Spring Cleaning

Spring is that time of the year when people like to do some “spring cleaning”. People often use the seasons as their queue to makes some changes of their own: changing up their wardrobes, work out routines, house work to do, activities, even what they like to eat (I’ll eat summer salads for dinner 5 days a week, no problem).

I take the concept of spring cleaning to a whole new level. I take the changing of the seasons as an opportunity and reminder to do one big clean sweep of everything in my life that is no longer useful and joyful.  I’m not talking about just cleaning the dust off the baseboards, but clean the dust and litter out of ALL areas of your life - the ideas that no longer apply to your future goals and dreams, the patterns of negative thinking that wear you down, the people that create needless drama or bring negative energy into your life, and of course the old faded clothes you can’t stand to look at in your closet. Get rid of them!

There are few things in life that are more satisfying then feeling FREE of old burdens. Here’s my spring cleaning list. Give it a try! It’s a great way to feel fresh and new and ready to enjoy the sunshine in peace and freedom.

Clean out your closets: Anything that you haven’t worn in 6 months needs to be donated to a local charity or organization (Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc.). Go through your entire wardrobe item by item and ask yourself if you’ve worn this in 6 months, and if not, will I wear this in the next month? If not, it’s time to let it go. I find once I do this I feel as if I have more to wear because now the only clothes I see as I open my closet are things that I want to wear on any given day.  BONUS – you are making a donation to someone who may be in desperate need of a warm sweater or a pair of jeans.

Clean out the drama: This one may be difficult. Do you have any friends or acquaintances that really like to gossip about your other friends? How about someone who’s facebook status is constantly negative? What about someone who is emotionally draining? Do the people you surround yourself with build you up? Are they fun to talk to and positive about life? Are they trustworthy and genuine? If not, it may be time to re-evaluate some of your friendships.

As I got older (I’m really not that old, but you know what I mean), I let go of more and more people in my life. I am incredibly blessed to have a very small group of girl friends that I love so much. These girls I trust with my life. I laugh with them and cry with them. They have my back no matter what. Now that the group is small and I’m not wasting my energy on needless drama, I can really nurture my friendships and that brings me so much joy.

I also do a facebook “purge” every so often. I delete anyone who I wouldn’t say hi to on the street if I saw them. Why would I have somebody I met in a bar one night as someone I trust with all my personal information and photos? No way. Do you know all 778 people on your friends list personally? Would you say hi to them on the street and eagerly show them all your photos from your family vacation? Think about it…

Clean out your old patterns and thoughts: Lastly, take a minute to reflect on your goals and dreams. Are your current lifestyle choices aligned with where you see yourself in the future? Are you taking steps to make your goals happen? Are you on the right path? Set yourself up for success by taking the time to re-evaulate what you’re doing now and make any changes if neccessary.

This is also an opportune time to get rid of your past. Throw it out in the trash with your old faded cardigan! Are you still thinking about past situations that wounded you? Have you forgiven that person that broke your heart? Do you still feel guilty about that thing you did when you were 18? Let it go. Let it all go. It’s over and done with. There’s no room for old garbage in your bright and sunny present and future!

I challenge you to add these things to your spring cleaning list!

Enjoy the sunshine! J