It’s that time of year when I go where I haven’t been in awhile – under the couch and inside the windows of my house to clear out the dust bunnies and pollen. My allergies are a real deal and ever since we moved from the city to the semi-country, every spring is a real struggle for me to breathe.
While I wouldn’t trade where we live for anything right now except maybe the beach, it is that time of year to roll up my sleeves, put the gloves on and go to the mattresses with evaluating what can stay and what needs to go. For me, that involves digging deep into my soul and becoming completely honest with what stays in my life and what has to go!
Last fall, I did a digital detox and went completely off a couple of social media sites. One of them I have now left altogether and the other I don’t allow to take too much of my time. In fact, I’ve become quite serious in not allowing these channels to waste my time.
Life is short enough as it is and I’d rather be writing, reading or in the kitchen whipping up something delicious!
I’ve also decided to detox some people and situations out of my life. Instead of trying to juggle too many things (I’m not wonder woman and I’m GLAD!) and try to please too many other people out of duty, I’ve written out what I want my life to look like. If your heart isn’t truly into what you’re doing and you find yourself gravitating to other tasks (not just as a form of procrastination) that you enjoy, then it’s time to cut the fat, so to speak.
A couple of weeks ago I took a few bags of clothes, shoes and other misc household items to a charity drop-off. They’ve been sitting in our guest room for almost two years. Why? I wasn’t attached and I refused to look in the bags again after I’d packed up what I’d determined to donate. I’m not really sure why I’d put off that trip so long other than I just would forget about running that errand because I was finding myself prioritizing other tasks. It’s so nice to go in the guest room and not feel like it’s a storage unit for things I don’t want or need anymore.
This week, I let go of a part-time work opportunity because it had yielded me absolutely nothing but stress. I tried to renew my mind each week with positivity and a fresh approach but it was useless. I hated it and I had to let it go. It was a toxic situation that I needed to leave.
I feel so much lighter not having to try and fit it in to my life after I’d prioritized a different part-time job. Yes, I juggle multiple things. Writing had taken a backseat but now I’m excited to say that I’ve begun the 2nd novella in my novella trilogy in progress!
Of course, some things in life are commitment-oriented and shouldn’t be tossed aside because of a rough patch. Marriage, for instance. I’m not giving up on my marriage just because some days are tougher than others. I’m thankful that my husband and I are committed to each other and we are true partners in this life. I couldn’t do this life without him, that’s for sure!
Women tend to think that we have to do it all, be it all and have it all. Not true. As I’m getting older, I can definitely say that I’m becoming more intentional and DISCERNING about the things that I allow into my life.
Spring cleaning is not always fun but it isn’t really hard just tedious. When you’re done, you can step back and feel energized and accomplished!
Sophie
Sophie Leigh Fox 