The Power of Letting Go and Keeping What Matters Most
There’s something deeply satisfying about sitting down with a big, messy stack of papers and realizing… you don’t need most of it. That entire pile of sticky notes, worksheets, random printouts, and scribbled pages? Once I sorted through every single piece, almost all of it went straight into the recycling bin.
So much of it was just temporary clutter—notes I’d scribbled down so I could stay present in conversations, completed to-do lists, phone numbers already saved into my contacts. And once I gave myself permission to let go, the clutter disappeared.
In the end, I only kept one meaningful page, which I tucked into my desk journal. I also added a few inspiring quotes to something very close to my heart: my inspiration journal.
Let me tell you about this little treasure. It’s a small, spiral-bound index card notebook I started almost 40 years ago. Back then, I realized my favorite motivational quotes were scattered everywhere—written on bookmarks, stuck inside different journals, taped to the fridge. I needed a way to organize meaningful items into one place where I could flip through them, prop them up on my desk, or carry them with me when I needed encouragement.
And I’ve been adding to it ever since.
Just this weekend, I added some beautiful new quotes from a retreat led by Reverend Martha Creek. One that really spoke to me: “There is joy in the unexpected.” Another one: “Love who you are right now.” And one of my long-time favorites: “Children are to be fussed over, not fussed at.”
This little notebook is more than just a collection of quotes—it’s a perfect example of intentional organizing. It reminds me that even in the middle of the mess, we have the power to choose what’s worth keeping. And sometimes, the most powerful organizing isn’t just about decluttering physical belongings—it’s about choosing what we hold onto emotionally and spiritually.
Whether it’s clearing a pile of papers or creating a space that reflects your true self, professional organizing is never just about “stuff.” It’s about making room for what inspires you, supports you, and fills you up.
And that’s exactly the journey I’m honored to walk alongside my clients every single day.
If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & small businesses in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go topinkyjackson.com
Photo: Ferenc Horvath @designhorf
