How Not to Be an Emotional Pack Rat

Old relationships can be regarded in much the same way as old clothes, used furniture, or even garbage. Not always, but sometimes. Other times, they are like black and white photographs; classic expressions of cherished memories. But it's the garbage that I'm referring to at this moment; those old relationships (or hopefuls) that didn't go anywhere but downhill and led to the crossroads of Dissappointment and Heartbreak.

It's those types of relationships that we emotional pack rats cling to moreso than the healthy, happy ones. They build up in boxes and bags, blocking our pathways and closing in around us eventually causing a claustrophobic meltdown, It was during this meltdow tonight that I did a little "spring cleaning" in this lovely Fall month.

I used to hang onto old e-mails and memos from people (yea, guys!) that meant something to me at one point in time or another but tonight, in a fit of claustrophic meltdown, I deleted or threw out each and every one of those poisonous reminders of what I should avoid in future from sweet-talking, forked-tongued, reptiles. (Got that snake reference, did ya?)

It felt good to sweep the floor clean of old come on lines and empty words. Sad that I felt the need to hold onto to them for so long. It was as if maybe I could make those old, sweet words true if I just re-read them. I found myself drowning in delusion. Eventually, the words just read like a corny, fiction novel; fantasy at its worst.

Now, the truth is, we all want and need to hear complimentary and uplifting words but only when they are sincerely meant and the speaker behind the words backs them with matching actions. Without the matching actions, the words are empty and devoid of meaning and no amount of wishing and hoping will infuse those words with truth.

So I threw out the garbage and I flung open the mental windows and let a cool, cleansing breeze inside. Now, there is room for new words, new memories, hopefully ones that will decorate the room and not clutter it with petrified dog poop that turns into a coffee table for lack of clean up. Even if the room never changes from its now spic-n-span cleanliness, at least it won't suffocate me with its dust-collected crap. (Figuratively speaking, of course)

So, I offer this small bit of wisdom to everyon: if you are holding onto an old relationship (or more than one) that is never going to go anywhere and it is making you miserable, throw it away! Get rid of it! Clean it up and move on in the knowledge that now that your path is clear, someone worthwhile might be able to find their way to you or you to him or her. Don't live in the past. Revel in the present and rejoice in the future!