Making Room for Abundance

I don't know if everyone gets as stirred up as I do in mid-February. Spring is so close, and my entire being responds to the longer days, the stronger sun and the glimpses of green in the grass. I imagine that I feel like a seed in the ground...compelled to burst out of its winter cave by quantum design.

The urge to purge is intense. I'm not talking about my food. No...my 55 year old menopausal body seems to find much comfort in the extra 20 pounds it has lovingly acquired. I'm talking about the drive to clean out all the things in my life that are no longer useful. I am convinced that "spring cleaning" is a genetically programmed impulse to save us from being buried alive in our own stuff.

So, last week I started with my closet and dresser. The purging happened in layers. First, the clothes that I haven't worn in 2 years and I know that I will never wear. Then, the items that I don't really like all that much. That wasn't so bad. Deeper layers of wardrobe purging are definitely related to deep emotional purging. So, next I tackled the items that I like, but no longer fit my redesigned middle-aged body. They had to go. That's it, no looking back...no hoping that I will someday loose that 20 pounds. Yes, that was a bit uncomfortable - but I did it!

Ah, nostalgia. Can I really get rid of those wonderful tokens of great experiences in my life? You know, the t-shirt from the 2003 Bluegrass Classic. The one with the wolf from our Yellowstone trip. Seriously, does one woman really need to have more than 10 t-shirts anyway? OK - so if I didn't actually LOVE the item and LOVE the way I felt when I put it on, into the charity bag it went. whew. Even though I no longer have the actual token, the memories will never go away. I hope.


Of course, purging goes beyond the physical clutter. In the process I am clearing emotional and mental clutter as I go. As if the closet items are somehow directly connected to invisible clutter that I'm hiding behind closed doors.

So, here's the thing: I know, beyond a shadow of doubt, that the dreams and goals that I trustingly tucked away into my new year alchemy box have NO chance of becoming real if there is no room in my life. Just like I know that I cannot stuff one more item into that packed closet. I choose to be responsible for making that room. If I hold on to stuff just for comfort or security, I have no room for the abundance I really want in my life. Looking at my empty drawers and empty hangers, I am filled with awe and inspiration.

And, I have to tell you, it feels liberating! woohoo!

Animal Teachers and Gratitude

Building this new blog...and connecting with the photo of me and Luc in the header leads me to feel much gratitude for the amazing animal teachers I have in my life. Luc is a very special dog, with such love and happiness gushing out of him that he spins like a top and enthusiastically greets everyone with hugs and kisses. Then he reserves that special quiet cuddling for those that are blessed with his adoration. Luc most definitely makes my heart dance!!!

I'd like to share this bit of wisdom that flows from the heart:
Our animal companions are amazing teachers who lead us to a heart-connected life. Each time we choose to teach them with patience, kindness and love, they hold our hands, leading us to find inner peace, joy and laughter! Each time we see them as bearers of wisdom and accept their teachings with gratitude and respect, our hearts open wider and we receive even more joy into our life.