Making space

I've been looking forward to this week for quite some time now: it's moving week.

The roomie and I have been throwing out and sorting and cleaning over the past few weeks; we have accumulated quite a bit of stuff living in this lovely apartment. Stuff that we will likely never miss after it's gone, stuff that has not seen the light of day in over a year. Stuff

like phone chargers dating back to 2006, old issues of magazines no longer in print, wedding invites, and taylor swift tote bags. And these-a-things-a-gotta-go.

I'm a saver, a collector, the sentimental-can't-let-go type of hoarder. I keep movie ticket stubs, cardboard coasters, business cards, t shirts I accumulated on trips out of the country, thank you notes and invites. Yep, I'm that girl (and I attribute this to being Tena's granddaughter). This really is not a quality I am so proud of. And a quality that makes moving a bit difficult.

So I did my best to not think about things and threw a lot of stuff out. Just dumped it and tried to forget about it. Moving on a little lighter with some open space (to eventually collect new stuff). Gosh it feels good to lighten the load.

Roomie and I spent the afternoon at the new apartment cleaning and envisioning everything in its right place. We filled the bookshelves and pantry and left open space for the movers to deliver the big stuff on Tuesday and then started dreaming about new things to buy and create to make this place our new home.

Like this reading bed for the den/guest room and adorable duvet cover I want in my bedroom.

My space is really important to me. I want my space to

reflect who I am, I want it to be welcoming, comforting and inspiring. And then there is sp

ace in the form of time, and the figurative space and, man, my mind has been on overdrive really turning these concepts over this week.

There have been so many questions running through my head about how/what I choose to consume to fill my space, what I allow to consume my time, what I do and do not leave time and space for.

Have you ever thought about that? Probably. I've thought about this many a times. I was just reminded again this week. I was reminded that what we put in will, indeed, affect what comes out. The person I am is most definitely a reflection of who I surround myself with, what I invest my time in and what I leave space for...

Exhibit A, B, and C:

Listening to sad love songs will certainly evoke melancholic state, sitting by big sunny window at work equals positive attitude and high energy, spending time seeking Him and the person of Christ, making space and allowing the goodness of God will surely produce the fruits of the Spirit.

That's supposed to be good news. It is good news. But it's also hard news. I guess the trick is making that space and leaving that space open. Not so easy.