Sometimes you open a storage unit expecting to find too much stuff, just to find out how much you've already let go of.
When we opened our storage in Florida, that was us. We were amazed at how much we had purged over the years. We remembered having a lot more but there we were, staring at what was left and knowing we had already done a lot of the job.
We were grateful that we had leased a van rather than a U-Haul. It was less expensive and provided a far more comfortable journey. Mr Womack was able to roll safely down the highway at a smoother pace than he would have been able to do in a U-Haul truck. We're constantly searching for methods to cut costs, and this choice proved to be successful.
All packed and ready to roll back to Alabama
We opened the storage tubs and realized there wasn’t anything else we truly wanted to get rid of. Most of the remaining items were nostalgic, as well as dishes we wanted to save.
Those things still mattered to us. We wanted them back in our possession.
Our October theme, "Making Room for What's Next," was inspired by that experience. Making room is being truthful about what has outlived its welcome and acknowledging what has a place in your life.
And realizing some of those things won’t fit inside a storage bin or your life.
Think about the habits we carry without questioning them. Always putting ourselves last. Saying yes when we’re already tired. Filling every quiet moment with scrolling. Letting relaxation and movement become things we'll do after taking care of everyone else.
We might become so accustomed to a habit that we lose sight of its consequences. After 50, it’s worth asking whether the way we spend our days supports how we want to feel and live.
Then there are the relationships.
Yes, we’re going there.
Some people have consistently showed us that they don't care about our wants, feelings, or presence, but we have continued to make room for them.
And sometimes those people are family. Yes, I said it!!
We need to be able to say that out loud. We don't have to continue allowing someone to harm us just because they are blood relatives. We can determine that distance is appropriate in a relationship even though we care about the other person.
Sometimes having a distinct boundary is sufficient.Sometimes we need less contact. Sometimes we decide the relationship no longer has a place in our lives.
Making those choices can be difficult, but so is continuing to act as though nothing is wrong. Relationships where respect and caring are reciprocated are what we deserve.
At this age, we are going to be honest about what we’re carrying and why. The memories in those bins were worth keeping. Some of the habits, obligations, and expectations we’ve carried may deserve another look.
As you make your way through October, we challenge you to step up to the plate and make room for what serves you well.
Start with one honest question: What am I continuing to carry that no longer belongs in the life I want to live?
You don’t have to sort it all out today. Give yourself permission to notice, make a choice, and take one meaningful step.
There is still so much life ahead of us. We want room to enjoy it.
What are you ready to release, and what matters enough to keep?
Let us know in the comments if any of this resonated with you.
Keep Thriving!
Kirsten and Mack
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