Is It Their Fault or Your Baggage?

Mental clutter

I’m in a massive decluttering phase right now and am struck by how many things I've hung onto over the years for reasons I can't even remember. The objects themselves are tied to memories, dreams, and old priorities that no longer apply.

They're also tied to "issues" I used to have and some I'm still actively working on.

Back when Carol and I (and David, my ex) didn't get along, it used to be so easy to point to their actions and say this was the reason for me being so hurt, upset or angry. I'd provide all the gory details so my sympathetic listener could see how anyone in their right mind would be equally offended.

But privately, I suspected there was something else at play, in the background.

The stuff in the closet

And that was the amorphous ball of "stuff" we all recognize in our quieter moments. Baggage. Old wounds. Sore spots. Irrational patterns of reactions.

That vague, embarrassing jumble we wincingly see before we fall asleep at night, while eating a bowl of cereal alone in the morning; maybe during the mindless hum and rhythm of exercise.

Oh.

That old shit.

The stuff I have no idea how to fix!

The stuff that makes me anxious and insecure. It's as familiar as the back of your hand. But you'd be loathe to ever admit its existence, except with your closest friends (and even then...).

Look, a squirrel!

So much more convenient to just keep pointing the finger elsewhere.

But the truth is, when the other person's behavior continually sends you into overdrive, you have lost control of yourself.

That means, there's a good chance something old has been triggered.

Blame the wrong thing and your problems will remain an enigmatic and seemingly impossible source of frustration.

Handle it and watch problems with the other household fade away into something manageable or maybe, just maybe, even something... good.

So, how big is YOUR suitcase? What are you dragging around?

Are you willing to try and let go of some of its contents?