When we buy an item, what we are really buying is the promise that is marketed to us.

We purchased that piece of exercise equipment because it promised to make us fit and slim… We bought that expensive ‘miracle’ cream because it promised to reduce our wrinkles… We ordered the latest and greatest cooking gadget because it promised to save us time in the kitchen.

How many items do you have in your home that broke their promise to you? If you are like most people, you probably have quite a few.

For many of us, it’s hard to let go of these items, not because of the thing itself, but because we don’t want to let go of the dream,  or the illusion, that this item will one day prove it’s worth by making our lives better.

What we are really holding on to is a wish that things were different.

But holding on to these items won’t make things different. If they were going to fulfill their obligation to you, they would have done it by now. Letting go of them, and all the ‘shoulds’ that go with them (“I should be slimmer”, “I should look younger”, “I should be a better cook”), is what will actually make our lives better.

Once you let go of these items, you’ll release the unrealistic expectations – and the guilt that perhaps comes along that that. And you’ll eliminate the reminders of broken promises and money wasted. These items owed you something butthey didn’t deliver. You don’t owe them anything, especially your loyalty. Rather than continuing to give them room and board, kick them to the curb!

So tell us, what items broke their promise to you? And are you ready to let them go?