One of the things I’ve been working on is removing the distracting possibilities from my life. That’s what I’m calling all the things that call out to me with their potential.

There are only so many hours in the day, days in the week, and weeks in the year. There are only so many years in a life. I could live five lifetimes and never do or learn all the things that interest me. I could never read all the books, do all the projects, become proficient in all the instruments, learn all the languages, or develop all the skills.

Even though I’m interested in so many of those possibilities, I’m more committed to prioritizing and enjoying my cozy life. It’s difficult to rest and enjoy your life if you’re constantly distracted or tempted by other things around you.

So I’ve been slowly and methodically removing the distracting possibilities over the past several months. It’s been a slow process as I’ve had to fit it in around the responsibilities of life. Some of these things I probably could have gotten rid of many years ago, but they were still potentially useful if I decided to move in a particular direction. I’ve now reached the point in life where those possibilities have dropped off my list of likely to be acted upon. It’s been time to let them go. It’s included everything from physical items to papers in manila folders and three-ring binders to digital files to mental to-do-someday lists.

The distractions come in a variety of formats, not just in the physical realm.

But every time I let something go that I know I will never get to, it further frees me up for the things I truly do want to be a part of my life.

Photo credit