Finding Freedom in Letting Go of Obligations That Don’t Fit
If you’ve ever felt a little guilty about not doing something everyone else seems to do with ease… you’re not alone. I was talking with a client recently, and she shared—almost with a whisper—that she doesn’t send greeting cards. Not on time. Not at all. And she felt bad about it. If you’ve ever had a similar tug on your heart, that tiny “I should be doing more” feeling, I want you to know this: you’re in good company, and there’s nothing wrong with you. Truly.
When a Small Confession Opens a Bigger Conversation
As she and I worked together in her beautiful (and very busy!) home, she admitted that cards just weren’t her thing. This is a woman who manages a demanding career, maintains a sprawling property, and raises two school-aged children with so much love and energy. Her days are full. Her heart is full. But greeting cards? They just don’t fit.
And hearing her say that reminded me how often we carry quiet guilt over things that were never meant to be heavy in the first place. Sometimes it’s not the task itself — it’s the expectation we think we’re supposed to meet.
Giving Yourself Permission to Choose What Matters
We talked about what it looks like to simply let that expectation go. Not out of avoidance, but out of kindness to herself. Because here’s the truth: you get to decide what fits into your life, your energy, and your version of care.
For her, that meant acknowledging that cards weren’t meaningful enough to prioritize — and that this didn’t make her thoughtless or unappreciative. It just made her human. Instead of pushing herself into a tradition that didn’t resonate, she began thinking about what did feel good and authentic. A heartfelt text. A warm phone call. A sincere face-to-face “thank you.” Those gestures carry so much love, and they count every bit as much.
When Others Expect More Than You Can Give
Sometimes someone in your life may want more—more cards, more reminders, more rituals. And that’s okay too. If a friend or family member truly cherishes cards, it’s perfectly reasonable to ask how they might help make that tradition easier for you. Maybe they remind you of dates or help pick out cards. Maybe they understand and appreciate the ways you show care that feel natural to you.
There is so much tenderness in acknowledging your capacity and inviting others to support you, rather than stretching yourself thin trying to do everything alone.
You Deserve a Life That Fits You
At the end of the day, organizing isn’t just about shelves and drawers. It’s about clearing emotional clutter, too — especially those unnecessary obligations we carry because we think we “should.” Letting go of a task that doesn’t serve you is not failing. It’s choosing peace. It’s choosing truth. It’s choosing yourself.
And every time you make your life a little lighter, every time you honor what you genuinely have space for, you create more room for joy.
Pinky Jackson is a Decluttering Specialist and Home Organizing Expert. If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Pinky and her team would love to help you. Onsite Organizing services are available in the Louisville, KY area and Virtual Organizing services are offered for clients in other locations and for those who prefer to work online. Visit pinkyjackson.com to learn about our services and schedule a free assessment.
Photo: Jess Bailey @jessbaileydesigns
