Backstory: Hello! And welcome to 52Nudges 2.0! Today is #1 of 52 nudges, and I’m excited to jump in. Thank you for joining me!

The process is simple: Each Sunday around noon, I draw at random a task/challenge from The List. (Read all the possibilities and see the bowl in this post from last week.) In the following days, I do my best to complete the task, while taking note of what the process reveals for me. My intention is to nudge myself out of my old routines, discover who I am and who I am becoming, and open myself up to new experiences and opportunities.

This morning I drew: Go through one bookshelf. I’m going to pick one (probably one in my office), pull everything out, dust and polish the actual shelf, then consider what I want to replace. Maybe I’ll discover a lost “treasure” hidden behind the clutter, or maybe I’ll decide to toss/share/recycle what’s there and fill the space with something new that feels more authentically me.

Bookshelves all in order? Then you might rearrange the stuff on top of your desk or go through the old packets of seeds in the gardening shed or face the very scary “junk drawer”. Let me know what you find!

What Happened: As I considered which shelf to clear, I was repeatedly drawn to one that has housed–for years–several binders of research, brainstorms, and notes for one client. A client that I have sensed for some time is no longer a fit for me. I have needed to cut the ties, but have hesitated. I know the work, so it’s easy to do. I want to be a helpful, especially when my primary contact at the company calls for a favor.

As I looked at the full shelf, I realized I was looking at the past. And right now, I want to be looking forward to my future, whatever that might be. So…. I pulled everything out and started shredding.

After I dusted and polished, I left the shelf open for a couple of days while I thought about what I might want to go there. Finally I filled it with workbooks, flashcards, and reference books from when I took lessons in French. I should mention that these materials have sat neglected in a tote bag, in a corner of my office, for like 10 years. Now they are front and center again. Now, when I look at that shelf, I hope to be inspired and motivated to do something with them.

The Ah-Hahs: In preparation for this round of nudges, I took a look at things I loved to do as a kid and younger adult, as well as things I would love to try or do more often. Get back to learning French has long held a place on my personal to do list. Classes are not in my budget at this moment, but some day. Meanwhile, I can dip my toe in with the flashcards or by doing an exercise in my old workbooks once in a while. I’m excited about this.

The other ah-hah came while shredding. While the tendency was to dwell in the “loss” of the old client, I chose to shift my attitude and give thanks. I thought about the incredible work I was fortunate to do. I recalled how it felt to be part of a thriving, truly creative collaboration. I felt tremendous gratitude for the enduring friendships I gained over the years. I felt good and light as a result, feeling I had decluttered not only stuff, but negative emotions.

And now I have space into which something new can come.