Aspirational Clutter
An old man turned ninety-eight
He won the lottery and died the next day
It's a black fly in your Chardonnay
It's a death row pardon two minutes too late
And isn't it ironic... don't you think
Ohhh… the wisdom of Glen Ballard and Alanis Nadine Morissette.
Isn’t it ironic?
On a cold January day, with my new resolutions fresh in my mind, I did it! I gathered my electronics parts and equipment that were scattered around the house – garage, storage cubby, downstairs bedroom and brought it all into my office –so ‘it’ would all be organized and accessible, easy to use and conquer the projects rattlin’ around in my “grey-matter.” Fast forward 3 weeks – the organization is unfinished, and the oscilloscope and bulk power supply haven’t been plugged in, much less turned on. And I hate to admit, a pang of guilt rushes in upon every entry to my office – a necessity since this place, my office, is the site of my ‘day job’ which allows me to pay the bills.
And here comes the irony – and I’m continually amazed at the timing of critical articles in a news feed or wherever they come – I read an article on www.realsimple.com Still Holding On To "Aspirational Clutter"? A new term for me – but a critical term for me!!! Per realsimple (bolding is mine):
Aspirational clutter consists of items that individuals hold onto because they symbolize their future selves or unfulfilled goals.
This clutter can build up at any time, often sneaks up on us during life transitions, when we’re imagining new routines or spaces, and describes the items that are linked more to our intention than reality.
The emotional complexity of aspirational clutter makes it one of the hardest types of clutter to part with. These items often carry feelings of inadequacy or guilt, as they remind us of our unfulfilled aspirations.
Aspirational clutter can hinder our ability to create a functional and peaceful living space. By understanding its emotional implications and employing practical strategies, we can begin to declutter these items and make room for what truly aligns with our current lives and aspirations. Letting go of aspirational clutter is not about giving up on our dreams; it’s about making space for realistic goals and self-acceptance.
Wow – what timely and personally relevant insight for me. How about you?
The ‘electronic stuff’ is ‘stuff’ I brought home when my business closed years ago – and went into convenient corners in the same boxes and remained untouched for years. ‘Stuff’ from a ‘life transition’ with the hope of what? Returning to what was or to a hope for a new future??? Something to ponder more. ‘Stuff’ that certainly carries feelings of inadequacy and guilt that hinders my ability to “make room for what truly aligns with my current life and aspirations.”
Oh, the Alanis wisdom…
Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
Life has a funny, funny way of helping you out...
Helping you out
My question for you – are you affected by aspirational clutter that hinders your ability to make space for realistic goals and self-acceptance while peacefully living?