There is nothing more powerful than cleaning house. And I mean really digging down deep into those closets and drawers. Taking inventory of your belongings is a lot like taking inventory of your life. What do you need? What can you cast aside?

Treading lightly on the Earth can be incredibly empowering. Who needs all this stuff anyway? As we careen toward another holiday season, I am reminded that we need a lot less than we think.

Just today I pulled out three cabinets of contents that I had completely forgotten about. Most of the items were sheets I never use. Thinking that perhaps someone else could use them instead, I placed them in a bag for charity. But I didn’t stop there. I went through all my children’s game closets and pulled out puzzles and games they’ll never look at again.

Decluttering never felt so good.

Take stock of what you own. Maybe it isn’t material items, but relationships that need revamping, reevaluating or reassigning. Now is a good time to think about how you have spent most of your time this year and with whom. Has it been in joy and bountifulness? Or have you been left staggering in the wind, depleted and exhausted from the treadmill that is your life?

As we enter the season of gratitude this week (that’s Thanksgiving for you American folks and, well, togetherness and family time for the rest of you), do you know what you are grateful for?

One thing is for certain: I am grateful for you.