Purging: Good for the Soul

I had breakfast this morning with a colleague and, per usual, we were geeking out about organizing. She told me she sold her consignment shop and referred to it as just another check off her list. It was a way of purging in order to simplify and refocus her life. That got me thinking about something which I already knew, but hadn't clarified for myself - purging isn't just about paring down our belongings. It can also mean eliminating unwanted obligations or stress in our lives. You could purge your schedule, an unhealthy relationship or (as in my colleague's case) an investment you no longer have the time for. Life is too short to be held back by unnecessarium. When our space is simple, comfortable and organized, we feel and function at our best. The same is true at the scale of our lives. When things are kept simple, we have the time to enjoy the experiences that matter most - whether that be time with friends and family, a walk in the park, a fun night out, a good book or (fill in the blank). What might you purge to make 2011 a more stress-free year?

Kristen Ziegler