Has your hair ever been at a weird stage where you had split ends and the best thing to do was chop it all off? I know I have! It’s a bold decision, but sometimes to embrace a new beginning, the old must be cut away. Recently, I found myself in a similar situation—not with my hair this time, but with my life. Moving to a new place, I came to realize that starting the best part of my journey required cutting off the old in faith to welcome the new. 

Too Much Stuff 

As I prepared for the move, the first thing that became abundantly clear was how much stuff I had accumulated over the years. I felt like a borderline hoarder of things. Nice things. Shiny things. Pretty things. Needful things even. At least that is what I told myself. The process of sorting through my belongings was both overwhelming and liberating. Each item I picked up seemed to carry a memory, a piece of my past, and while some were cherished, many were simply weighing me down. This realization was a powerful metaphor for life itself. Just like those split ends, holding onto unnecessary baggage was preventing me from flourishing. In letting go of these physical items, I felt a lightness and readiness to embrace new opportunities that awaited me in my new home. 

Protect Your Space While Chopping Off the Old 

The act of cutting off the old was more than just a physical purge; it was a ceremonial cleansing. This process allowed me to revisit the roots of my “split-ends”—the emotional and mental clutter that had been quietly accumulating. People in my circle would ask if they could help me purge, but God put a strong NO in my spirit. This was about Him and Me! God needed me to go back to where those split-ends began in the first place. It was a sacred duty to face my past hurts and disappointments, to understand their origins, and to release them. This introspection was not just about throwing away old clothes or outdated furniture; it was about protecting my space—both physically and spiritually. It was about creating a sanctuary free from the residue of old wounds, a place where new growth could take root. 

Don’t Expect Everyone to Understand Your Decision 

One of the hardest lessons I learned during this move was that not everyone would understand my decision. Friends and family had their own opinions and expectations about my life, and some couldn’t fathom why I would leave behind what seemed like a comfortable and stable situation. But this move was about me, not them. It was about my journey, my growth, and my fresh start. In seeking approval or understanding from others, I realized I was diluting my own conviction. This decision was a declaration of faith in myself and my future. It was a reminder that while support from loved ones is valuable, the most important approval comes from within.  

Embracing the New 

As I settled into my new home, the feeling of liberation and renewal was profound. The big chop—both literal and metaphorical—had been necessary. It was an act of courage and faith, an acknowledgment that to grow, one must sometimes let go. Moving was not just a change of address; it was a rebirth. It was a step into the unknown with the trust that what lay ahead would be worth it. 

In the end, this journey taught me that the best parts of life often begin after we let go of the old. By decluttering my physical and emotional space, protecting my sanctity, and standing firm in my decisions, I was able to welcome the new with open arms. Just as split ends must be trimmed for hair to grow healthy and strong, so must we sometimes cut away the old parts of our lives to thrive and flourish. 

Where do you need to do the Big Chop in your life?