Oct/Nov 2025 Aspire Magazine Full Issue | Page 38

How to navigate loss of identity: Acknowledge the part of your identity connected to each item. Reflect on the time, energy, and love you have invested. Keep one or two items as symbolic reminders of a life chapter, but trust that your identity is more than possessions.

I once guided a client through releasing boxes of old dance shoes. She photographed each pair of shoes and created a small scrapbook, preserving the memory creatively without keeping the clutter. This act allowed her to honor her past while embracing her present identity.

Overwhelm: Overwhelm is common when facing a space full of clutter. It is your mind’ s way of signaling,“ This is too much to handle all at once.” It is also a protective mechanism to prevent burnout.

Over time, small wins build momentum, transforming what initially feels impossible into a manageable process.

Feeling resistance is not a failure. It is a part of your transformation journey. Instead of pushing emotions aside or stuffing them down, invite them in. Notice bodily sensations and name the feelings that come up:“ This is sadness,” or“ This is fear.” Naming the emotion often diminishes its grip. Pair this awareness with action. As you place an item in a donation box, breathe deeply and say,“ Thank you for serving me. I release you now.” Rituals like this shift attention from loss to gratitude, turning a mundane task into a mindful, heart-centered practice.

Ways to ease overwhelm: Start small. Focus on a single drawer, a single shelf, or a fifteen-minute session. Celebrate incremental progress. Every cleared surface is a success. Set the mood to support focus by playing calming music, lighting a favorite candle, or making a comforting cup of tea.