“One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach.
One can collect only a few, and they are more beautiful if they are few.”

— Anne Morrow Lindbergh

There is no time like the present to weed out the clothes in our closets. Although it’s great to feel the energy that comes from getting organized, when it comes to clothes, there are plenty of other benefits. Read on . . .

Hanging on to old clothes can have hidden costs. For example, keeping pants that are too small may seem like a motivational tool for losing weight, but too often it turns out to be a subtle form of punishment. Hanging on to dresses that you no longer wear because of all the money you’ve spent, can be another reason to beat yourself up. And certainly, keeping a favorite suit from an old job, or an anniversary dress from your first marriage, can keep your precious energy stuck in the past instead of fully available for you to use today.

When you consider the costs, letting go of old clothes can be an important act of self care. When your closets contain clothes that you love and that fit you well, regardless of how you feel about your weight, you feel better about yourself, making it easier to treat your body in a more respectful and loving way.

As you continue on the Life Makeover path (men too!), it might be a good time for you to reconsider the clothes in your closet. To do this, go to your closet, open the doors and as you look around, ask yourself the following questions: 

1. Do these clothes represent who I am at this time in my life?
2. Do they make me feel good about myself?
3. Do they fit well?
4. Am I holding onto anything that keeps me stuck in the past (in a negative way)?
5. Am I keeping anything because of the cost?
6. Which clothes do I keep in the hopes of fitting into them again someday?

As you consider these questions, challenge yourself to let go of the clothes that no longer serve you. For example, if you still have a pair of jeans from when you were a size six, let them go so you can stop living in the future hoping that someday they’ll fit. Instead, motivate yourself in a more positive way. Buy something that fits well so you can feel better about yourself now. Take out the clothes that hold sentimental value and try them on to see whether or not the style still works or the size still fits (you might be surprised at your reaction).

If you find it difficult to let go of favorite clothes that no longer work, give them away to a family member or friend. That way you’ll get to see them again :). If you’re concerned about the lost money, sell some of the items at a second hand store. And most important, remember that there are plenty of men and women in shelters who could use your donations. Find a local shelter or Goodwill office and give a gift to someone in need (remember to get a receipt for taxes :).

This month, update your self image by only wearing clothes that represent the real you!

Take Action Challenge

Set aside an afternoon or an evening to assess the clothes in your closet. Use the questions above to help you determine what needs to go. As you look through your clothes, make three piles: 

• One to give away
• One to sell
• One to donate

Challenge yourself to let go of more than feels comfortable. Remember, you’re making space for new and better things to come into your life!