As busy moms, our lives are often a whirlwind of activities, responsibilities, and emotions. We juggle countless tasks, from caring for our families to managing our careers and everything in between.
Amid this chaos, it's easy to accumulate clutter not just in our physical spaces but also in our minds and hearts.
One of my favorite quotes by Christina Scalise perfectly captures the essence of clutter:
"Clutter is the physical manifestation of unmade decisions fueled by procrastination."
I want to share with you my experience decluttering my physical space and how it changed my life mentally and spiritually. When you decide to declutter, be prepared for your next season to follow close behind!
The Problem with Holding On
We've all experienced the weight of holding onto things we no longer need or use, whether it's old clothes in the closet, stacks of paperwork on the desk, or emotional baggage from the past.
Have you ever found yourself holding onto something, even though deep down you know it no longer serves you? Maybe it's a sentimental item, a relationship that has run its course, or a habit that's holding you back.
While holding onto certain things can initially feel comforting, it can also become a burden that prevents us from moving forward.
In moments like these, I turn to the LORD for guidance. As Christians, we are called to release our burdens to God and trust in His plan for our lives.
Letting go of physical and emotional clutter is not just about decluttering our homes; it's also about surrendering to God's will and allowing Him to work in our heart and mind.
I recently had a moment of realization when I felt the strain of clutter weighing me down. It was like a light bulb moment after a mindset shift I had experienced the week before. I realized that our future demands us to be laser-focused, to prioritize what truly matters, and to let go of anything that hinders our progress.
A Unique Form of Self-Care
According to Oxford Languages, the definition of self-care is "the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health". While we normally associate self-care with hot tea and bubble baths, relieving the mental strain of keeping up with stuff you no longer need is most definitely self-care!
I chose to see decluttering as my unique form of self-care and healing instead of another chore on my to-do list. With this newfound perspective, I decided to take action and practice practical self-care by decluttering our bedroom office. Let me tell you, it was quite an eye-opening experience.
I stumbled upon items I had long forgotten about... a stash of 13-year-old Lifesavers candies (yes, embarrassing, I know!), papers from high school, old event programs, and photos from old acquaintances.
While I'm glad I got to share in those moments, it is not my job to be the physical caretaker of other people's history. It was especially hard when some of these objects carried memories with heavy emotions - past friendships that faded, broken relationships, moments when I messed up or fought hard to win.
Through prayer and reflection, I found the strength to let go of these items and make space for new beginnings. My faith reminds me that God's plans for me are good (Jeremiah 29:11) and most times letting go is necessary to receive His BEST.
Making Peace with Letting Go
The process of decluttering wasn't just about tidying up my physical space; it was also about making peace with what I was letting go of. Each item I decided to part with was a conscious choice to release the past and embrace the present moment.
It wasn't always easy, as there were sentimental attachments and memories associated with some things. However, I reminded myself that holding onto the past only holds us back from fully embracing the future.
As Christians, we must choose to forgive, let go of bitterness, and trust in God's timing. This applies not only to relationships but also to material possessions and emotional baggage. Letting go with faith allows us to experience true freedom and joy in Christ.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Now, let me ask you a question: What's one thing (or person) you're holding onto "just in case" from your past? Take a moment to reflect on this.
It could be an old grudge, a fear of failure, or a dream you once had but never pursued.
Whatever it is, are you ready to make a choice, let go, and move on?
Trust that God has a plan! Move forward with purpose and confidence, knowing that He is with you every step of the way.
Practical Tips for Decluttering:
Start Small: Don't overwhelm yourself by trying to declutter your entire life in one go. Start with one area, whether it's a drawer, a closet, or a digital folder.
Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve through decluttering. Is it to create more space, reduce stress, or increase productivity? Having a clear goal will keep you motivated.
Sort and Simplify: Divide your belongings into categories like keep, donate/sell, and toss. Be ruthless in letting go of things you no longer need or love.
Make Room for Emotions: I’ll be honest - I avoided decluttering certain areas because I didn’t want to stir up old memories. If there’s a level of emotional attachment for you, be honest with yourself and make space to release those items with peace. (And if it will help, ask your husband or a resilient girlfriend to help you!)
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Each step towards decluttering is a step towards a more intentional and fulfilling life.
Decluttering with faith is a powerful act of self-care and personal growth. It's about letting go of the old to make space for the new, trusting in God's plan, and embracing His blessings. As moms on the go, we owe it to ourselves and our families to create environments that support our well-being and spiritual growth.
So, take a deep breath, let go of what no longer serves you, and step boldly into the future God has prepared for you!
I'm curious, how has decluttering changed your life? Tell me all about it in the comments below!
Comments