Post #1 of 40
An Introduction
For twenty-plus years, I have journeyed through decluttering tangible objects. I have read every decluttering, organizing, and feng shui book. I have watched the Netflix shows with rainbow themed organization systems and the ones that instructed me to thank each unmatched sock for its service prior to tossing.
Until I hit my forties, I had not really considered decluttering the intangibles, though. Other folks would give up things for Lent, but I would say, “I’ll take on a new practice.” It wasn’t until a colleague laughed and said, “Of course, you will,” when talking about Lenten practices, that I clearly saw that my tendency was to add and add. After that, I began noticing what I did need to give up - from bad habits and negative self talk to Diet Coke and eye rolling.
In 2021, I decided to write a book about all the “things” I had given up since making that decision. And, instead of writing, I dreamed and brainstormed. Now, two years later, I have nothing to show for this book that I had decided to write.
Here we are at Lent, the season in which I realized that I am more comfortable collecting than relinquishing. I don’t know if I will ever get that book written, but my Lenten practice this year, 2023, will be writing 40 posts about “giving up.” And, who knows, maybe at the end of Post number 40, I will tell you that I am giving up on the idea of writing a book!
Is it time to let go of your dead plants - those literal and figurative dead plants that are taking your time and resources?
A few notes for the readers:
Please note that the connotation most people have about the term “giving up” is not lost on me. My contrarian side embraces the way the term is jarring and the way that it has a negative connotation. I do like the element of surprise!
I hope readers will embrace this writing because accountability helps me complete tasks. Setting this goal in a public way (not very Biblical, I realize) and with time-bound, specific and measurable details is quite purposeful. If I actually want to do some writing about Giving Up instead of just thinking about it, this is the method I will need.
Thank you for reading this far, and please let me know your thoughts, questions, what you have been giving up and what you wish you could/would give up.