So have you started your purge journey??? What are you purging this month? Is it a closet, a room, your body, your spirit? In the last post we purged the notion that we have time. Can you believe we are almost at the end of the first week of January 2023 ?! So are you stuck trying to figure out where to start. No worries, I got you friend.
Take Inventory
I've gotten started with my purging journey, but even after praying for God's will, I realized I needed a plan. I like to write things down; this is just how my mind works best. But I'm sure you have a process too, so do you. Either way, let's first take an inventory of a few things. Here are the questions you should begin to ask yourself:
What is it that I need to purge most?
What things are no longer working for how I live my life today?
What do I have an over-abundance of?
What can I simply let go of today?
Let's say you are starting with your kitchen. Ok, so it's me, I'm starting with my kitchen in the photo below. NO JUDGEMENT! And we'll talk about negative words in another post. LOL! Anyway as you can see in the photo, this space is "screaming" with distractions, discouragement, and hinderances. There is no way I can focus on the tasks set before me in this room. I have come to realize that it is my responsibility to make room in my environment to be able to hear from God. I am unable to hear Him in a room full of "noise".
I started with taking into consideration the items I have alot of already, then about the things I haven't used & never will. These are the things taking up valuable space in our home and in your life. I once heard it said, the more things we have, the more responsibility we have. There are things I just no longer want to be responsible for; I just don't.
Here's a nugget that may free somebody today. Just because your parents or grandma, owned a full set of china, 3 different sets of cookware and silverware for different occasions, does not mean you have to maintain all that for your family. There I said it. It's ok to let go of old traditions and start some new ones of your own. If it works better for your life to eat on paper plates so you don't have to do dishes, then start a paper plate fund. Remember, no judgement. There are a lot bigger issues to tackle in this life than keeping up appearances for others. I actually learned that best from watching my daughter, We had a whole debate about wearing mismatch socks. It's simply not that important to her, and it doesn't have to be, and we all still make it through the day. That was a lesson for me. She makes me better, and I love her for it.
The time we spend caring for the over abundance of "things" in our lives, reduces the energy and capacity needed to dedicate to things that REQUIRE our attention. When thinking about your inventory, think of this word in Habakkuk 2:2-3. The Lord said, "write the vision and make it plain".
When taking inventory, be specific, no one else will see it but God. The verse ends with the declaration "it will certainly come and will not delay." The inventory should accomplish a few things for you. By taking this step first, you get to better know your needs and the needs of your family. Although the needs will change over time, it's a great place to start the process for this task.
You will find by taking inventory, it will be easier to identify many items that can be recycled or even repurposed for a better use. The process will also allow you to see the things you apparently enjoy, because they have accumulated in abundance. You may even have enough to share with others. The things I like and have in abundance are the things that need their own space in my home. These are the things that bring joy and comfort and will not have need to be sought after in other places. So in an effort to bring that joy I feel to others, I donate them or give them as gifts.
I also find that some items can be quickly discarded. For the things I never use, I make a mental note not to purchase them again. That concept can be applied to other areas of our life, if you know what I mean. Stop revisiting, or purchasing, things that didn't work for you no matter how many times you tried. Some things are just not for you and it's okay. It's better to know and accept it than to force something that doesn't fit who you truly are. But let's not forget to give consideration to others that share the space with us.
While taking inventory think about what you hope to accomplish during your purging journey and how it will make you feel in the end. My hope is to come into my home and feel joy, just as it says in the photo above. Purging my kitchen, has given me the clear mental capacity to cook, blog, plan, and prep daily in a comfortable space.
Take Baby Steps
So now it's your turn to take an inventory. What are you purging first? Have you already gotten started? Thinking about all that needs to be done can give you a bit of anxiety; at least that's how it used to be for me. But fortunate for you, while writing and publishing my first book, God gave me the "baby steps" strategy. I don't mind sharing it with you friend.
Yep, baby steps! Everything does not have to be accomplished in a day nor in an unrealistic time you've setup in your mind. It's not a competition. Using the baby step method reduces anxiety and allows for a feeling of accomplishment.
Oops, look at the time. I want to keep the posts short, so you can get started on your inventory, and I'll share the details of the "baby steps" strategy in the next post. But, before you go, can you guess whose sweet little feet those are in the picture? I'll give you a hint, it's one of my grand-twins.
Let me know in the comments, which one you guessed.
Now GO! Do your inventory and we'll talk soon friend.