Letting Go of the Old

Embracing the new

I wipe the wooden butcher block counter down with my dishrag. And that’s what it really is: an old cotton cloth with a big ragged hole in the middle. The edges are still good though and it still does the job. Every time I use it I think it’s time to replace it but I forget to pull a new one off of my basement shelves. Or I think there’s not enough time to go do that right now. Or I’m simply lazy. So I forget about it and continue to use it even though it’s in shambles, thinking “Next time”. Then, there’s those reusable bags I keep by the front door that I can grab on my way out to do grocery shopping. I intend to use them but I still have not gotten totally into the habit even though they’ve been there numerous years.

This week, though, I finally took the plunge. I threw out the raggedy, old dish cloth and grabbed a new bright white one from the basement. And what a lovely difference it makes. I feel happier as I wipe down the table and the rag does a really good job. And, later, as I leave on my errands, I take a couple of my reusable bags along. They're so much sturdier than the flimsy plastic bags I’m usually given and I feel better using them.

So why do I postpone making my life better? I see this as a metaphor. It’s really easy to get into poor habits and maintain them when I could just as easily get into good habits and maintain them. It’s also about taking the easy way out and not adding any more steps or thoughts to a situation. Sometimes, it’s easier to hang on to the old than embracing the new, even though it would make my life easier.

The good news is that in the last couple of years, I’m slowly retraining myself. I’ve learned to immediately throw away the junk mail into my recycling basket and always exchange a new roll of toilet paper for the empty one. I’ve learned that postponing usually means forgetting. So I take action right away, or schedule a time in my planner.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about this in my own life. Don’t postpone that yoga practice or that vacation. Take the time for a nature walk. Invite that friend over. 

My daughter who owns a stationery and card business recently offered a special on a mystery box that might include cards, notepads and stickers. I ordered one and received about fifteen of her card designs along with some useful pads, notes and stickers. In February, I intend to send out all those cards to those who I've wanted to write to but keep putting off. One down and fourteen to go. If I can do it this month, it might become a habit. I’ll keep working at not postponing, at letting go, at embracing new experiences and learning new ways.

February is the shortest month: maybe it’ll happen faster than I think.