When "Good" Becomes Too Much
Why It's Okay to Let Go
A friend of mine recently told me something that really struck me.
She had always loved having houseplants — filling her home with greenery and nurturing each plant. But over time, her collection grew… and so did her stress. She said she felt like her plants were constantly calling to her: "Water me! Repot me! Trim me! Don't forget about me!"
Eventually, she admitted she just didn't enjoy having so many anymore. Instead of bringing her peace, they became another source of guilt and overwhelm.
So she did something brave — she gave eight of them away. And she told me that as soon as they left her house, she felt lighter. Relieved. More able to breathe in her own space again.
It's easy to assume clutter is always made up of "bad" things — broken, outdated, useless stuff we don't want or need anymore.
But often, the things that weigh us down are things we once loved. Things that were good in another season of life — but no longer fit who we are now.
It might be:
A closet full of clothes that used to make you feel amazing, but now just make you feel guilty.
Crafts, tools or hobbies you once enjoyed but never pick up anymore.
Sentimental items you keep out of obligation, even though they make you feel heavy.
Or, like my friend, something as simple as eight houseplants that she used to love tending but now felt like they were taking up too much space every time she walked by them—so she finally gave them all away and felt instantly lighter.
Why It's Okay to Let Go
We change. Our seasons of life change. And what once made sense or brought joy can start to feel like a drain when it no longer aligns with your current life.
Letting go of something that used to matter doesn't mean it wasn't valuable. It just means you're making room for what matters now.
When you give yourself permission to let go, you free up energy, space, and peace — not just in your home, but in your mind and heart too.
How to Decide What to Let Go
This is where it gets tricky, right? If you're holding onto something and aren't sure whether to keep it, ask yourself:
Does this still bring me joy or serve me in this season?
Do I use it, or does it just sit here reminding me what I "should" be doing?
Does it feel light — or heavy?
