Letting things go

In Friday's post I mentioned that while re-organizing my fabric stash, I unearthed a project from several years ago that I realized was never going to get finished, and I got rid of it. 

Letting go of that project made me feel a bit lighter, a little less bogged down.  It's a good feeling, but one that doesn't necessarily come easy.  I've always prided myself on NOT being a person who is all talk and no action.  So if I decide I'm going to do something, I like to follow through and do it.  But sometimes...you just have to let things go.

Recently I followed a link to this article, which really puts that feeling into words.  My favorite part is this:

"Knowing when to kill a project is an important skill to have if you are interested in simplifying your life. It’s unreasonable to expect every single project you start or get involved in to be perfect. Sometimes it takes awhile to realize that it isn’t what you imagined, your goals have changed, or the passion just isn’t there."

I'd even go a step farther and say it's unreasonable to expect every single project you start or get involved with to get finished at all (never mind "perfection").  As I'm focusing on prioritizing where to put my time and attention right now, it's important to face the fact that I don't need to act on every single idea I have.  Trying to do so just leads to feeling overwhelmed, and having a bunch of half-assed, half-finished projects lying around.  UGH!  Much better to focus on the things that are really enjoyable.  Otherwise, the things we supposedly do for fun can start to feel like chores or obligations.  What fun is that?

Comments

[Stacy]

Thanks for the feedback, ladies. It sounds like a lot of us are grappling with similar issues right now. Glad to know my words could help. :)

[Michele H-C]

Just reading this today makes purging so many things easier. I feel like my half-started craft projects can go on to someone who could give them a renewed passion. I so needed to be reminded of this. I am all about simplifying my life, home and head right now.

[Gaidig]

Good for you. That's really a thing I need to keep in mind: I don't need to act on every single idea I have.

[M K]

Wow. I really relate to this! Especially the whole not acting on every idea I have. Sometimes idea triage can be tricky...and that is when we have to let go. I think I'm going to go write some of your wise words on the wall of my studio...