Addition via subtraction

So far in 2026, subtraction has been a big theme in my life. I donated or got rid of belongings I forgot I had. I cleared the dead leaves and overgrowth from my garden beds. I emptied my personal inbox of unread emails going back to 2023 (!). I left my safe job that paid good money but sapped most of my energy. I forgave people who hurt me.

This process has been like paying off personal debt that compounded over years. It got heavy and became a vicious cycle: carrying the weight, and then being too tired (and afraid) to let go of it as more piled on. I reached a breaking point - because at some point, you just will - and something had to give.

Slowly and with help, I’ve begun to let go, and letting go also compounds. Clearing the pile of junk in the corner eliminates visual clutter. That gives me the mental bandwidth to book an overdue appointment, and so on. If you’ve never experienced something like this before it’s hard to describe. Imagine being thirsty for years and finally drinking a glass of cold water: after awhile, you forgot that relief was possible, so when relief does come the sensation is almost overwhelming. Relief and lightness.

So the load is getting lighter, and I gained more than I lost. Less cruft, more energy, more “me.” With more bandwidth, I get to finally bring creative projects that have only existed in my head to life. I get to say “why not?” to things I said “not now” to before. I’m excited!