As I worked in the yard today, pruning, sweeping the sidewalk, and doing a little weeding, the exhaustion I’d been feeling gave way as I spent time in the sunshine. I had already spruced up indoors during the colder months. Feeling uplifted, I remembered reading that we were entering the spring equinox, which is a time of renewal, growth, and new beginnings. An equinox can affect your mood, creating the desire to do more (in the fall, it will be slowdown time again). The increased light we receive in the spring can boost serotonin levels, ramp up your energy, and expand optimistic feelings. Because of this, there is a tendency to think more in terms of possibilities.
So, soak up some sun. Then, during those spring showers, turn that newfound energy into decluttering your indoor space. Decluttering can be a mood enhancer. When clutter builds up, it weighs you down. Day after day, as clutter builds up, it closes in on your space and becomes something of a nagging eyesore. The longer you let it go, the more overwhelmed you might feel when tackling the task.
Harness your equinox energy. Consider the possibilities for ways your space might function better and become more aesthetically pleasing. I love how Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper started doing mini renos on her TV show. She’s taken on smaller spaces in a house to transform them within a shorter timeframe. If that is even too overwhelming for you, think in terms of a micro-project or try to break down larger projects into manageable blocks that you can manage during a weekend. A hallway entry, the laundry room, or a closet would all be doable on a weekend with advanced planning. For some DIY projects, consider recruiting friends or family who could help or teach you a skill so you can start the project. There is always the option of hiring a tradesperson or using a combination of DIY and professional help. My husband and I have been DIYers throughout our married life. There is a sense of pride in accomplishments, if done well.
Whatever size project you take on, decluttering is usually the first step. If you’ve done the work of finding inspirational photos of what you want the end project to look like and how it will function, you’ve probably concluded that some of what you’ve collected over the years has to go.
TIPS:
- Get your 3 boxes out—keep, sell, and give away. Being excited about the outcome makes it easier to let go. If other family members are involved, get them on board from the beginning. Clarify first that what you currently have is not working. Then, get their input on the benefits of changing what you have now. This process helps eliminate resistance and ensure compliance with the changes.
- Make the project fun, provide rewards for accomplishments, and continue to express the value of the changes you’ve made. This accomplishment could generate excitement toward another project.
Why have I included this as a topic in a newsletter about life transitions? Because minor changes have an impact. From them, you learn what you are capable of. On the topic of decluttering, if you are in your Golden Years, this next part is especially for you. My neighbor, another Connie, shared the book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter by Margareta Magnusson. Magnusson explains that as you get older, it is best to declutter unnecessary belongings before others (friends and family) have to do it. With an uplifting attitude about the process, Magnusson says not to rush it, but encourages you to have a strategic plan you consistently work on. She shares her mindset that reduces sentimentality and resistance to letting go.
At whatever age you are, your everyday actions to simplify your life can make your environment more attractive and less distracting. We learned this when we downsized to move near our kids. We moved from a mini-farm with a garage, a shop, a barn with RV storage, a heated room filled with all my seasonal décor, and lots of gardening and yard equipment. Since then, we have continued the decluttering process, knowing that our interests have changed and that more changes will come with advancing age. Letting go and simplifying our lives is an ongoing commitment.
BOOK REVIEW: I feel fortunate to know Jeannee Sacken, author of The Women Who Stand Between, from an online book club I belong to. Jeannee is a gifted storyteller, drawing on her career as a photojournalist who has traveled the world documenting the lives of women and children. The Women Who Stand Between is the story of a female cinematographer who returns to Zimbabwe to revitalize her career after being unfairly blacklisted. She is filming a documentary about female villagers who serve as anti-poaching rangers, risking their lives to save the elephants. The poachers, however, are determined that her documentary will never be released to the public. Jeannee has another series—The Annie Hawkins series, about the adventures of a photojournalist, which I hope to read someday.
MY PUBLISHING JOURNEY: I have taken a detour from my next novel (working title: What She Missed) to create a workbook called Staying Close: A Workbook for Grandparents to Connect with College Grandkids. My oldest granddaughter is likely heading to an out-of-state business school, which will place her farther from us and double her college tuition. Wanting to contribute more than I already am, this workbook idea came to me after attending the online Women-In-Publication Summit. The positive feedback I’ve received already suggests the idea might have merit. I’m now doing research and interviewing grandparents and college students. My research has helped me learn how to support my granddaughter as she transitions into adulthood while away at college. Luckily, maintaining closeness benefits both the college student and the grandparent. I plan to start by selling a digital workbook on Amazon, then add some printed workbooks to sell alongside my novel at book fairs, etc. I’ll let you know when the workbook comes out. This will be an enormous learning curve for me. Thank heavens for Canva and YouTube.
***A disclaimer reminder: This newsletter is for inspiration and educational purposes only, not a substitute for mental health care. Life is tough. We all have to put some effort into our mental health some times. Call 800-273-TALK or 988. There is no shame in asking for help.
