13 bags.. GONE
I got rid of 13 bags of clothes this week and somehow ended up realizing I was clearing out a lot more than my closet.
So much of what we wear gets tied to identity, old versions of ourselves, careers, memories, and even the lives we thought we were supposed to keep preparing for. For me, a lot of that was cybersecurity, and I didn’t realize how much of that version of me I was still physically holding onto.
Apparently my cybersecurity brain never left though. I’m still noticing patterns, intuitively picking up on the signature of something before I can always explain why, and trusting what comes through first.
If you’re already subscribed to A Life in Practice, you know what those 13 bags were really holding.
If you’re not, the full story is waiting for you through the link in my bio. 🔗
Decluttering can be much more than just making space in our closets—it’s often a profound emotional and psychological journey. When I decided to clear out old clothes, like the author did with 13 bags, I found myself confronting past versions of who I was and the identities I had built around my wardrobe. Much like holding onto a specific career identity, such as the cybersecurity role Jessica mentions, our belongings can silently anchor us to times and personas we have outgrown. What surprised me was how deeply intertwined clothing and memories can be. Each piece seemed to carry a story, an unspoken attachment to my past ambitions or the person I once thought I needed to be. Letting go required acknowledging these feelings rather than just tossing things out. It was liberating to realize that shedding these items symbolized freedom from outdated expectations or life paths. Additionally, the process helped me reconnect with my intuition—just as the author talked about still noticing patterns and trusting my initial impressions. Decluttering became less about what I was losing and more about gaining clarity on who I am now and who I want to become. This experience gave me valuable insights into personal growth and inspired me to be more mindful about what I choose to keep, not only materially but emotionally as well. For anyone considering a similar journey, it can be empowering to reflect on what your possessions represent and how they relate to your identity. Clearing out physical clutter can open the door to inner clarity and enable you to embrace your present and future self more fully.