Recently, I lost my dear mother. If you have experienced the loss of your mother or a mother figure, then you know the depths of this grief. In my case, I was able to find some gifts in the loss, which I’d like to share.

My mother was a collector of things–many things. Even as a child I remember being uncomfortable with the clutter. As a young woman and one of four siblings, I was the one who helped her clean the clutter from her house. She was a skilled packer and it was not always an easy task, as she was very attached to her things.

As my mom was aging I continued to help her clean the clutter. One day, when I thought I had examined and cleaned out every crevice in her house, I was surprised to find some papers in one of the storage cases under her bed. Among the paperwork was a letter that she had left for her children. It read, “I loved you with all my heart. Love always, Mom.” There was a hidden treasure–a gift of love, tucked away, hiding amongst the clutter.

I shared this story at her service, at the time not realizing its broader significance. My work is providing support to others in the release of their emotional “clutter.” And in the clearing out of useless clutter, you clear out the emotional stuff that no longer serves you. Releasing that emotional clutter–an easy metaphor for accumulated stuff–you are freer to experience self-love—a hidden treasure.

For me, it was a love note from my mother hidden amongst the useless clutter. I am grateful for my mother’s gifts that continue to enrich my life and those of others.