“When Old Things Still Make Noise: How to Recognize and Remove Distractions from Your Life”

That Unidentified Thump…

You ever hear something that doesn’t sound right, but you ignore it at first? Maybe it’s nothing. Maybe it’ll go away. But then—it keeps happening.

For the past few days, while sitting in my office, I kept hearing this thump 🤔. It seemed to happen when the wind picked up. Now, you might be thinking, Allegra, did you go check it out? Well, no, I didn’t. Not until today.

It’s funny how long it took me to investigate—especially since I live alone! But today, I finally went outside, determined to find the source.

When You Almost Miss It

At first, I didn’t see anything. I scanned the side of my house, looking for something obvious, but nothing stood out. I was this close to walking back inside, dismissing it altogether. But then I did a double take 👀. And there it was—the Xfinity box. The lid was open, slamming against the house whenever the wind blew 🌬️.

Here’s the kicker: I haven’t had Xfinity in a long time. Yet, this old, unused thing was still making noise, still interrupting my peace.

And it made me think…

When Old Things Creep Back In

How often do we allow old things—things that are no longer needed, no longer warranted—to creep back in and steal our peace?

• Maybe it’s him—the one who walked away 💔. But now, when his life feels empty, he circles back, looking for access to your peace, your time, your heart.
• Maybe it’s someone who looks like the real thing—says all the right words, checks the right boxes✅, but something in your spirit says, Wait. This feels familiar. Could it be another counterfeit?
• Maybe it’s an old sin—one you’ve already surrendered, repented of, and been healed from 🙌🏾. But here it comes again, creeping in, whispering, Just this once won’t hurt.

And sometimes… we don’t even know the name of what’s causing the disturbance.

Common Distractions That Keep Making Noise

They might be:

1. Unhealthy relationships or friendships that no longer serve you. These can be draining and toxic, making it difficult for you to move forward.
2. Negative thought patterns or self-talk that hold you back. These can be subtle, but they can have a profound impact on your mental and emotional well-being.
3. Unfulfilling jobs or careers that drain your energy. These can leave you feeling stuck and unfulfilled, making it difficult to find purpose and meaning in your life.
4. Unhealthy habits or addictions that hinder your growth. These can be physical, emotional, or spiritual, and they can keep you from experiencing the fullness of life that God has in store for you.

Why Do We Hold Onto Things That No Longer Serve Us?

So, why do we allow these old things to linger? Sometimes it’s because:

1. Fear of change or uncertainty. We might be afraid of what’s next, or we might be unsure of how to move forward.
2. Comfort with familiarity, even if it’s unhealthy. We might feel comfortable with what’s familiar, even if it’s not good for us.
3. Lack of self-awareness or introspection. We might not realize the impact that these old things are having on our lives, or we might not know how to identify them.
4. Feeling stuck or unsure of how to move forward. We might feel like we’re stuck in a rut, and we might not know how to get out.

But there is hope. 

How to Recognize & Remove Distractions for Good

Here are some practical strategies for recognizing and removing distractions:

1. Keep a journal or log to track patterns and habits. This can help you identify areas where you might be stuck or struggling.
2. Seek support from trusted friends, family, or mentors. These people can offer guidance, encouragement, and accountability as you work to remove distractions from your life.
3. Practice self-care and self-compassion. Take care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, and be kind to yourself as you work through challenges.
4. Set boundaries and prioritize your own needs. Learn to say no to things that drain your energy and say yes to things that bring you life and joy.

When You Can Finally Name It

At first, I couldn’t even see what was making all that noise. But once I found it, I could name it. And once I named it, I could deal with it.

That’s the key. Some things are lurking in the background, making noise in your life, and you don’t even realize what it is at first. But when you see it, voice it. Call it what it is. Not what you wish it was. Not what you hoped it would be. Call it by name and deal with it accordingly.

God is Doing Something New

This reminds me of the powerful words in Isaiah 43:19 (NASB):

👉 “Behold, I am going to do something new, now it will spring up; will you not be aware of it?”

God is always moving forward, doing something new. But if we allow the old things to keep making noise in our lives, we may miss it.

A’s Love Actions 💕

🔍 Take a moment to reflect:

• Is there something from your past making noise in your present?
• Are you calling it by name, or are you letting it linger in the background?
• What steps can you take to shut it down for good?

🚪 Some things need to be closed.
🌱 Some need to be uprooted.
🔥 Some need to be removed completely.

What’s one thing you need to name and release today? Let’s talk in the comments! ⬇️

As you reflect on your life and identify areas where old things might be making noise, I encourage you to take action. Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back. Instead, take a step of faith and trust that God is doing something new in your life. Seek support, practice self-care, and prioritize your own needs. And when you’re ready, take the first step towards removing those distractions and making room for the new things that God has in store for you.