Sure, I’ll hang on to that cute, black cocktail dress I wore 10 years ago. I haven’t gone on a run lately but I’m sure my pink, Asics running shoes are still good. After all, I haven’t worn it since the 2013 Race for the Arts fun run.

I have a total of 1,914 unread emails. There are just so many special deals I must know about. How could I miss an email about a free 12 piece gift with any $70 online purchase of hair care products or 25% off all candle making supplies? And of course, I have to know all the best deals on medical grade face masks.

My Palm Pilot kept me organized for so many years. I still have purses and backpacks with a side pocket that could only fit my old clamshell flip phone. Hey, maybe these outdated devices could be worth something someday, right?

There are also other things I can’t seem to let go.

I just can’t seem to stop feeling annoyed everytime I think about being the butt of a joke by an older cousin when we were kids. A co-worker once said to me I couldn’t be successful at my job because I don’t have the “bulldog” mentality.

I’ve always wondered why friends would say, “Yeah, we have to get together sometime” and then they never really commit to a date and time every time I call.

And, I still have a lot of my Dad’s clothes which I stored in a plastic tote after he passed away.

This spring, I ask myself, why hold onto things and thoughts that take up space – in the closet, desk drawers, my mind and heart?

Clearing my head and heart space makes more room for what serves a special purpose or meaning in my life.

I can have more practical and comfortable outfits and shoes. My desk accessories can be neatly organized in the drawer once I take my outdated devices to the local e-waste recycling center. Scrolling through a more manageable email inbox will help me easily notice the more important things – like a reminder from my doctor’s office that I’m overdue for my mammogram screening.

Resentment, disappointment and insecurities borne during years past add unnecessary weight to my heart and mind. I choose to rid myself of all the bitterness so I have more room for fond, loving and meaningful emotions, memories and relationships.

Recalling my dad’s infectious laughter, how he enjoyed eating his favorite foods, and how much he looked forward to watching Sunday Night Football will always be more precious than hanging on to his old sweaters and Hawaiian shirts stored in a plastic tote.

Declutter, reorganize, remove, forget and forgive. It’s a different kind of spring cleaning. It’s time to let go.