De-Cluttering Your Life from the Outside-In
What do you think of when you hear the words, “spring cleaning?”
Vacuuming the dust bunnies under the bed? Scrubbing the baseboards with Pine Sol?
Have you ever thought about taking it one step further? Not just washing down the bricks and mortar, but cleaning and restoring every facet of your life?
Why not make this year’s spring-cleaning as much about self-renewal as it is about a spotless home?
Here are a few areas of your life that might be in need of a good cleanse:
Spring Clean Your Clutter
Take a walk around your home. Open your drawers. Look in your closets and cabinets. Take inventory of what you have. Then, take inventory of what brings you joy. Does that pair of skinny jeans that no longer fits bring you joy? Donate them. What about the pasta maker that is still in the box? Out it goes. Stop holding on to things “just in case.” Not only do they collect dust, they collect negative thoughts and energy.
Spring Clean Your Goals
Instead of making a list of everything you want to do (for example: get fit, eat better, stop drinking so much), why not make a list of how you want to feel? Often, goals are not kept because they don’t evoke a feeling. Do you want to feel free? Stop filling your calendar with so many things that make you feel shackled. Do you want to feel authentic? Stop spending time with people with whom you can’t be yourself. Discover how you want to feel each day and then set your goals accordingly.
Spring Clean Your Thoughts
Naturally, we all get upset about things. But did you know your thoughts (not your circumstances) are what cause unhappiness? Sometimes we become our own worst enemy by allowing ourselves to believe the negative thoughts running through our minds. Next time you find yourself thinking, “My boss doesn’t like me,” or “My husband disrespects me,” ask yourself, “Is that true?” Chances are you might be making up your own (untrue) story.
Spring Clean Your Relationships
Make a list of the people with whom you have relationships – from co-workers, to friends, to family and peers. Now, close your eyes and imagine individually spending time with each of them. Which ones light you up? Which ones drain your energy? Perhaps it’s time to stop investing so much time in the people who don’t bring out the best in you.
Spring Clean Your Routine
Who doesn’t get bored of doing the same thing day in and day out? Obviously, we can’t shirk our responsibilities, but why not add something fun into your daily to-dos? What would a perfect day look like for you? Getting some exercise? Having a glass of wine with a friend? Pick something and do it. It’s up to you to break the monotony and add a little spring in your step (no pun intended).
Spring Clean Your Heart
Has someone hurt your feelings? Broken your heart? Holding on to the past and holding grudges not only weighs you down, but it keeps you from moving forward. Forgiveness is not about making someone else feel better; it’s about opening up space and room in your own heart to allow more joy and happiness.
Spring Clean Your Calendar
Does your list of obligations drain you? Do you continually say yes to things when you want to say no? When you tell yourself you have to do something or that you can’t say no, you are letting your social self overpower your essential self. Fill your life with events that make you feel happy, not stressed out.
Spring Clean Your Work Space
An unorganized workspace is an ineffective workspace. Is your desk covered with papers and files? Is the inbox on your computer overflowing with unread emails? De-cluttering your office will not only improve your overall mood, but it will also increase your productivity, allowing you to feel more accomplished and satisfied.
Spring Clean the Past
Do you let past mistakes define you? We have all done and said things we regret. We can’t re-do what has happened, but we can forgive ourselves and do our best to move forward. Mistakes build character. It’s not about what you have done or what has happened to you; it’s about what you do with the pieces after you put them back together.
Perhaps there are additional items you want to add to this list. The more, the merrier. Spring is the season for restoration, renewal and revival. This year, why not clear the cobwebs and create a beautiful space -both inside and out.
