What Your Clutter Is Trying to Tell You

by Kerri L. Richardson

BOUNDARIES: Review your schedule and commitments for the next seven days and evaluate how many of them support the bigger picture of what you want for your life. Note which items you could, theoretically, cancel. Now it’s your turn for the Disappointing Challenge! Yes, for the next two weeks, I want you to intentionally disappoint at least one person a day. I know that feels scary, but it’s important to make that No muscle strong. If the idea of this freaks you out, start with easy letdowns, like waiting a bit longer to return a text or phone call or not participating in the office gift exchange. To get the full benefit of the challenge, however, most of your disappointing needs to be a bit higher risk. Try declining dinner invitations from friends, letting your neighbor know you’re not available to let his dog out, and changing your mind about a commitment you previously agreed to. Look for more ideas in your calendar. This may sound like I’m asking you to be a bad friend, neighbor, or community member, and it might even feel that way, but that’s the point. It will likely feel uncomfortable, but I want you to see that the fear you have about what will happen when you say no is unfounded. People will still love you, and you won’t be forgotten. Accepting this challenge is a testament to your willingness to tear down some old beliefs that have been getting in your way for years. This, combined with the belief-flipping exercise below, will empower you, quiet your inner critic...