It’s truly amazing to consider the last year. The world was so uncertain, and fighting to maintain our connections to one another was one of the things that gave my early days of isolation purpose and direction. Now we see a light at the end of the tunnel – while I’m sure there are challenges to navigate as a whole new world awakens, it’s exciting to think about getting back to life.
When I was a kid and my room got messy, I found myself easily overwhelmed at trying to put things away. It seemed there were always too many things for the number of places to put them. Looking back, I know I was fortunate to have plenty as a child. One day, my mom came in and told me to “clean up or else.” After a while she checked in and I hadn’t made much progress. I was trying, but just couldn’t wrap my head around the size of the job. Smart as she is, my mom kindly helped me take EVERYTHING out – cleared every shelf, drawer, bin, and corner into a single pile in the middle of the floor. Then, one item at a time, we asked “do I want this, do I use this, and where should it go?”.
Bit by bit, we rebuilt my room to include the things that mattered. When we finished, there was a pile remaining – those things that no longer belonged in my world. I still follow this practice when the house needs decluttering.
I think this is what the last year has done for me: take all of the different parts of my life and my personality and toss them in a big pile. Now we get to rebuild, keeping those things that are important and life-giving while waving goodbye to the chaff.
2021 is going to be an amazing year. We see each other like we’ve never been able to before. We’ve rethought the most important aspects of professionalism and social membership. I hope that the world coming out of COVID “cleans its room” the way my mom taught me.
I absolutely love it!!!!!! I pray we keep what matters and maintain.
Great analogy. I so enjoy your insights on life and the lessons we can takeaway if only we become aware….