Put more spring in your life: Clear out the clutter
As we bid adieu to winter, and jump for joy that it’s spring, it’s one of the best times of the year as far as I’m concerned. Goodbye mitts, boots and wool-knit sweaters. I am so beyond over you! Helllloooo sunshine, warmer temps and longer days. Spring represents new beginnings, a desire for a fresh start. We emerge from hibernation, go outside and breathe in the fresh crisp air while exhaling the longest winter EVER! (Thank god it’s over! It is over, right??!!) Spring is the time of the year when a lot of people star
t exercising (as the time bomb being bikini season is tick, tick, ticking), set new goals, and let’s not forget the annual spring cleaning ritual; Which got me thinking… it’s not just my home and closet that could do with some extra attention this year; It seems like a pristine time to do a little dusting in regards to my own life (after three decades there’s definitely a little build up here and there).
So where does one start on such a spring clean? I did a quick inventory on things that are important to me: my happy, family, friends, health, and chocolate. I think those would be the top five on anyone’s list, and when it all comes down to it, they are all very much connected. Well, aside from the chocolate. You need all of them to support one another, and if one falls out of place, they all feel the effects. So this spring surround yourself with positive things and people- the things that are significant to you. There’s really no reason to be surrounded by things that aren’t working for you, that you don’t need, or that you don’t even like. De-clutter anything that’s not a HELL YES anymore- that ‘friend’ that constantly bails on plans or is all about the drama, that volunteer position that just isn’t as fun as it use to be, those extra commitments that make you moan and groan, that bad attitude, your constant complaints…Adios!! Sweep, sweep, sweep.
We all have control over where we do the dusting. Isn’t that amazing? You are responsible for your mood with what you pay attention to. There are a billion things happening right now; some good, some bad, and some just plain ugly. Focus on the good, you’ll feel better. Focus on the bad, and well, you get it. Sometimes we get so used to being a certain way that we forget how to clean out the negative from our life, how to get rid of the junk and air out our attitudes.
Ever since I can remember I’ve been collecting quotes- words that inspire me, make me smile and help me get through the challenging times. Yes, I am that annoying person that floods your social media feed with quotes (#bayawesome). One in particular that has stuck with me throughout the years and still motivates me today, a quote from the great Mark Twain-
“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
I’ve always believed you are who you hang with. If you spend time with a bunch of chickens, you will cluck. You can’t hangout with negative people and expect a positive life. Seems like common sense right? But is it common practice? Spring is for new beginnings, so why ho
ld on to a relationship that does nothing for you? You want people in your life who better you and make you feel good about yourself.
Next on the chores list during your spring clean, similar to piling all of your clothes on the floor and going through them to see what fits or doesn’t fit, sort through any grudges that you have, any anger, negative feelings and then toss them too.
Life will test you again and again, de-clutter. It isn’t easy to remain positive when negativity surrounds you, but remember that you have full control over who and what is in your life. And don’t forget to keep the dustpan and broom near by.
Happy Spring!
Now go Bay Awesome. xo
Photos by Jamie Dawn Photography, makeup by Wink, Clothing by Mars.
Article appears in the spring edition of WOMEN.
