Got Clutter?

Are you finding yourself at home more often during these days of COVID? Does the clutter seem to be piling up? Holding the clutter at bay is challenging. And I’m finding clutter can accumulate not only in my personal space but in my thoughts, as well. Did you know that physical clutter can often lead to mental clutter? Yep. It’s true.

Many of us have cluttered our thoughts and physical space at one time or another. It can be so normal, but yet so unhealthy. Clutter bogs us down. Clutter causes restlessness and days of blurred vision. No focus.

Who needs or wants that? I don’t and neither do you.

Please let me share a few things that have helped me during my times of much clutter. It may not give you the same results but it can move you in the direction to declutter.

• Set limits. Don’t allow in more than you can handle in your space. Physical and mental space takes priority. Only allow in what is most important. Disregard the rest. Set a limit on social media. Don’t overload your brain with others opinions. Create a space for positivity. In that physical space, get rid of what you don’t need or use. Trash it or give it away. Less is more.
• Don’t overthink it. Overthinking can cause so much clutter. Believe me, I know. Be decisive. Much like all the open apps on your iPhone hanging around in the background taking up space, so can overthinking. Get rid of the background stuff. Those lingering thoughts. That item taking up space. Remove it. Less is more.
• Prioritize. Make a list. Yes, I said make a list. It’s okay to give yourself permission to make that list. It’s not silly. Lists can give a visual of what’s important and what’s not. Circle the priorities. Scratch out those that are not a priority at the moment. Or number from 1-10, with 1 being your top priority. Don’t go out of order. Stick to the list. For the brain that seems to be on overload…. Journal. Yep. That’s okay, too. Write the words. Read them. Get to know them. The more you let go, the less you may stress.
• Allow others to help. This can be a hard one. Most people want to be the strong one, keeping it together and independent. But sometimes, this can lead to an overload of baggage. Who needs extra baggage? I don’t. I don’t like the heaviness. So, ask a friend. A spouse. A neighbor. A therapist. Ask for the help. Be specific. And when you ask, don’t feel guilty. Less is more.
• Pray. Mental clutter can be so hard. Worrying about what’s next, thinking about the past, trying to stay in the present, not knowing the answers, not understanding the questions, not seeing the clear picture. What’s a person to do? Pray. Give it all to God. He sees. He hears. He knows. He’s waiting for you to talk. He’s waiting for you to ask. He knows the answers. Give it to God. Less is more.
• Celebrate the progress. Take a before and after photo of the cluttered space. See the progress. Take a selfie of the before and after. Recognize your accomplishments. Feel it. take ownership of it. It’s okay. Believe that less is more.

The new year will soon be upon us. 2020 may not be what we wanted but 2021 can look better. Don’t let the clutter come between you and the life God wants for you. Make space for your new journey.

For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace.

1 Corinthians 14:33