Everybody have things in their life that is taking up space: memories, expectations, old habits, grudges.  It can be material like clutter or my garage that desperately needs a garage sale.  Catharsis is the act of cleaning out something, spilling out its contents, generally so that it can be used for a sacred act.  What are yours today?  What are one or two things you could let go of? 

If you let go of living in the past you are letting go of memories. Now  is an important thing to be in.

Like obsessing over memories can be bad because it distracts you from being fully present, so expectations keep us from being fully present because the focus is on the future.

Sometimes you just need to let an old useless or bad habit go.   Maybe it will be a delight to deal with what you have unearthed to get rid of. Maybe you will need to face a challenge or process an emotion. That space can be used to just be with yourself and sit with God every time you feel like repeating this habit or going back to bad behaviors.

Think of the space that forgiveness creates in your life.  I am talking about forgiveness as the act of preparing your soul for its garage sale or grudge sale. Forgiveness is often misunderstood. Common myths include the belief that forgiving means condoning bad behavior, that it requires reconciliation, or that it is a sign of weakness. In truth, forgiveness is a courageous act—one that demands honesty, vulnerability, and the willingness to let go.

Forgiveness does not erase memory or justice, but it does break the cycle of suffering. It allows us to live more fully in the present, unburdened by the past.

There is no better time to start letting it go but now. If in your catharsis is the need to forgive someone, follow me in the following steps to learning to forgive.

Forgiveness is not always easy or straightforward. It is a process that unfolds over time and often requires patience and gentle persistence. So remember some of these steps and practice them more than once.  But remember that to forgive is to choose liberation over bondage. It is an act of kindness toward ourselves, a balm for old wounds, and a reclamation of our wholeness.  Here are some steps to begin the journey:

• Acknowledge the Hurt: Allow yourself to feel the pain and name the wrong that was done. Denial only prolongs suffering.
• Reflect on the Impact: Consider how holding on to anger has affected your life, health, and relationships.
• Decide to Forgive: Remember that forgiveness is a choice—a gift you give to yourself, not a favor for the other person.
• Express Your Feelings: Write a letter (even if you never send it), talk to a friend, or use creative outlets to process your emotions.
• Seek Meaning and Growth: Look for lessons and ways the experience has contributed to your growth.
• Release and Reaffirm: Practice rituals of letting go, such as mindful breathing or symbolic gestures, and remind yourself of your decision to forgive.