I have a new theory.
The objects in our possession are not just objects. They are anchors. They keep us moored to an idea, or an identity, or a history, or a habit, or perhaps something else.
Look around the room you’re in, and see if any objects bring to mind a thought you weren’t thinking five seconds ago. I just looked at the time: I’ve been writing for an hour, and haven’t even finished a blog post yet. I spy my pink polka dot bag: that matches my shirt. I’m so stylish and coordinated today. My cell phone: I should call to make a haircut appointment.
Imagine spending an hour in an empty room with nothing to touch or do or interact with. You might feel like a boat, floating aimlessly. Unmoored.
Ultimately, our objects anchor us to who we are, who we were and who we are becoming.
This can be wonderful…or terrible.
You have the power to choose how your environment impacts you, by choosing what you keep and what you let go. Are you making your choices intentionally?
The floral pillows in my home remind me I know what I like, and what I like is beautiful. The teacup and saucer from my grandma remind me of where I came from. This computer is an anchor to my way of life. The way I communicate with people, and the way I make myself prosperous. (Remembering this truth is inspiring me to clean the smudges off the screen.)
Fresh flowers anchor us to the fact that nothing lasts for ever…but it’s beautiful as hell while it’s happening, so you better stop and smell once in a while.
I recently realized that a necklace reminded me of a negative interaction I had with someone. It’s lovely, and by all accounts, I *should* like it. But when I’d see it, it never failed to tug at my emotions and carry me back to our last interaction. I walk away rehashing the conversations and questioning whether I should have adjusted my expectations, or whether she was to blame for misleading me with what she said. And then, I got rid of the necklace. And in doing so, cut loose one of the anchors that was constantly bringing up harsh memories and hurt feelings. It was a very real step toward letting go and moving on.
Choose to anchor yourself to beauty, love and usefulness.
Here’s your food for thought today:
What if, when you lose your way, the objects you’ve chosen to surround yourself with could guide you back to who you want to be, and how you want to be? What would that environment look like?
Look around the room that you’re in. How might your objects be anchoring you? Are they anchoring you to the past? Do you look see yourself anchored to habits and ways of being that aren’t serving you anymore? Is there an anchor that reminds you of something lovely?
I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
