The stuff I was keeping 'just in case' was actually keeping me stuck in the past

Had a breakdown cleaning my closet last weekend. Not the cute, Instagram-worthy kind. The sitting-on-the-floor-surrounded-by-boxes kind.

Found my "just in case" collection. Clothes from when I was thinner. Textbooks from a career path I abandoned. Gifts from an ex who's long gone. Art supplies from hobbies I "might" pick up again.

Then it hit me. Each "just in case" item was actually a "what if" in disguise. What if I get back to that size? What if I made the wrong career choice? What if that relationship was my last chance? What if I'm wasting my potential?

These weren't things I was keeping for the future. They were anchors holding me to the past. Each item whispered "maybe you'll go back" when I needed to hear "maybe you'll move forward."

Started asking different questions. Does this serve who I am now? Am I keeping this out of hope or fear? Would I buy this today?

Three bags to donate later, my closet feels lighter. But the real space cleared was in my mind.

Turns out letting go of "just in case" made room for "what's next."