Diane Bolden’s Synchronistically Speaking

Space for Things to Come

Today is the last day of school before my kids will be home for two weeks of vacation.  I happily managed to clear my schedule for the next couple of weeks to enjoy them and the holidays.  As I write this, I have exactly three hours before their voices and laughter fill the house (which will inevitably give way to screams, whining and crying as soon as one of my three kids teases, taunts or takes something from another of them.)  I sit looking around my kitchen at dishes that need to be done, papers that must be reviewed, clutter that must be dealt with, presents that need wrapping and a whole host of unfinished business I’d like to have closure on before my attention becomes engulfed in the whirlwind that will arrive with my children.

Earlier today I lingered longer than I should have wistfully staring at bubble baths, lotions and scented candles whose labels promised clarity, relaxation and serenity – as though there really were a product that could create and sustain those states of mind.  It can all feel so overwhelming.  Along with the joy and merriment of the season come a few more balls thrown in the air that we all get to juggle along with those that are already in play.  It’s no wonder so many think of Christmas as a stressful season!   Over the next week, between last minute shopping, wrapping presents, building our traditional gingerbread house and begging and pleading with my kids to clean up after themselves, there is also a need to clear some space for what will soon be coming in.

In exactly a week, the pretty paper and shiny ribbons will give way to new things that eventually need to be put away – toys, clothes, gadgets and gizmos.  I’ve come to realize that my biggest challenge with keeping things organized and clutter free is finding a place for everything and ensuring that it all returns there when not in use anymore.  But before that can happen, the older stuff that has been outgrown or become obsolete must be removed.  As my husband often fondly reiterates, what we need is not more places to store our stuff – but less stuff.

Perhaps the same can be said for that which takes up space in our heads.  My state of overwhelm is as much a product of all the ideas and possibilities swirling around in my head and my heart that have no place to land yet, as it is all the physical clutter that surrounds me.  And my desire for serenity, clarity and order is more of a reflection of what I need to create for myself than anything else.  Doing so will require me to sort through more than just papers and possessions.   

As 2009 comes to a close, we do well not only to dream and conceptualize about what we want to create, do, have or be in the coming year – but also to identify what we can let go of to allow room for those things to come in.  To truly ring in the New Year and all it will bring, we need to contemplate our old ideas and beliefs about who we really are and what we are capable of.  Anything that is not aligned with where we want to go next must be challenged and released.  And we must loosen our grips on anything whose time has passed, as it is difficult to receive with clenched fists.

May the coming days and weeks find you intensely aware of and deeply connected to the beautiful changes that are unfolding all around you – and within you.   As the threshold of the New Year approaches, let us celebrate all that we have learned, created and achieved and begin to create ample space for all that we are becoming.

Copyright Synchronistics Coaching & Consulting 2009.  All rights reserved.

If you liked this post, you may also enjoy Room to Grow and Changing Tides.  Download these and other articles for free at www.DianeBolden.com/articles.  While you are there, you can subscribe to receive a new feature article each month.  You will also receive my free report on 10 Traps Leaders Unwittingly Create for Themselves – and How to Avoid Them.