have cost a lot of money, you may tell yourself you
need to wear them for a particular event, your friends may compliment
you on them, but if they hurt you physically or emotionally, then you
need to let them go. We suffer when we do something that knowingly hurts
us. There's no allowable level of compromise in pain. You're starting a
new tradition of taking care of yourself first. It's the key ingredient
for a happy life.
3. Shopping. Clothes shopping
is often used as a way to make ourselves feel better when we're feeling
down. It's exciting to get the attention from the sales person, to be
in a brightly lit space with exciting music, and to be offered so many
choices. But then we end up purchasing clothes that we either don't
wear, or that make us feel uncomfortable. If you are thinking of
shopping for clothes, ask yourself, "How am I feeling now?" "Do I
actually need to get some clothing for myself today?" If you are feeling
low, or don't feel a particular clothing need, ask yourself, "What do I
need to do to take care of myself right now?" Sometimes all we need is a
nap or to eat something or get a hug.
Please write and tell me your experiences clearing clothing clutter; it helps inspire people when you share. Also, let me know if need assistance with clutter busting clothes. I can be reached at brooks@clutterbusting.com.
(This is a repost blast from the past.)