Walking into a giant warehouse store it is impossible to not be impressed with the way the merchandise is stored. There is cantilever racking, display bays, netting, wire partitions, and thousands of little items easily reachable. The aisles are free to walk down, usually 6 to 10 feet wide. The shelves are stuffed with merchandise. On the top of the racks is the over stock, items that are stored but not needed at the moment, so they are not cluttering the floor. The shelves are so packed with product that walking through the store is like walking through a maze of canyons. Take away the merchandise and the the line of sight goes from wall to wall. remove the racks and several soccer tournaments could be played in the freed up space. Now understand that ones psyche is like a giant warehouse, filled with shelves where memories, regrets, desires, phobias, dreams and all the workings of the soul are stored. Many therapists suggest that much of what people have stored on there inner shelves is unhelpful to living a full and vigorous life.

Many therapists work hard to help clients free their shelves of items that can do damage and lead to self destructive behavior. Any retailer knows that stock not moving on a shelf is taking up space and reduces the value. These items are moved off the shelf to make way for something that adds value. What occurs when we walk down the aisles of our inner world and begin to take inventory? For many people clearing the clutter from the shelves, real or metaphorical, creates space, peace, and value.

The first step in an inner inventory is seldom fun. It is important to do inventory in a store, it requires time and attention. The objective isn't to immediately restock, clear out, or change the displays. The goal is first to know what is present and what is absent. It used to be a process of weekly or monthly physical counting. As business practices improved and technology allowed, inventory became an automatic and continual process. Most people don't regularly do a personal inventory, but as it becomes a habit, it also becomes an automatic and conscious process. Taking personal inventory requires honesty and introspection. Like walking into a cluttered store it is overwhelming and impossible to take in all at once. Inventory is one thing at a time. Explore what is on the inner shelves by observing without judgment.

The items on our inner shelves can be frightening or divine. Often we encounter some meaningless issue taking up space. Remove it from the shelf and clear space for something new. Occasionally we discover a forgotten desire or passion, some dream left collecting dust. It too is taking filling up the shelves. Should it be removed or should it be dusted off and put on a shelf?

Taking the time to walk through our shelved hopes, dreams, resentments, regrets and long held desires helps to reestablish what is important and allow for new value giving experiences and a cleaner less cluttered life.