5 Simple Steps to Face Your Clutter and Boost Your Confidence
Shortly after my grandmother passed away, my mom sent me a special package in the mail. Written in black marker across the package it said, “very special heirloom.” I was curious. There was no way I would ever have been able to guess that my special heirloom from my grandmother was a peach-coloured, elephant-shaped, crocheted toilet paper holder. If I’d been a “nice” daughter, I would have called my Mom up, gushing with thanks, and kept that peach-crocheted elephant on the back of my toilet until I could hope to one day pass the family “heirloom” on to my daughter. But I couldn’t, and I didn’t.
I’m a Terrible Clutter Collector
I’m a terrible clutter collector. I love the idea that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication and if I don’t love it, won’t use it or am not deeply attached to it, I will do everything I can to get rid of things before they even enter my space. And the biggest reason is because when I feel clutter in my space, I feel clutter in my mind.
With the amount of things and people I tend to take responsibility for in my life, I can’t afford clutter interfering with my decision-making abilities. I can’t afford to feel held back by things I don’t want, don’t need or can’t make up my mind about. I tend to be a bit ruthless compared to many, but I am not trying to live an “ordinary” life, so don’t see why I would be anything other than true to myself when it comes to what I want to have hanging around in my personal space.
The peach, elephant-shaped, crocheted toilet paper holder was sent back lovingly to my Mom. I let her know that while I very much appreciated the gesture, I knew I wasn’t the right person to give this little elephant the care and appreciation it deserved.
The courage to get what I want, or get rid of what I don’t want, to have in my space didn’t come overnight. If you’ve had a harder time getting rid of kitsch or family “heirlooms” or your own clutter-collecting habits have you feeling burdened, these next 5 steps will really help you out.
5 Simple Steps to Face Your Clutter and Boost Your Confidence
Clutter is a manifestation of your inability to decide. Indecision robs you of your self-confidence and contributes to a lack of clarity, purpose, focus and drive. If you feel stuck in a rut, it’s time to get back your energy and self-confidence! These exercises are simple and easy and they will help you get things moving in the right direction:
- Schedule 15 minutes of time for yourself when your house is quiet and empty.
- Sit quietly, in front of whatever area of the house is bothering you most, and just close your eyes and be there for a few minutes. Pay attention to your breathe and just be present with your eyes closed.
- Open your eyes and slowly take a look around the room. Spend time looking at each item and asking yourself, what do you really see? Is it pleasant? Why is it there? What would that table or shelf look like if that item wasn’t there?
- As you look at the objects, take note of how you feel right at that moment. Does the item make you feel happy and peaceful, or burdened and anxious?
- Do this type of exercise in each room of your house; it will help you see your spaces and your belongings with fresh eyes.
You don’t even need to give anything away, or be worried that you might have to do without something special. Just start to honestly take a look at what you’ve got around you and pay attention to how it makes you feel. This will help you get perspective and from there your courage to let go and make room for something better will happen with more ease.
Welcome Spring with a Clean, Clutter-Free Home!
Starting on the first day of Spring, we’ll be launching our be clean program again, giving you the perfect chance to invest 30 days to clearing out your clutter. With daily support messages, and a room-by-room review, you’ll have all the inspiration and support you need to bring in spring feeling better than ever. With clutter out of your home (and your head) you can stop wasting energy on unhandled things and start spending more time living a life you love!
Just imagine kicking off the summer with no mess, clutter or unhandled “stuff” taking up your attention!
The 30-day step-by-step be clean program with Vanessa Stewart will help you restore your energy and increase your efficiency, giving you back precious hours for yourself and the time with your family that you may be missing out on. You’ll be amazed at what you learn to accomplish in just a few minutes a day! Join Us!
