Are You Possessed by Your Possessions?
Bringing consciousness to the things you own
Do you have a mental wish list? Maybe you've been pining for a new digital camera or a cozy cashmere sweater... Or something practical like a vacuum cleaner that actually works.
Whatever it is you've been dreaming of, you may find yourself thinking about how much it would add to your life and how much you'd enjoy possessing and using it.
Yet, unlike items on this wish list, many things come into your home and your office that arrive with less intention or forethought.
Things that own you
Prime culprits fall into these categories:
- That which is sent to you by others: mail, catalogues, opportunities
- Things that other householders bring in: miscellaneous items, laundry, the pet's toy
- Things you thought you might need someday: an odd business card, a brochure for a class, a CD you never listened to
- Unwanted bits that arrived with things you do/did want: packaging, storage cases, twist ties
- Broken stuff: Empty printer ink cartridges, outdated equipment, batteries you're not sure have totally expired
- Invisible stuff: Things that used to support your and your business but no longer do
Technically these items belong to you, you probably don't consider them your possessions.
A definition of irony
The Oxford Dictionary of English states that the root of the word possession is "able" and "to sit".
Unwanted possessions are able to sit, all right - and sometimes quite persistently.
Surround yourself with possessions you've chosen
One of the biggest struggles I see with home-based businesses are quantities of things from the categories above - that have accumulated over time. When I ask, my clients tell me that they feel dead walking into their office. Repelled. Dread. Exhausted. Unmotivated.
That's because they've accidentally surrounded themselves with belongings they've not chosen consciously.
Things to Try:
If you accumulate possessions unconsciously, there is a remedy.
1. Begin simply by picking something up and asking a simple question: "Does this support my business?"
2. If it doesn't support your business, it doesn't belong in your office. Chances are good that someone else can benefit from its use - whether directly or through recycling. Moving it along frees up space and energy.
3. If the item does support your business, the next step is to give it a home where you'll remember to access it... if it doesn't have one already.
Invite in what you want - on purpose
Give yourself permission to invite in your office only what will support your work, effectiveness, and joy. Doing this will give you more energy and momentum to do the work you love.
(c) Copyright 2007 - all rights reserved - Simplicity Staging & Redesign
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