A Season of Renewal

March 23, 2010

Spring is a time of transition and renewal. Rituals of cleaning up and getting rid of what’s no longer serving us are associated with the onset of warm weather. I’ll take every chance I can to engage in this ritual. De-cluttering has always been one of my favorite mental health exercises. I’m addicted to the surge of creativity that follows a good “getting rid of the old and unwanted” session.

If you’ve ever taken the time to go through your file system and get rid of all the paperwork you have collected throughout the years, then you can relate to what I’m saying.

Clearing emotional and physical clutter gives one the sense of lightness and renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Where to start? Choose one area of your life that has been in the forefront of your mind. What would you like done?

Are you fed up with how much paper is piled on top of your desk? Put a timer for 10-15 minutes, grab a pile and go through it. Recycle what you can, discard what you don’t want, and do something about the rest. Don’t think too much, just go through it.
Is your filing cabinet overflowing? Don’t look at the whole thing unless you’re ready to put a few hours or days worth of work in it. If all you have is 15 minutes, open the first drawer, take out the first three folders and go through them. Again, recycle, discard, re-file what needs to stay. Repeat the process the next day.
Look around your space. Are there items laying around that just clutter your space? Be merciless. Take a bag and clear the surfaces. Don’t forget to put the bag in the trash.
Go through your closet. If it doesn’t fit or you just don’t like it anymore, get rid of it. Donate, discard, de-clutter. Make room for the new.
Look through your refrigerator. What needs to go to the compost pile? Do it, the very moment you lay eyes on it. While you’re at it, think of the diet adjustments you want to make for the new season.
Consider your daily routine. Do you find yourself lingering at the computer, checking your e-mail every half hour, and browsing through the internet without a specific goal or intention? Do the computer and the internet serve as distraction and time wasters at times?
Identify your emotional drains. Are there people or situations in your life that make you feel drained and tense? Are you tired of feeling this way? What would you like instead? Is it time to introduce better boundaries or even let go and move on?

This is the season for new beginnings. It’s a time of growth, nurturing, and enjoyment. We just have to give ourselves permission to engage. Go for it!