October 15, 2021

Hello, dear friend!

My M.O. (mode of operation) most of life was to let others make decisions for me. Can you relate? I'm not saying I didn't like to make decisions - I gladly made them for other people - under the semblance of being "helpful," of course.

Parents, teachers, politicians, Evangelical leaders, "talking heads," social media, authors, and a host of others are willing to do the thinking for us. Win-Win! They enjoy deciding and I don't have to figure out what I really think or desire.

Until that didn't work for me anymore.

Now I'm learning to listen to what "Kristin" wants, enjoys, prefers, and then risk making a decision as I try my wings. My own opinions are often elusive, yet they are slowly being coaxed out as I am a friend to myself.

This past month I've been letting go of more belongings. That process has invited clarity into other parts of my life. Rehoming and discarding unused items has left open space in the cabinets and closets. Curiously, even though those items were generally unseen and "behind closed doors," their absence is like a huge breath of fresh air.

Even more curious is the additional freedom I'm feeling as I unsubscribe to emails, say no to worthwhile opportunities, resign a 7-year volunteer position, and select "unfollow" on social media. Come to find out, each item was taking up space in my head and adding to my "information overload." Their absence is another breath of fresh air. Who knew?!

My hope is the reduction of physical, visual, electronic, and mental clutter will be like cleaning dirty windows - bringing clarity to which direction I want to go next.

I've joined a 2-month Guided HopeCircle with HopeWriters to find clarity and direction. It is called, "Finding Your Message and Reader." The leader suggested we ask folks for input by asking "What does Kristin have to offer?"

If you would like to share your thoughts with me, I would be honored and appreciative of your time and insight. Take the short ANONYMOUS survey by clicking here. There are three short questions, feel free to answer any or all.

As we head towards the holiday season, what clutter might you clear this week? Have you ever experienced clarity via cleaning? Is there an area of life where you would like to find some clarity? Which one, small, next step might you take next?

Drop me a note and let me know!

Now, to find motivation to clean the windows on my house to bring more clarity, at least to the view.

Thanks for being the sprinkles on my ice cream of life!

Kristin Emily

​www.kristinemilyfriend.com​

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