So I haven’t blogged for several weeks- I’ve been out of my routine! Lots has changed personally and professionally since the beginning of the month.
The biggest professional change this month is that Imagine Hope has moved locations! Our new space is amazing! It is like walking into a spa for your soul!
As I have been sorting through boxes with the move, I realized I have carried A LOT of professional “junk” from job to job since starting in this field 11 years ago. I have files I don’t look at, books I’ve never read, and handouts I’ve never actually handed out. Why? Why do I hang on to all of it and continue to carry it with me from place to place? Am I a Hoarder?
It reminds me of something we came across in my mom’s attic when we were helping her get ready to move (sorry if you are reading this mom 
). She had boxes of National Geographic magazines going back for years- even from before I was born. Why? Why hold on to all of that stuff you know you will never use?
I think many people have a “just in case I need it” mentality. I know that is why I’ve carried all of my professional junk with me. But in reality- Do we ever really “NEED” it?
I challenge you to ask yourself this in all areas of your life. Work, home, clothes and shoes closets, junk drawers, basements, etc. Look around and see what you are carrying with you that is taking up space. Ask yourself why you hang onto it and what purpose it gives you by doing so.
The next step is to look at your emotional junk that needs purging. Are you hoarding resentments? Do you cling to old pain that you need to be free from? Are you having trouble forgiving someone for hurting you? Are you an eternal victim? If so, it is time to sort through it all and do some healing.
It feels so good to purge things physically and emotionally. Give yourself a gift and start cleaning house literally and emotionally. You owe it to yourself to release your excess baggage for good!
Written by Teri Claassen MSW, LCSW, LCAC
Teri Claassen MSW, LCSW, LCAC is a licensed therapist at Imagine Hope Counseling Group. Teri enjoys doing marriage counseling, individual counseling, couples and relationship counseling. Teri also does family counseling, child counseling, and adolescent counseling. Imagine Hope serves the Indianapolis area, including the surrounding areas of Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Zionsville, and Westfield.
