To every thing there is a season, a time, a purpose and a reason. And although I have recently transitioned through another milestone, my arriving at this pronouncement has nothing to do with my being fear-filled or concerned about my mortality.

Having examined my internal self and external surroundings, I am absolutely and undeniably about the business of de-cluttering my life. And as I contemplated what this means for me, I have concluded that it's not just about tangible items, but is also about relationships, situations, memories, and any thing(s) that I now have the courage and the good sense to deem and understand as useless, worthless and valueless junk that just needs to go. And how I know that this is a very adult and timely decision for me is because I am doing this with forethought and the absence of anger, resentment, regret, sadness or second-guessing. (Aaah, maybe some sadness). But nostalgia be damned. I am just sick and tired of cleaning up stuff that is just here and in my way because it can't move itself. And even if it's not directly in my way, but benignly tucked away in a corner or out of eyeshot, any and every thing sucking up my space unnecessarily is going to make acquaintance with ‘good damn riddance’. And as for the stuff that I have allowed to affix itself to me, it is getting the hell out of here and me too. I am over the idea and behavior of collecting just for the sake of having. Quite frankly, I am finding that a lot of the things I am divesting myself of reached their expiration date a long time ago and I don't want to keep moving things from one place to another thinking and acting like I am going to ever need, want, or utilize them ever again.

In the book of Deuteronomy, it gives a very brief account of the death of Moses. Chapter 34:8 “And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.” This great Prophet, Deliverer and Redeemer whose life is honorably and prominently depicted in the annals of history, was mourned for 30 days, though I’m sure he was grieved considerably longer. So the question is begged, if and as life requires and mandates that we put away and say good-bye to people and things that have impacted, enhanced, elevated the quality of and made life richer, and have done so successfully, what is the difficulty and challenge of releasing the things that have a less than or opposite effect? Now I know this may seem like I am assigning too much meaning to certain things, (just throw the damn books, papers, junk out, because that's as easy and meaningful as some things are), but as I weigh and value everything, everything is up for consideration. And this lesson/message further reinforces in me that too may entities - unworthy, unnecessary, unwarranted, undeserving and insignificant - have stayed too long.

Yes, I am affirming this as the season to de-clutter my mind, heart, and spirit of people/relationships, things and memories that I have allowed to slow me down, weigh on, distract and derail me. The things that have decayed, and yet the stink and rot have been laying in the recesses of my precious places as if they were alive and viable and not dead and wasted.

And I am declaring and ordaining this as the period to open my windows and doors….. sweep, dust, wash, clean out, toss, polish, sanitize…. And allow the fresh breeze of life to come through.

Things that I will Hold, Replenish and Secure to:

Keep me Alive

Real, honest, honorable, passionate and fun-time Love, Friendship and Companionship

Keep my Spirit Sharp and Fresh

Inspired and inspirational writing / reading and material that will increase the quality of my being and enhance my womanhood – religious, spiritual, comedic, adult, etc

Keep my Mind Sharp and Fresh

Favorite books: Their Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston, I Wish I had a Red Dress by Pearl Cleage or ….

Keep my Body Sharp and Fresh

Preparing delicious and delectable food ~ ~ Water (Drinking/Bathing/Playing) ~ ~ Exercise

Keep my Appearance Sharp and Fresh

Shoe shopping forever & always on the agenda ~ ~ Jewelry ~ ~ Stylish Hair (#27) ~ ~ Beautiful clothes ~ ~ A Spa Day (Face, Nails, Feet, Body )

Keep Me Enjoying Life

Music ~ ~ Dancing ~ ~ People and Things that make me laugh and smile, provide comfort and great conversation, cultivate, challenge and welcome “me” ~ ~ Creativity/Art (mine and others) ~ ~ Fishing ~ ~ A smooth libation

Living smarter, Living lighter, Living happier

Clutter Free