It’s always terrific to have help with any actions this time of year. This blog post is co-author with my collaboration partner Monique MacKinnon.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve are emotionally-charged times of the year — wouldn’t you agree! Getting and staying in the spirit of it all requires soul alignment. You’ll know whether or not you’re in this soul-alignment space if you can consistently answer “yes” to the following: Am I being true to my core values, beliefs, dreams and goals? So, how can you make this being-ness do-able over the holidays and into the New Year? — By applying these mental, emotional and physical decluttering tips:
MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL DECLUTTERING:
Tip #1: Observe when you say, “I have to/must/should….” Notice when you think and use these words and resort to guilt-based and pleasing behaviors. Ironically, as I was writing out this tip, I received a phone call from my ex hairdresser, who is now living and working in a city located two hours away from me. She revealed that as of December, she’d be working one day per week at my current new hairdresser’s location. I’m happy with the way my new hairdresser is cutting my hair. So, although it was a tad awkward not saying “yes” to scheduling an appointment with her, it was energizing to be authentic.
Tip #2: Give the gift of personal expression. There is an increased emphasis on “doing” in December, with partying and Christmas shopping as the prime culprits. Amidst all this holiday hustle and bustle, it’s important to not lose sight of what your Spirit (versus your over-doing Ego) wants, in order to feel great (or good, at least) during December. For instance, give yourself and others the gift of gabbing: the space to personally express one’s unique and authentic self.
Tip #3: Acknowledge the upside and downside of clutter. Learning this first hand is the best way to experience what void clutter might fill and how it can open you up for more fulfillment. Consider the metaphor that physical clutter is to our spirit and energy, as high cholesterol is to our body: a clogging mechanism. One strategy for clearing clutter might start with prioritizing each room you want to clutter clear! Then look at every pile of paper or item, and decide to either to toss or keep it. I find that some things I keep tie me to my past successes. No wonder there’s a lack of creativity and energy to move forward. Once things are tidied and organized, your energy can soar! It’s akin to lowering your cholesterol to let your blood flow more easily.
Action Nudge: Consider how you are stuck. Do you want to change hairdressers? Or would having a good time at a regular annual party fulfill you? Or are you just sick and tired of seeing the clutter? Then determine what you want tackle next, and begin clutter clearing one area at a time. Notice, once you start the process, you’ll build up momentum and eventually get “in the flow” of it all.