Goldilocks Inspires Useful Clues for How to Really Let Go
Do you remember the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears? One of the main themes is Goldilocks’ search for what felt “just right.” One chair was too big, and another too small. She rejected both. However, when she found the one that fit, she knew it was the one for her and used it. The chair was right-sized and “just right” for her.
At the core of the Goldilocks philosophy is finding the sweet spot, the optimal place where things feel balanced, comfortable, and supportive. Who knew Goldilocks could help with letting go?
Are you struggling to let go of things, ideas, habits, or commitments? If so, a Goldilocks approach could help. Her decision tree went like this:
“This bed is too hard.”
“This bed is too soft.”
“This bed is just right.”
What will “just right” look and feel like for you?
Why is Letting Go Overwhelming?
There can be a lot to sort through, which can make letting go feel overwhelming. Clutter can accumulate from:
years of acquiring
gifts and inherited items from others
postponed decisions
unclear or nonexistent organizational systems
being overscheduled
unclear boundaries
not following through on closure loops
Time is part of the equation, too. You need time to make decisions and to align what you own with who you are and what you need now. This can be tricky if you feel stuck in the past or are holding onto things for an aspirational future or self.
However, when you start making decisions based on who you are now and your current needs, it brings greater clarity as you let go.
Are You Sacrificing the Present?
Many years ago, I attended an ICD class on consumerism, minimalism, and experimentalism, presented by my friend and colleague, Lynne Johnson. She shared a quote about letting go.
“How much of your present are you willing to sacrifice in order to save remembrances of your past to ponder in your future?”
The question aligns with the Goldilocks philosophy of the three-point decision tree, but from a time-based perspective. Consider what you are holding onto in relation to the:
Past - Are you willing to hold on to things from your past that keep you stuck and no longer serve you? Can you release them and move on?
Present - Are you willing to let those things take up physical space and mental energy, distracting you from the present? Can you let go and be more aligned with the present?
Future - Are you holding onto things with a glimmer of hope that you will revisit, use, or need them someday? Can you say goodbye to them in service of an unencumbered future?
What DOES Letting GO Look Like?
When you release what you no longer need, you invite more ease, better life alignment, joy, and growth. Even releasing one thing makes room for what’s most important, essential, and valued by you.
Letting go can look like this:
Donate the never-used pots and pans to make the ones used regularly more accessible.
Release rarely-used purses to make room for the ones you do use.
Recycle the papers that ‘time took care of’ so you can focus on what’s current.
Skip the to-do list to enjoy a beautiful spring weekend day.
What does letting go look like for you?
The Goldilocks of Letting Go
What happens when you begin to align your life so it feels “just right?” Will you release what no longer belongs, brings you joy, or is useful? Will letting go bring you closer to living your best life now? When you release what's blocking your energy, space, and thoughts, you create room for calm, growth, and happiness.
Which ideas resonate with you most? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.
How Can I Help?
Do you feel overwhelmed or disorganized? Do you want to let go of the unnecessary but feel stuck or unsure where to start? I’m here to help! You don’t have to do this alone. Virtual organizing is an extraordinary path forward – Local feel with a global reach.
Let’s connect! I’m easy to reach.
Schedule a Discovery Call
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Email me at linda@ohsorganized.com or
Call 914-271-5673
Letting go and getting organized are possible, especially with support.
