It's that time of year again! We're taking a look back at Linda Hopkin's post from around this time last year to get some valuable insight on different types of "Spring Cleaning".
As a coach, while I’m asking the questions and motivating you to take action, I often find myself listening to my own voice and taking a few actions of my own. For example, I recently embarked on a spring cleaning project that included a complete closet overhaul. What should have been a simple sorting exercise turned into a soul-searching experience as I took a trip down memory lane and made some tough decisions. Along the way, I discovered that this was about more than putting my closets in order. It was about letting go of the past to make room for the present.
If your house resembles the set of an Addams Family rerun, the arrival of spring is reason enough to clear a few cobwebs. The goal is not to make your house so perfect that it looks like no one lives there, but to clear your space of clutter that is sucking the life out of you. Yes, spring cleaning will take some effort, but the energy spent now will pay off in more leisure time later. You may also find that getting your house in order gives you a sense of control that spills over into every area of your life, including your quest to lose weight and improve your health.
Once your home is spic and span, consider some even more essential housekeeping. What’s hiding in your emotional closet? Guilt? Anger? Resentment? Frustration? All of the above? Are you harboring old attitudes and hanging on to past hurts? The clutter accumulating in your spiritual house can be as toxic to your life and health as the mold and mildew growing in your basement.
If you want to make room for more contentment and happiness in your life, dispose of the negative junk that’s contaminating your heart and mind. Rid yourself of anger and hatred; replace it with forgiveness and friendship. Sweep away dirty gossip with kindness and compassion. Spend less time contemplating the evil in the world and more time cultivating goodness. Refuse to air dirty laundry (yours or anyone else’s).
Keep your emotional house clean by giving people the benefit of the doubt. If someone snapped your head off, perhaps she didn’t mean it personally. Maybe she’s dealing with difficult circumstances or a personal dilemma and merely took it out on you. Think of a way in which you might help that person and set about to kill her with kindness.
If a co-worker, your spouse or a friend hurt your feelings, don’t bother brooding over it. Get it out in the open and move on. People are far more important than petty disagreements. Learn to say, “I’m sorry.” Then forgive yourself and others.
In closets and in life, let go and lighten up. Are you ready for some spring cleaning?
Recommended reading: Does This Clutter Make my Butt Look Fat? by Peter Walsh.
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