You have considered decluttering your space. I am very excited for your journey, this adventure towards the best version of you … a freer version of you. You’re probably wondering, how can decluttering your home, office, or living space can free you.
It is proven that decluttering your home, office, or anywhere where you spend time is especially good for your mental health. As you let go of the stuff, you often realize that you are also letting go of the story and the emotional charge you have attached to it.
You get used to having the stuff in your home but forget to ask yourself “Is this item still adding value to my life now?” It might have been great for your lifestyle 20 years ago, but it no longer does now.
Decluttering is a great way to save time. How much time do you use in a day to look for things? It also saves you money. I have often seen people buying the same item because they couldn’t find what they were looking for. You tend to have more energy because you spend on activities that really matter.
In the spiritual world, we often are looking for ways to expand different aspects of our lives. You will not only enjoy the newfound space from removing all these items in your home, office, or your car. You will have this feeling of expansiveness within. Some of my clients feel more relaxed in their space after they have decluttered.
BREATHE!
Yeah! This first step is often overlooked. If you have ever noticed that every time you are standing in that CLUTTERED space your breath changes. It becomes shallow, hence releasing stress hormones called Cortisol.
Our physiology is made to take shallow breaths when we experience intense emotions, discomfort, or when we feel threatened. Our natural first instinct or our fight-or-flight response is already built-in. So, we tend to hold our breath without even noticing it.
Proper breathing lowers the cortisol level. A high level of cortisol could make you more susceptible to contagious illnesses, autoimmune diseases, developing food allergies, and issues with your digestive system. So BREATHE!
You will realize that it does not just stop at the physical clutter. Eighty percent of the process is emotional. The physical clutter is often the last step. Once we detach from either the guilt, the feeling of lack, the regrets, or the fear of whether or not you need it again someday.
One mistake people often make when they decide to declutter is that they start with sentimental items. Those should be kept to the end once you have built your decluttering muscles. Start with items that have no charge to your energy system. Declutter under your kitchen sink, your makeup, that “mystery” drawer that everyone throws things in. Step back and see how that feels.
Say to yourself “Mmm, this feels…”
This is a very personal journey, and I want you to honor yourself and practice self-compassion. Just the fact that you are reading this article is a major step in “Showing Up.” No matter the changes you make in your life, you should always remember to celebrate yourself every step of the way. However small progress you have made today, say to yourself, “Yes, I did it! I am so awesome.”
Make decluttering a habit and actually schedule your decluttering time. I tell my clients one bite at a time. Set 15 minutes a day to declutter. Really – set the timer! At the end of the week, you will have decluttered for almost 2 hours. If you feel like doing more, do it. If you feel like taking a day off, do it but get back to it tomorrow. Most importantly – have fun! Put some good dancing music on, grab the broom to sing a little, and have fun. It has been proven that we do not succeed in something we don’t have fun doing.
Family time was everything when Chantal Rouleau was growing up with a typically French-Canadian family in Montreal, Quebec. Due to life circumstances, Chantal had to move often. Chantal attended nine different schools by the end of high school, so from an early age, she had to learn not to get too attached to her things. Because her family moved so many times, it was just easier to have less. Although she loves beautiful things, those experiences made her realize at a very young age that things don’t make you happy, PEOPLE do!