Excess is a relative term. It is defined as “an amount of something that is more than necessary, permitted, or desirable”, which makes it largely subjective except for the “permitted” part.

What might be excessive to me, e.g., owning seven cars, might be completely normal to someone else. If they love cars, and maybe even race them and it is well within their means then they might not define it as excessive.

Let me ask you a question.  In what areas of your life do you have more than you need or practice excessive behaviors? Is your closet filled with pre-pandemic suits that you never wear anymore because you now work from home? Do you hang on to old newspapers, magazines, or plastic shopping bags from the grocery store? Or do you frequently have that second donut or glass of wine that does not serve your waistline?   

Letting go of excess is the fifth part in this series: Six Things We Need to Learn to Let Go of to Live a More Balanced Life (based on the philosophy of Taoism):

1. 1. The past
   2. The future
   3. People
   4. The desire to rush things
   5. Excess
   6. Ego

Taoism teaches moderation and believes that when we are living excessively, we impact not just ourselves negatively but also our surroundings as we may contribute to overproduction, excessive waste, or hurt our environment. People who have excess in one area or another, frequently fear losing what they have. They desire to accumulate more excess which is a vicious cycle that can cause tremendous stress. 

On the other hand, releasing excess is liberating. It ironically creates space for higher levels of energy. Marie Kondo, the Japanese organizing consultant, built an entire franchise on her philosophy that tidying up sparks joy. 

So, where and when are you going to start tidying up your life and let go of excess? I will start with my closet and donate what no longer sparks joy in my wardrobe. I really do not need over 40 scarves, but I will hang on to those that my late mom knitted for me because those definitely spark joy in me!

As a certified coach, I help professionals with mindful transformations. I have created my signature program, SOAR (the acronym stands for the four phases of the program: Seek, Outline, Awaken, and Relearn). Contact me to learn more at angela@belladonnacareercoach.com.