Last week, I cleaned-out closets, cabinets and drawers.

This is something I try to do a few times a year. Some of you may think this job sounds laborious and tedious. It is, but afterwards I get a wonderful feeling of accomplishment.

During my process of downsizing and reorganizing, I was astonished as to how many t-shirts one (hubby) can accumulate in just a matter of months.

And just as a little footnote, I was the only one at home for the clean out, so there was no arguing and gnashing of teeth of what needed to go and what needed to stay.

As for me, I had collected an endless supply of household cleaners. You know the ones that promise to make the job easier.

Well the job was made easier this past weekend after I tossed them out to make room for only those cleaners that are tried and true.

I cleaned for two days from sunup to sundown, getting rid of excess, and by the end of the purge, I had managed to bundle up three loads of clothes and shoes that I took to the River City Rescue Mission. Also, I had filled up enough trash bags to pack out the outside garbage can.

Afterwards, I couldn’t help myself.

I just had to stand in the closets and open my neatly organized drawers and cabinets, just so I could admire the fruits of my labor.

Bellissimo!

This week, I have been recollecting on my weekend clean-out, and it got me thinking.

It is not just closets and drawers that fill up with unnecessary “stuff,” our minds and hearts can also become crowded with junk, too.

I know because there have been many times I will continue to play scenarios over and over in my mind, recalling past hurts or mistakes.

I have spent way too much energy ruminating on these things when I should have let them go.

So just like the dress in my closet that will never fit the same way anymore or the pair of shoes that are out of style, I need to get rid of these unnecessary items that take up space, both physical and mental.

It is time to do a little house cleaning within myself.

I know it will not be easy. It is hard to let go of something that has been with you for a long time, but if it is anything like the satisfaction I felt from cleaning out my closet, I can hardly wait to stand back and revel in my success.

Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer for The Vicksburg Post. You may reach her at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.