Ellen Cappard
2 min readNov 5, 2020

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Leaves, twigs, and vines found along the path.

It’s November and fall is in full swing. You see all the signs of this season around; the fallen leaves, bare trees, chilled air, and pumpkin everything. Seeing nature clear the leaves daily inspired me to look at my own life. I carry so much from day to day, season to season, with little regard to its necessity or purpose. I was overdue to declutter and clear out my life.

I held on to everything, it was bad. I had one foot of socks Sophia couldn’t fit, kept broken toys, even single earrings. Then I looked at the papers I held onto. Bank statements I never opened, service offers that were expired, or outdated materials like my old apartment lease. The more I de-cluttered the more I realized a pattern. For some reason I didn’t want to let go of the past. Some items held clear memories, like the earring left behind after a birthday celebration with a close friend. I saw half- sprung ideas scribbled on envelopes. Even quotes from a conversation was found on the back of one document. These things were important in the moment but long forgotten afterwards. Most were just associations I needed to clear out and let go.

I realized how holding on to the past was weighing me down mentally. This was a learned trait from living to survive. This was a traumatic response to not knowing where I would have the next of my needs met. Now I believe in abundance and I know all that is for me will not miss me. It was time to put action with my new mindset. Each room got a makeover and a deep clearing out. My home felt so light and spacious once I was done. I felt lighter emotionally knowing the cleaning was done.

I know now there is beauty in letting go. There is a sense of peace that comes with making space for new things and experiences. I learned to embrace new emotions and allow myself to authentically feel what I am experiencing. The fall is a shedding to make way for the fruits of spring. Letting go does not have to be associated with grief or sadness. It can be a beautiful season of transition, getting ready for new blessings on the horizon. So, I encourage you to use this season as a declutter. Let go and get light for the new season ahead.

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Ellen Cappard

Artist, educator, writer, and mother dedicated to sharing my experiences with others. An evolving lover of all things beautiful and explorer of the Truth!