In with the new

I cleared away a lot of clutter today. I recently saw an Oprah episode where she described having her closet in perfect order; she was radiant and, as she put it, "standing up straighter." It's amazing how clearing space brings in renewed energy and a sense of freedom like nothing else.

I first caught on to this concept when I began taking a course in The Artist's Way about four years ago. Author Julia Cameron says, "By tossing out the old and unworkable, we make way for the new and suitable." She adds, "When the search-and-discard impulse seizes you, two crosscurrents are at work: the old you is leaving and grieving, while the new you celebrates and grows strong."

Don't you love that? When I began teaching The Artist's Way, I noticed some students resisted that at first but then found themselves purging closets and drawers and files. So cathartic!

Today it was old receipts, my entire work area, part of my closet, part of my bedroom, emails. What a day. And to boot, a friend dropped by on his way to donate some items to charity, so he left with some of my clothes to take as well. More space!

There's still much to do, especially with the holidays coming and I want a squeaky clean house to decorate after Thanksgiving. But I'm off to a good start.