Every year, domestic diva Martha Stewart, comes out with a list of spring cleaning products and basic techniques you can use to clean your home from top to bottom. Her tips help you get rid of dust, dullness and dirt to give you that awesome feeling of stepping into a fresh, clean home. Because let’s face it, when your space is clean, you feel better.
I agree with Martha that a deep clean, at least once a year, is a satisfying and important ritual. As a therapist I also see the value in an annual psychological spring clean. So, while I will definitely Spring clean my living space, I also use the Spring’s energy of renewal to help clients and readers like you, clean up anything that is no longer working in your life.
Each year around this time I encourage everyone to get down and dirty to clean up thoughts and clear mental clutter.
Most people carry around at least a little excess baggage filled with painful memories from the past, guilt, low level relationships or energy draining situations. That is why it’s important to take time to analyze what you’re carrying around that is no longer serving you so you can release it. A psychological spring clean may include letting go of habits, behaviors, a job or a relationship that is no longer contributing to you becoming your best self.
In order to clean up your life, you first need to know what areas need attention. Make a list of situations and relationships that have become problematic or no longer bring you joy. Once you make this list you will have a better understanding of the changes you can make in order to reset, release and move forward with the freedom and ease you crave. This may mean you set better boundaries in your relationships, replace a bad habit with meditation or start looking for a new job more aligned with your values.
If you want to Clean Up Your LIFE you must first Clear Out Your MIND. @Terri_Cole
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Executing a proper Spring cleaning as it pertains to your life is a little more complicated than power washing the windows. Releasing your attachments to certain aspects of your life that may no longer be useful or adding value can seem harsh or cut throat.
Ultimately it’s up to you to decide what (and who for that matter) stays or goes. You can have fun with this by focusing on what you feel excited to release.
Remember, just as with cleaning, starting in one area often creates motivating momentum.
Now I want to hear from you in the comments below. Where in your life could you use some psychological Spring cleaning? I know for me I am looking forward to releasing my late nights, so I can get up earlier and make the most out of each and every day of this season and the next.
I look forward to reading your lists so make sure to connect with me and as always, take care of you.
Love Love Love,
Terri
Terri Cole is a licensed psychotherapist, transformation coach, and an expert at turning fear into freedom. Sign up for Terri’s weekly Tune Up Tips and follow her on Twitter.
Image courtesy of Chiot’s Run.