Today the Badger is out gallivanting in the Usa River area of Arusha. I’m enjoying a yummy falafel hummus sandwich and a Stoney tangawizi at Tanz Hands Bakery and cafe. I’m laid back on a really cool couch/table that allows me to recline, put my feet up, and just embrace and soak in the beautiful environment that surrounds me. Aaaahhh…
This precious free time also gives me some time to write. Today I am moved to write about courage and clearing space.
One of the most oft-asked questions people ask me, especially women, is, “where did you find the strength and courage to leave your past life and start anew in Africa? How did you overcome fear to make the leap?”
Hmmm. How much time do you have? I could talk for days about this topic.
I am now a big believer in the concept of clearing space. To me, that phrase has a physical and metaphysical meaning. Physically, it means literally clearing clutter out of your environment, such as personal belongings you no longer need or want. It can also mean selling a car or a house. It could mean cleaning out your fridge, your junk drawer, or your closet. I guess for me it is some variant of minimalism, which I define as only surrounding yourself with things and activities that you love. Everything else must go!!
The metaphysical aspect involves making space in your mind, heart, and soul. You discard the “clutter” that may be stressing you out or making you unhappy. You toss ideas that include the words “can’t, shouldn’t, or should have”. You leave relationships–romantic, platonic, or casual–that are toxic. You free your mind of any restrictions. Everything else must go!!
When you have cleared the clutter, you reach a place where you can truly open your mind, heart, and soul to the new: to new ideas, new possibilities, and new environments. It’s like freewheeling: no idea is stupid or impossible. You dream in technicolor. You fantasize. The sky’s the limit. No: the universe is the limit–and beyond.
And then something really cool happens. You realize that not only can you live without that clutter; you don’t need or want it. I have never felt so free, so unfettered, so alive.
And that’s because when you finally start believing in what you used to believe was impossible, and you make room for it by clearing space, you can refill that space with those very things that you love and delight in. You can leave your job or change jobs/careers. You can live with less. You can leave a toxic relationship. You can move to a different location–even Africa. You can stop and smell the roses. They’ve been there all along, you know. You just were too caught up in your clutter to see or smell them. Or to touch their velvety petals.
But clearing space is not a one-time event. From time to time you should reevaluate your “space” and see if anything else needs decluttering. Wash, rinse, repeat. Through this process, you will enjoy a lifetime of retooling your space so it brings you love, joy, and pleasure.
So what can you do today to clear some space? It’s not hard, but you need to be honest with yourself. Start with something small, like a clothing item you haven’t worn in a long time. Ask yourself if you LOVE that clothing. If you don’t, it might be time to pitch it.
What about that friend who is always criticizing and bringing you down? Maybe it’s time to clear that space and make room for a new friend who supports you and lifts you up.
I don’t mean to say that any particular “clutter” needs to be replaced. It doesn’t. Here in Africa, I live with a lot less than I used to have in the United States, and I miss none of it. And perhaps you’re fine without replacing a person who is toxic. Sometimes the space itself is what you need. And maybe a soothing mud bath:
As for courage: I don’t have any more courage or strength than anyone else. After clearing my own space, I had no choice but to fill my life with only the good. Because once you’ve opened space and found your dirty freedom, you will no longer be able to tolerate negativity in your life. You simply won’t have patience for it. Your standards go way up.
I hope the Badger gave you enough to chew on today. It’s Friday. Start living the rest of your life today! JUMP!!!
-Badger OUT
