Did you read about my Freedom List? Want to create one for yourself? It really helps to get things out of your head and onto paper — capturing everything that you are tolerating and that needs completing.
While I was continuing to make my list today, Hanna was playing the piano. It was one of those divine pairings. Her music was strikingly playful, and there I was, madly pouring out all the things I want to bring to completion.
I found myself not stopping at things that needed completing, but rather continuing on to capture things that were bothering me — situations that felt unsettling, things I’d said, states of being, sabotaging thoughts I’d had, parenting moments that weren’t my best. It was all encompassing.
Wow, this really isn’t just about physical clutter. Is it?
It turned into a ‘What’s Bothering Me List?’ I split the page into four columns. For each niggly, I answered the following:
1. What’s bothering me?
2. Why?
3. What can I do about it?
4. What am I ready to release?
Question #1 is critical to get clarity. Spell it out.
What’s really bothering you? (We can’t change what we won’t acknowledge, so this step is important!)
Question #2 connects us with the feeling inside.
How do you really feel about this issue? No censoring.
Question #3 reveals our point of power.
What’s in your power to change? What can you reframe about the situation to instantly feel better?
And #4 is to release the uncontrollables.
Like changing the past or fixing other people. Impossible. Own what is yours and let the rest go. With love.
After filling a page, I re-read my scribbles and thought, nothing on here is a big deal in the big picture. But wow, do I feel better getting this outside of myself. Light and free.
If ever you feel like something is bothering you but you’re not even sure what, try this little exercise. It can lift your mood and instantly make your day more spacious.
Tomorrow, my friends, we finish this journey. YAY!
