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Making Space for the New

Posted Fri, 10/23/2009 - 10:38
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A lot of us spend time wishing things were different. We want novelty in our lives- in our homes, jobs, relationships, you name it. However we keep clinging on to old things, habits and thought patterns that only re-create what we already know.
 
If we want our lives to be different from anything in our prior existence, if we truly want to freshen things up, we need to make space for it.
 
Let's say you want to purchase a brand new dining room table that suits your current taste better. You've already got your dining room with an old table that you wish to replace. Can you put the new one in its designated space with the old one still occupying it?
 
It's the same thing with the rest of our stuff. If you want to update your wardrobe, you're going to need the space in your closet to store the new clothes in, so at least part of the old must go. If you're in an unhealthy relationship and you'd like to improve your love life, sometimes the answer is letting go of the damaging one (or at least the damaging attitudes), to be able to open the doors to better relating. If there's something you're usually afraid of and you're tired of the way you react to it, you're going to have to investigate and learn new positive approaches that would not work as well if you keep pulling yourself down by continuing to allow and uncontrolled stream of the self-defeating thoughts. You've got to let go of the old to embrace the new.
 
We also have to be realistic. Making space for the new, even if we're talking about something physical or mental, requires a process. First, you need to be aware of your present reality and what you wish to improve. Second, you need to decide the direction in which you'd like to move (hopefully, forward or higher) and what you'd like to accomplish. Third, you need to start doing, moving step by step, tackling one obstacle at a time. Ask yourself: Is what I'm doing or thinking right now getting me closer or further from the way I want my life to be? Your answer should point you in the right direction.
 
Don't expect it all to change in a snap. If you fall, get up. It is only natural that we will make some of the same mistakes now and again, it's easy to repeat what we know. As soon as you notice the clutter building up or that unloving remark you made without thinking, don't waste time beating yourself up over it, instead use that energy to make things better and practice your better habit. This is something we all can do.
 
Just remember, if something is difficult, that means it's entirely possible!
-- Chelle michers.blogspot.com  
Comments (4)
yumi's picture
Posted by Yumi Sakugawa on Friday, October 23rd, 2009
Very simple concept all of us forget all too often. Thank you for the reminder!
Marte's picture
Posted by Jane Carlton on Friday, October 23rd, 2009
Thanks, Michelle! It's good to see someone else writing on this topic. It can be easy to let our old patterns and beliefs interfere with our new plans and goals. Very helpful for those engaged in this process. https://www.liveinfreedomtoday.com
Posted by Tamasin McGregor on Saturday, October 24th, 2009
thank you for posting, this is great x
patriwind's picture
Posted by patriwind on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009
i totally agree... i had just posted such an idea somewhere else... space must be made... we tend to expect the new to substitute the old without letting go first... it maybe harder to deal with the void in between... but it is definitely the way... i have found that keeping the old "in the meantime" ends up taking up your energy and attention and you get distracted... the void may be somewhat uncomfortable but it also gives you space to think about what you really need and wish for and how to get it... i am right in the middle of such a process right now... i feel a little lonely and a little restless but i remind myself to be confident and am reinforced in my decision not to resource to things that just don't work anymore... love to everyone ;)