The Art of Letting Go

 The Art of Letting Go

We’ve all seen or at least heard of the TV show Hoarders. Some of us watch, with guilty fascination, our fellow humans trapping themselves inside walls of things. Psychologists have acknowledged hoarding as a mental illness. There’s anxiety that is associated with hoarding in an almost cyclic fashion. Anxiety is both a cause and a product of hoarding. Many of us that haven’t quite jumped the line between being packrats and being hoarders don’t realize that we are suffering from a milder version of a real condition. Not being able to get rid of that dress you’ll never wear again because MAYBE you’ll like it again some day. Or that trinket from that ex. Sometimes it’s the not throwing out some food in your fridge (that will inevitably go bad) because it’s wasteful and you MIGHT eat it. Sometimes it not letting go of that grudge you’ve fallen in love with against the person that has hurt you. We hold on to things far too long far too often.

I’ve come to believe there’s an art to letting go of things, feelings, spaces, and people that are toxic to us. And trust me, this toxicity isn’t only mental. Holding on to things prevents us from regularly clearing space. From dusting our homes, to mold growing in cracks and crevices. Holding on to seasonal things triggers un-wellness in the form of allergies, stress & anxiety, lack of focus, and more.

My suggestion is a spring cleaning of sorts. Open all the doors in your home and all the windows. Put on your favorite music or podcast. Burn some incense. Start with the things that are already out in the open if you tend to be a junkier person. Analyze anything you own that seems worn. Ask yourself why you feel the need to hold on to it. Sit with the emotions the items bring and release them as you release the items you’re holding on to. For me, I never get a deep cleaning like this done in one day. I just go room to room and do it. After this, your home will feel fresher and cleaner and your spirit will feel lighter.

Written by Del-Amina for Live Laugh Love Nashville 06/2017

Zap Stress & Worry Less

Zap Stress & Worry Less!

The pressures and demands of everyday life can be quite demanding. Career obligations, financial obligations, and familial obligations are just a few factors that can contribute to daily stress and anxiety. Many may think Why did I choose to become an adult?

We live in a fast-paced society. Rarely do we have the opportunity to live in the moment, to be spontaneous, and to find the joy in the simple things. Instead of stopping, running to smell the roses becomes the norm. Physical and mental health are usually screaming for attention, but who has the time to listen? We forget that we are human beings and that we have human needs. Finally, when we do receive the opportunity to enjoy life, we feel guilty and why?

Let’s travel together down memory lane. Do you remember a time when you experienced extreme joy? What were you doing? Who were you with? Do you recall the smells and colors that surrounded you? Can you feel the bliss that was flowing in your heart? This my friends is the gateway into re-connecting to our desires.  

The world becomes accustomed to what it is that we allow. I would like to share a secret with you. We have limitless power. When we are unhappy or disconnected with particular areas in our lives we have the power to make a change. All begins or ends with our choices. First, we can consciously make the decision to make some healthy alterations. Afterwards, must take action.

5 Positive Tips to Zap Stress & Worry Less

1. Do an honest evaluation of yourself. How do you feel on a daily basis? Are you happy with your feelings?

2. Rate the state of your life on a scale from 1-10. Rate your career, family, finances, and leisure. Also, rate the status of your mental, physical, and emotional health.  

3. Create space and time that is just for you. Utilize this time to do nothing at all or to do the things that make you happy. Don’t worry, everyone and everything will adjust to your me-time.

4. Surround yourself with positive people who honor your needs and wishes.

5. Remember that life is an experience and not a destination. Live it to the fullest!

*About the Blogger: Jasmine Dominique M.A. is a Mental Health Clinician, Reiki Practitioner and Master Teacher, Lifestyle Consultant, and Motivational Speaker.

www.jasminedominique.com