Finding JOY and Things to Release In the New Year
Hello, 2026! The new year brings a renewed sense of enthusiasm; resolutions are made, holiday decorations are put away, and we see things with fresh eyes. I love to land on a “word” for the year, almost like an intention or mantra. It feels right when I settle on my word, and this year, it’s JOY. Part of finding joyful moments is making room for discovering them, literally and mentally. Cheers to finding your word of the year, and feeling lighter and brighter every day.
Peace Begins at Home
Instead of adding more stress to an already demanding life, I suggest we create “calm” by getting our home guest ready, as well as being peaceful for those who dwell in the space 24/7. Courtesy begins at home, and when we make space for what we love and eliminate what no longer serves us, we open the door to a friendlier and happier environment for everyone. On that note, I’m sharing my thoughts on things to release and to let go of in 2026.
“Maybe Someday” Items
Whether it’s spices you’ve saved for years, gift bags you are afraid to throw out, a pair of jeans you haven’t fit into for 10 years, expired cans in your pantry, outdated medications, or tubes of lipsticks you purchased and can’t stand to wear, it’s time to donate, ditch, or destroy. These things take up space in your cabinets and drawers and weigh heavily on your conscience. Clearing them out frees up space in your mind, cabinets, and closets.
Worn Out Anything
Guilty! I have a drawer, jammed packed, with PJ’s, nite-nite shorts, robes, and holiday-themed sleepwear, and I go to the same few items over and over. When something is well past its prime, and you haven’t worn it in years, you probably won’t miss it after you take the initial step of removing it from your drawer. PJ’s with the elastic waist in shreds, shorts that are threadbare, seasonal items you think you can’t part with, and then remember that you forgot them last season. “Goodbye, Santa shorts on your sleigh. Oh, how I love you, but really not that much since you are a little flimsy, a little uncomfortable, a little outdated, and I haven’t wanted to wear you in several years.”
Promotional Swag
Purge – right now – all of the conference name tags, logo water bottles you will NEVER use, free mints (they taste like cardboard), and fluorescent sunglasses you think you should keep “just in case.” Just in case what? You lose your good sunglasses and decide to wear a pair of $2.00 bright green neon sunglasses with someone’s company logo on the arm to a delightful lunch, with your girlfriends, or your best client? I can bet you skip the glasses altogether.
Gifts with Purchase
You don’t want the gift with purchase when you originally get it, and then you feel guilty because you don’t want to use it, and aren’t even sure what to do with each product that comes in the free gift. It sits on your counter in the box, and then eventually gets moved to a drawer, and then takes up space for years to come. Let them go.
Instruction Manuals
Most of us still have manuals in our drawers for items we no longer own. Air fryers, coffee pots, vacuum cleaners, and a jillion other appliances that you can easily find instructions for online if you need to trouble shoot. I kept manuals from the previous owner for several years, “just in case” they came back and asked for them!
Random Cables
This is my downfall! I have a huge bag of thin cables that could potentially work on a million outdated cell phones no longer in existence, computers we no longer own, or perhaps mini fans to keep my fur babies cool in summer. I can’t be the only one! Then there are cables with lights on the end, and those that you can push a button and light a Christmas tree with no hands. Haven’t used it for years, but … what if? Purge.
Coffee Mugs
We all have our favorite coffee or tea mugs, and the rest seem to take up way too much space. If you can’t stand to part with them, consider putting them in a box and labeling them. See if you miss them, and if not, donate them or give them to your kids. Because we all know, our kids always want all of our junk! Which would be almost never!
Books
There are books you “should” read, books that are gifts, duplicate books from the same person, cookbooks you have never used, and magazines you have saved but never revisit. How much space are these books taking up? If you donate, you will be doing a good deed and freeing up space for emotional clarity. Make a point not to start a new collection. Some books are sentimental and worth saving, others are used for decorating and worth their weight in gold, and those that remain are begging to be rehomed to someone who will use and appreciate them.
A few more items to let go of in 2026:
- Scraps of wrapping paper or rolls you have not used in years
- Greeting cards that are missing envelopes
- Duplicate kitchen gadgets
- Bedsheets that are torn, worn or no longer serve a purpose
- Toys and games that are taking up space
- Beach totes you never use
- Free samples of anything
Letting go of things that don’t work, either physically or emotionally, is not about loss but about the intention to release disorder and confusion, making way for a productive and more efficient home and new year. Wishing you many joyful moments in 2026.
You may also like Meaningful Moments and 2025 Reflections.
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