The Spring Cleaning Game Plan
When I hear the phrase “spring cleaning” my mind immediately goes to my home and my yard. I envision the fresh air blowing through the open windows, a bucket of rags and cleaning supplies, rakes, brooms, and wheelbarrows. I love this time of year! It’s the perfect opportunity to take inventory of what I have, what I want to get rid of, along with deciding what repairs and upgrades my home and yard could benefit from. Even though this process can take quite a bit of time and energy, it feels so good afterward, right?
Many of us are chomping at the bit to dive right into the task at hand. We’re ready to move past the long, dark days of winter and expand into the fresh experiences the spring season has to offer. However, there are just as many of us who are completely overwhelmed by the simple idea of the work that lies ahead. Eventually, it’s necessary to find the courage to peak in the corners and under the furniture to see what’s been lost and forgotten about. It’s time to clean out the cobwebs, sweep up the dust bunnies, and remove the leaves and yard debris that have accumulated over the winter months.
Our homes aren’t the only spaces in our lives that deserve this level of care and attention that the spring cleaning routine offers. I feel very passionately that every area of our life can benefit from a good spring cleaning...especially when it comes to our calendars and where we spend our time, along with our physical bodies and mental state.
There are so many benefits of spring cleaning! I’m sure you’ve heard them all before, but just in case you’ve been drowning in clutter and have not...
A clean environment increases productivity, supports relaxation, saves you time and energy while encouraging you to be more creative and happier in general. With all of these known positive benefits, why can it still be so hard? Let’s keep it simple.
I encourage you to follow this easy 3 step process that will help you effectively tidy up your home, calendar and mind.
Step One: Take inventory. See what you have.
Step Two: Describe the feelings and emotional state you’d like to experience after you complete the project.
Step Three: Intentionally decide what you will keep, what you will let go of and what needs to be repaired or upgraded.
Let’s start with the easy stuff.
Your Home
Step One: Take inventory.
It’s time to open the closets and empty the drawers. What’s in there? Do you even know? How do you feel about the amount of “stuff” you have?
Step Two: Describe the feelings and emotional state you’d like to experience after you complete the project.
I feel satisfied knowing I am surrounded by useful items that bring me joy. I feel organized and inspired by the things I chose to keep in my home.
Step Three: Intentionally decide what you will keep, what you will let go of, and what needs to be repaired or upgraded.
For me, it’s easiest to pull aside the obvious things I LOVE first. My favorite sweatshirt and leggings, my favorite books, kitchen gadgets, etc. But what about everything else? Where did it come from and why do I have it? I graciously put aside all of the “other stuff”. I pass it on the shelters or local yard sale, knowing if I haven’t used it in the last year I will most likely not use it anytime soon. I often find that as soon as these items leave my home I never think about them again!
Perfect affirmation to use throughout the process: I get rid of all that I no longer love, need, or use. I adore space.
Your Calendar
Step One: Take inventory.
Where do you spend your time and energy? Do you take inventory of the commitments in your calendar like you do the items in your home? How many of the commitments you’ve made actually bring you joy? Is there ample space for new opportunities and growth?
Step Two: Describe the feelings and emotional state you’d like to experience after you complete the project.
I feel inspired by and excited for the commitments I make. I am confident there is plenty of space for the experiences I desire and the people I enjoy sharing life with. I am well-rested and full of energy as I spend time doing the things I love.
Step Three: Intentionally decide what you will keep, what you will let go of, and what needs to be repaired or upgraded.
A great way to help yourself decide if the commitment in question is essential or a distraction is to ask yourself this question, “Is it vital? Does it matter to me or someone I love?” If your answer is no to both of these questions, then you can confidently cross it off your list.
I feel I have finally mastered the art of creating boundaries for myself and my time. Unfortunately, I spent decades of my life burdening myself with unnecessary responsibilities and commitments. I habitually said yes to invitations that sounded good and we’re sure to be fun.
I was so distracted by all of the things I thought I SHOULD be doing that I completely neglected to ask myself if I even wanted to do these things. How crazy is that?
Perfect affirmation to use throughout the process: I have more than enough time to enjoy the life I intentionally create.
Your Physical Body
Step One: Take inventory.
What are you actually eating? What foods are in your cabinets? What are you drinking? How often and in what ways are you moving your body?
Step Two: Describe the feelings and emotional state you’d like to experience after you complete the project.
I feel strong and lean as I move throughout my days. I have lots of energy to try new things and experience life with my family and friends. I am confident and certain that my choices and behaviors support optimal health.
Step Three: Intentionally decide what you will keep, what you will let go of, and what needs to be repaired or upgraded.
Yes, many of us address the spring cleaning of our physical bodies in January with the excitement of the new year and motivation that comes with the resolutions we hope to keep. It’s not uncommon for these new habits that we established in January are long gone and could use some attention. If there’s more food in your pantry then your fridge, it’s time to re-set. Ditch the foods that make up the standard American diet like dairy, sugar, flour, grains, and all processed items. Commit to fresh foods that span the color of the rainbow. Hydrate regularly with water and pass on the sugary and alcoholic beverages as often as possible.
Perfect affirmation to use throughout the process: As I upgrade my food choices and increase the physical activity in my life I experience tons of energy and perfect health.
Your Mind
Step One: Take inventory.
Many people will resist the spring cleaning of their minds and mental state like the plague. It’s just one of those things we may have never learned how to do. Simply start by bringing awareness to your onions, beliefs, and many perspectives in life. Have you done this recently? It can be so easy, yet unintentional to stay stagnant and stuck in old ways of thinking and behaving.
Step Two: Describe the feelings and emotional state you’d like to experience after you complete the project.
I feel calm and completely in charge of my thoughts and emotions. I am relaxed throughout my days as I learn simple ways to still my mind and take a break from the over-stimulation that surrounds me. I am open to new ideas and eager to learn about others’ perspectives.
Step Three: Intentionally decide what you will keep, what you will let go of and what needs to be repaired or upgraded
You will feel your best if you significantly reduce or completely eliminate the constant stream of negative news, gossip, self-doubt, and fear. Let go of any grudges you are holding, learn to forgive, especially yourself and offer an apology where it might be needed most. Learn to quiet your mind through reading, meditation, or writing in a journal.
Perfect affirmation to use throughout the process: I understand I am the thinker of my thoughts. My perspective is my reality. I take full responsibility for the way I use my mind.
My desire today is to encourage you to find a rhythm and routine when it comes to the spring cleaning of your life. Take inventory, prioritize the feelings you’d like to cultivate, and intentionally choose what you create space for and what you choose to let go of. The more often you commit to this practice, the less overwhelming the entire experience will be. It even has the potential to be FUN!
When we are free of the clutter in our homes and our minds, as well as the distractions of the world, we create space to allow for new opportunities to emerge. Now is the time to start welcoming those opportunities into your life!