Putting Away the Toys
Lyn T. Christian, PMP, MCC, CFCC, founder of SoulSalt Inc. 

As the holidays rolled out and the tree went down, I reflected on being a kid and the need to clear out space. Receiving gifts was often great. Finding a place to put them in my life wasn’t always so wonderful. Can you relate to the dilemma of having to discard the old to make room for the new? Did you wonder how those boots seemed to shrink? Did you think, “How come I didn’t notice how worn and tired my favorite game looks?” Sometimes the sorting and shuffling was painful as I noticed that something once meaningful had become obsolete.

What we once did with toys often holds true for elements of adulthood. Do you have beliefs, tools, relationships that you might be questioning why you’re holding on to them? I have.

My hardworking ethic of juggling a ton of projects and cramming as much as I can into my schedule has made me question, “Am I wearing off tread? If I updated with a creative approach could I be more effective? Could I trade grit and sweat in for more intelligence and finesse? Could I enjoy my life more?

I’ve also stopped to wonder, “What energy can I free up?” Maybe too much time, emotion and worry have been allotted to projects and interests that only need minimal focus. For example, building SoulSalt Inc. and supporting new coaches is a good place to give my highest energy and attention. My golf game would do just fine with low grade, small increments of energy this year.

Can you relate to the natural flux within human connection? Things and people change. Friends and associates that played vitals rolls in the past might have served their purpose. I ran a quick assessment to compare the amount of effort a particular relationship took from me and compared it to the return I gained on the effort. I reflected on the diminishing amount of passion and enjoyment showing up in the interaction. I had to face the fact that the old saying is true: “People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or forever.” I’m learning that fewer and fewer people fit into the “forever” category than I once imagined.

While I’ve listed a few areas where attachment has not been profiting me any longer, have you been making your own list? If you have, remember that change can be painful. If you are letting go, clearing out, reviewing your life, be gentle and patient. Switching “old” for “new” can twinge a bit like the pain of losing a tooth. However, once the space is opened up it will feel free, clear, and new.

There is a sane and reasonable term for the dynamics mentioned above and it can be summarized in one word.

That word is “growth.”
Growth is always good.

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