Mid-Life Crisis or Just Decluttering?

I have a routine every morning, where I get up, read my scriptures, have breakfast, check my messages, and then allow myself a little time on YouTube. Mostly I watch ASL training videos and some political commentary. Lately, though, I've been drawn to the decluttering and realigning-yourself-with-your-values videos. I've actually written a book on that topic, but it's good to see what others have to say and refresh my own views now and then. Sometimes it's just a reminder, but sometimes someone will say something in a new way that moves me further along on my own journey.

One year ago today, I was downsized from my job of 30 years. I've written in the past on this blog about that experience and coming to terms with the idea of being retired. My career/working life has entered a new phase. My hobbies are changing as well, moving from production and more toward fulfillment. Added to that, my 21-year contract with my publisher has come to an end and I now have complete control over what I write going forward. And not long ago, I was called as a ward missionary in my church, which will force me to come out of my shell to serve others more than I'm used to. So... almost every aspect of my life is undergoing a change. 

They talk about being in a "season" of your life. I'm leaving old seasons behind, but I'm not sure yet what my new season will look like. It's still being defined. And so when it comes to decluttering, letting go of the things that belonged to a previous season, I'm left with the situation where I'm letting go without knowing what comes next. The inclination is to hang onto everything in case I need it for the next stage of life. But...

Maybe I should look at it as clearing out space so that there's room to accept whatever presents itself next. A sort of "If you build it, they will come" mentality. Make room for the new, even if I'm not sure what that new thing will be. It requires trust, and a belief that something new will come along. That that new thing will be good and happy and fulfilling. I'm not generally an optimist, but maybe I need to be in this case. Let go. Open my tight fists so that they're able to accept...and to give.

Must think about this some more... I feel like I'm on the edge of something. I just know I'm feeling more and more lately that the things I'm hanging onto belonged to the old me, and the future me will require entirely different stuff.