Excerpt from full-length article originally published on The Language of Joy blog.
I don't know about you, but I find spring cleaning to be deeply cathartic.
I'm not crazy about the actual process, but I love the positive, fresh energy I feel after cleaning out all the gunk.
If you haven't yet started spring cleaning, I highly recommend it. Not only does it physically clean up your space, it can be therapeutic and create positive, optimistic feelings.
Now is also the perfect time to do some spring cleaning in other not-so-obvious areas of your life.
Although you may not see the same tangible results as scrubbing your refrigerator shelves, cleaning up other areas of your life can provide just as much relief and satisfaction. And the effects generally last much longer.
I like to use the same spring cleaning concept for time, relationships and limiting beliefs/excuses. If you don't pay attention, things will pile up and weigh you down. Sometimes they can even get downright icky.
Create More Time
Just like dust, obligations tend to pile up. It starts in such seemingly small ways that we don't even notice. But if you pull out your calendar and look at where you're spending a lot of your time, you might be shocked and a bit disgusted.
Are you spending more time on social media than is healthy? (Guilty!) Are you attending events out of obligation? Are you continuing to participate in activities because you once enjoyed them but now they seem more like a burden?
Cleaning out your calendar may require a little elbow grease (especially if you think you're hurting someone's feelings or letting them down by bowing out) but the end result is so worth it.
Imagine a new, bright shiny calendar that feels amazing. No clutter, no dust, no grime, just sparkling and fresh and aligned with what brings you the most joy.
Surround Yourself with Positive People
Relationships are no different. Are you spending time with people that fill you up?
If you have family, friends or colleagues that are toxic, negative or simply drain your energy, it's okay to pull back.
Do you have to call or visit as often as you do? If they make you feel bad and you need a nap afterwards, it's time to reevaluate. It doesn't mean you don't like or love them but why keep putting yourself in a situation that is depleting?
As Jim Rohn famously said - we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with. Name your five - is it time to clean up?
Release Those Nagging Thoughts
Last, what thoughts, beliefs or ideas are no longer serving you? What do you want to release in order for something better to come along?
If there are beliefs, thoughts, projects or ideas that you no longer want to claim or pursue - bag them up and throw them out. You don't have to hold on to things forever, even if you loved them initially or for a very long time. It's okay to let go to make room for more beautiful things that light you up!
Along that same vein, if you really want to try something new - make time and try it out. What have you been wanting to do but avoiding? Talking about for ages but making excuses?
Use the spring cleaning energy to let go of old fears, excuses and limiting beliefs and finally go after what you want.
Take that painting class, go dancing, start writing that book, plant a garden. Think of it like a throw pillow. If you decide it's not your style, you've not made a huge investment so you can easily toss it out and start looking for something that's a better fit.
Be playful. Have fun. Spruce up your life in new and interesting ways!
Your well-being and happiness is just as important (actually a lot more important) than your home and wardrobe. Give yourself the same time and attention that you give to cleaning out the crooks, crevices and closets of your home and see how it makes you feel.
There may be a point where you feel in over your head and wish you had just left well enough alone but the euphoric feeling you'll have afterwards will be well worth it.
What areas of your life could use a little spring cleaning?
Commit to cleaning out at least one area so you can make room for more joy!
Leave a comment and let me know what you plan to tidy up or how you hope to fill the new space you've created from your spring cleaning efforts.
Heather Hubbard is the founder of The Language of Joy. Click Here to Subscribe to her inspiring Newsletter.