The Closet Check — Emotional Inventory

The Closet Check — Emotional Inventory

This morning, while listening to Episode 387 of The Daily Drive Podcast, something hit me.

The host described how, growing up, his mom would have him periodically clean out his closet—go through every piece of clothing to see what he still wore and what needed to be donated. It was a routine practice: clear out what no longer served him, make room for what did.

But then he said something that stopped me in my tracks:

“I think we do this emotionally, too.”

We keep old emotional “clothes” tucked away—identities we no longer need, but haven’t let go of. Maybe it was a mistake in the past, a game we choked on, a project we failed. Instead of viewing it as something that happened, we let it become part of who we are.

“I choked once in a big moment, so I’m someone who can’t handle pressure.”

“I failed at that job, so I must be a failure.”

We carry these outdated beliefs around like old jackets we no longer wear—but still make room for in our mental closet.

Today’s episode reminded me to check my closet—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. What outdated beliefs am I still holding onto? What no longer fits? What needs to be released so that I can make room for growth?

We all need a closet check sometimes. Not just to make space—but to lighten the load.