When I started the new year, I made a decision to get rid of some of the cobwebs which clutter my life. Clutter comes in many forms and can affect you personally, emotionally as well as physically. Mental clutter with all the emails, social media sites, and job related responsibilities on the computer is reshaping the way we think day-to-day.

Living as somewhat of a minimalist, I try to keep my things relatively in order. While searching my mind and observing some of my possessions, I realized I needed to detox my brain, declutter, and de-stress from all the things I’ve gathered over the years. Keeping too much stuff around blocks your ability to move forward and become more creative.

I have books and old magazines I’ve never read, boots I thought were cute when I found them on sale, paperwork which needs to be tossed, and clothing which I will donate to those in need. On a mental note, there are always bits and pieces of information we hold dear, the to do’s, which keeps circling in our minds that we never seem to complete. It’s time to declutter your life.

Sorting through this process can be a monumental task at times. You can be owned by your possessions if you let them get out of control. I always think I’m going to have more than enough time to do much more than I’m physically capable of accomplishing. When I feel the impact of not getting it all done, it’s so easy to surrender. Remember, there is always a bit of interference as you go from day-to-day because clutter in whatever form it takes competes for your attention.

When your mind is cluttered, it will create a negative impact on your ability to focus in a positive way. Your creative thought process is being blocked by the things we believe are essential and hold some sentimental value. Some of us have arranged some clutter to fit just in the right places. As the saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind.” What you can’t see, even if it’s taking up residence in your life, can’t hurt. Contrary to this belief, the opposite is true. Your senses are being overwhelmed, thus creating additional stress.

It’s amazing how much more free you feel without the extra load. You can’t do it all at once, but making a decision and giving yourself a deadline in order to accomplish your goal is key. It’s an ongoing process so be vigilant, keep what you feel is indispensable and donate the rest to charity. When it comes to your mind, learn to let go of what keeps you from moving forward.

Nuggets of Truth: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:19-21