Spring is in the air!
Quick, what is the first thing you think of when you think of spring? Is it rain? Or maybe it’s hot for two days and snowing the rest? Maybe, it’s the fashion? We all know I love a good fashion moment. But it’s a no to all of the above. It’s spring cleaning. Out with the old and in the new, did anyone else start singing Fabulous from High School Musical? Just me? I have zero regrets.
Anyway, back to the topic at hand, spring cleaning! It’s an excuse for a restart and a refresh. But what does that really mean?
I’ve always considered spring cleaning to be cleaning out my closet or cleaning the space I live in, but that’s it. I’ve never thought I could spring clean my emotions. Or even my mental space. But why not? They could use a clean out too. So, that’s what we’re doing today.
I’ve decided to Marie Kondo my entire life. If it doesn’t bring me joy, I don’t need it anymore. Whether it’s something physical, emotional, or a mindset, I just want to experience pure happiness. So, we’re hugging it, getting a feel for it, and throwing it away. Goodbye, joyless things.
We’re all probably wondering the same thing; how do we do that with our emotions? I have a few ideas. First and foremost, write things down and get rid of the paper. It doesn’t have to be poetic or the next great American novel. All you need to do is get the joyless emotions out. Then you can hide them or rip them up or set them on fire if that tickles your fancy. I mean, they did it on Friends. I’ve been keeping up with my journaling for the first time in years. It’s been helping me. I’m getting rid of my joyless emotions in a much less cathartic way. Whatever works, right?
My emotions aren’t the only inanimate thing that I’m cleaning out. We’re constantly changing. Our opinions and our mindsets are no different. I’ve been holding tight to ones that don’t fit. They’re making me miserable, so they’ve got to go! I’m still not entirely sure the best way to do this. But I’ve found verbalizing the changes makes all the difference. Just being honest about the negative things helps get it all out. I’m so grateful to have a podcast that allows me to do this. However, I do talk to myself about the changes. Don’t act like you don’t have serious conversations with yourself! I also talk to my friends because who else do you talk to when you need to get real?
As much as I live for a clean personal space, I think I’m getting more from a clean mental place.
Regardless, my physical space needs some cleaning. Starting with the people in my life, yes, you read that right. We all know people filled with negative energy exist. You know, the ones who always suck the joy out of the air. They’re uninvited to the party that is the remainder of 2021. In all honesty, it could just be someone you don’t vibe with anymore. It can be hard to end a relationship with someone, whether it’s romantic or platonic. It’s better to end the relationship than string the person along. As I mentioned, we’re constantly growing. Sometimes that growing means growing apart, not growing together.
While we’re on a physical path, you can never go wrong with traditional cleaning. Does anyone else look forward to spring cleaning? Like, I love cleaning out my closet every spring. It makes me feel like I’m one step closer to a minimalistic wardrobe, then Urban Outfitters has a massive sale; all hope is out the window again.
I also love the initiative for change. I mean, I don’t need an excuse to make changes. It just feels more cathartic with a change in season. This year I broke my own rules. Between the pandemic and a horrific winter, I needed something to liven up my space. So, in February I rearranged my bedroom. It’s the most functional space that has ever been. It’s been two months; I’m still obsessed. Changing your bedding is another simple way to get a taste of change.
The last way I’m doing some spring cleaning is a little unconventional. To be completely honest, I’m not sure if this makes sense. But stick with me! I’ve been checking in with my resolutions. I’ve reinstated a few, like creating to-do lists and working on my musical skills. I’m also pushing myself out of my comfort zone. For me, it feels like another way to get rid of those joyless, inanimate things. I believe these out-of-my-comfort-zone things will bring me joy! That’s what this is all about, right?
We all deserve to live our lives filled with joy. We don’t always have control over it. But when we do, we need to make the most of it. It’s time to do a little Marie Kondo(ing), set the joyless energy free.
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