Just for fun, answer this question:  What’s the weirdest thing – that you don’t really use – that’s taking up space in your fridge?

If you’re not sure, go check your fridge and come back to me.

Why do I ask?

If you’re like me, there are probably at least a couple of items in your fridge that fall into one of these categories:

• You’re not sure how long it’s been there

• You’re not sure who put it there (even if you live alone)

• You’re not sure what it is… or once was…

• No one in your domicile even likes it or uses it

Take a look in my fridge and you’ll also see that besides the science experiments and unused condiments, the fridge shelves and drawers are part sticky, part spotted, and part smudged – all with a light dusting of crumbs.

So what’s the point (other than admitting I’m not the world’s best housekeeper)?

Yesterday was National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day.  Yes, a national “holiday” to remind us that before we attempt to fill our refrigerators with a sumptuous Thanksgiving feast, we should probably make some space, detox the shelves, and clean up the crumbs.

And I love a good analogy.

So how’s the refrigerator of your life looking these days?

(ah – there’s the point)

The holidays are coming.  A new year is approaching.  If you’re Christian, the season of Advent is on the doorstep.  All of these markers call us to prepare.  And while there are lots of “things to do” to prepare (from cooking to baking to shopping), how will you “clean out the fridge of your life” to make a clean and healthy place for all of it?

Using our refrigerators as inspiration, I’ve got three suggestions for you.  Use them as food for thought (pardon the pun), starting points for some deep conversation, or journal prompts. 

Toss what’s expired.

What is in your life (or mind or heart) that’s no longer healthy for you?  What are you consuming (or in danger of consuming) that could harm you?  What relationships, behaviors, or habits are past their expiration dates?

If it’s something that’s been with you a long time or is taking up a lot of “shelf space” in your life, tossing it out might be easier said than done.  What’s the first step you can take to purge that from your life?  Are you willing to do that?  Who or what do you need to support you in that?

Get rid of what’s taking up too much space.

Once in a while, I notice people in my local Buy Nothing group giving away food.  There’s nothing wrong with the items – they’re not expired – but they just don’t care for it.  Or they have more than they can use.  Or their kids won’t eat it.  What are those things in your life that aren’t useful to you and are just taking up space in your life?

Maybe it’s a committee you’re on that really doesn’t bring you any joy or make good use of your skills.  Maybe it’s a habit you developed in a previous relationship or work environment that doesn’t serve you anymore.  Maybe it’s an Area of Focus that is no longer a priority because your life has changed.  It’s ok to let those things go.

What could be eliminated from your life to free up space – either in your mind or your calendar?

Wipe down the shelves.

I’m always amazed at how much better I feel when the refrigerator shelves and drawers are cleaned.  What needs to be wiped from your mind, your heart, or your soul?  Are there limiting beliefs that hold you back?  Faulty thinking that leads you to patterns of dis-ease?  Old wounds that need to be healed?  Smudges of unforgiveness or hard-heartedness that need to be wiped away?  Patterns of pride or selfishness that you need to scrub off?

This kind of cleaning is often the hardest.  After all, most of the time we don’t even see the grunge.  We’ve gotten used to it.  It’s fine as it is.

I’ll invite you to try to imagine a life that’s free from those negative thoughts, feelings, and wounds.  What would be possible for you without them?  Can you envision those “sparkling clean shelves?”

Sometimes we need help to get this part of the cleaning process started: a coach, therapist, spiritual director, etc.  Who might you need to ask for help, support, guidance, or accountability?  When will you make that request?

I wish you good luck – and a steadfast heart – as you clean out the refrigerator of your life.  I hope that the cleaning makes space for a feast of gratitude and an abundance of blessings in your life.  And if you need a “professional” to offer help or support along the way, I’m here for you.  Always.