It’s a sappy Sunday Ya’ll. And it’s a bit messy. So brace yourself and as we get ready to Spring Clean the soul.
There’s a moment and we transition from Winter to Spring that all of our dust and clutter is revealed. I know this very well because I grudgingly anticipate it every year. It’s right around the time change when the lighting is just a tad different and shines on all of the dust, knickknacks, and mindless stuff that you collected throughout the winter and the holiday season. Okay that’s I”ve collected throughout the season.
Yes, I call this moment the big dust and clutter reveal and it stirs up my soul. In fact, it makes me anxious. And every year I think that I will avoid this feeling, yet it still returns.
The truth is this clutter and dust is not about my home. In fact, I’m a neat freak. The truth is I complicate my life. This transition from Winter to Spring exposes more than just a little dust and clutter. It exposes a lot of what I’ve stored up for the past year. What WE have stored up for the past year. A bunch of STUFFED feelings that have robbed our life of joy.
Last year my husband retired from his “dream career” as triathlete, feeling defeated. It’s been a little messy in our marriage ever since. Okay a lot messy. And it’s been WAY hard on us. We searched high and low for a new direction, new instructions (on life), and new places to try to settle. Heck my husband even went back to New Zealand to see if there was NEW job opportunity there. All the meanwhile I stayed here and panicked. I collected fears.
We can call these feelings —> clutter and mindless collections of worry and chaos. Ouch. So sad to type that out. Yet it’s true.
But I’m glad to be typing out these next words. IT’S TIME TO UNCLUTTER, REFOCUS, AND SPRING CLEAN THE SOUL!
I realized this after reading a devotional from one of my favorite authors. It was about becoming an uncluttered woman. The words spoke to my heart in a convicting soulful kind of way.
” I know that I should depend solely on God for direction and strength, but the simple fact is I often don’t. Most of us would admit that this is the case. Right?
It’s hard to sift through all that is thrown at us each day. Clutter happens and navigating this silly-dizzy world is difficult. There are ten bazillion things that vie for our attention and clutter our faith: emotions, materialism, negative thinking, overbooked schedules, doubts, legalism, laziness, self-reliance, our past pains and failures, technology, work, our desire to control things, finances, debt, stress, addictions, discontentment and relationships. And I’m just getting started”
Simply put: we over complicate life. We as in me, myself, and I. But I’m sure you can relate. Yes?
So how do I (we) unclutter/declutter and Spring Clean our Souls? Well, I’ll share with you my strategy, although I think this method of “Spring Cleaning the Soul” is very individualized. Either way, we all want the same end result. Peace and joy and a little bit of life tidiness!
SLOWLY and with SMALL STEPS so that we don’t feel overwhelmed.
- I don’t know about you but I feel like I have a lot to sort through to unclutter this soul. It can feel emotionally and mentally draining if we try to tackle it all in one day and try to solve life’s problems. plus it’s unrealistic, right?. Just like my SMALL VICTORIES theory, if we focus on everyday progress then we are getting somewhere. Forward.
ORGANIZE PRIORITIES in order to unclutter properly
- I’m a workaholic. There, I said it. But I am sure many can relate. We work work work and do not take breaks because fear. Fear of missing an opportunity, fear of not making enough money, fear of rest perhaps? And although I LOVE my work, it should not be a priority over health, relationships, faith, and ENJOYMENT. So if you are like me, maybe you need to shift priorities around placing the most VALUABLE on top. Amen! Hold me to it.
Cleaning (Buffering) the soul with GRATITUDE AND WHOLEHEARTEDNESS
- The definition of the word buffer is this — something that serves as a protective barrier. I’d like to think… no, I KNOW that if we buffer our hearts and minds with words of gratitude and wholehearted enthusiasm about life and our journey, then we can protect ourselves from that CLUTTERED life feeling. But you know what that first involves? It involves stripping away the old stuff and then buffering it to protect the new layer. Ohhh.. that’s deep ya’ll. If we strip away feelings of anxiety, stress, perfectionism, and doubt, we can then BUFFER our souls with feelings of love, joy, peace, gratitude, enthusiasm, and kindness. That takes being vulnerable. And as uncomfortable and messy as vulnerability may seem… it calms and sorts through our chaos.
All this being said, there nothing will change until I (we) make the choice to change. Change our focus, our words, our actions, our priorities, our thoughts, our life. And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves a little grace because CHANGE is hard. Mmm k?
Can I get an AMEN!?! —> “AMEN”
And while I’m speaking of needing an “AMEN!” and a lot of Grace….
God sure did give us a lot curveballs this year, but he also gave us a lot of grace while trying to handle those strikeouts. Grace to help cleanse our soul as we worked through the heart of the matter. Why I am writing this? Well, 14 months later and my husband has found a job, another career, another DREAM for us! We will be staying in Texas (for now) and getting our “sh*t together. I’m ready. He’s ready. Spring Cleaning for soul, for our new life path, for our marriage, and for so so much more!
Now, excuse me while I go hide my vulnerable red face. –> WORTH IT.
What do you need to UNCLUTTER? Declutter? Whatever word you prefer.
p.s.
Do yourself a favor, Listen to Brene Brown’s TED TALK. Or just buy her book Daring Greatly. It’s amazing!
Hi, I’m Lindsay! Gluten Free Nutrition Specialist, food photographer and author of 
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Susie @ Suzlyfe says
April 3, 2016 at 8:46 AMI feel like I am just now finally getting myself a bit decluttered mentally. I can’t wait to declutter my space when we move.
Cotter Crunch says
April 3, 2016 at 1:03 PMI feel ya!
neil@neilshealthymeals.com says
April 3, 2016 at 9:15 AMHey Lindsay, So glad that your husband has found another job and another career and that you’re still going to be staying in Texas! Sounds like it’s been a right tough 14 months. Our thoughts are with you both! Neil & Lynne x
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says
April 3, 2016 at 9:40 AMLove it. Thanks for talking so honestly about things. It’s my favorite. Last year was so hard for me personally and professionally and my marriage almost ended in the midst of it all. It takes a lot of work and strength, but if we keep walking, we eventually get through. Glad things are on the upswing!
Cotter Crunch says
April 3, 2016 at 1:04 PMI’m so glad you got through it! Takes a lot of support. Always here for you .and thank you for being an encouragement
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
April 3, 2016 at 9:48 AMSuch a good reminder friend! And yes, I’m a workaholic. Worked until 9pm last night and today my recipes will suffer. Will I ever learn?
Marsha says
April 3, 2016 at 11:39 AMLove Lysa TerKeurst! Staying uncluttered has been a bit of an intention for this year for me….mentally most, keeping my head down and focusing on the path before me and following the direction I feel God has me going. So every now and then I have to tell myself to “stop scrolling” when I get caught up in social media or just keep focused on a project at hand before moving to something else or getting distracted by something trivial.
P.Jeanne says
April 3, 2016 at 5:06 PMI can totally relate to this…I definitely need to follow your steps and declutter my soul. This past year has brought SO much great stuff but I’ve totally overwhelmed my self with saying yes to too much! I’m so happy to hear you guys have found direction and it’s something that your hubby is excited about 🙂 Thank you for sharing ❤
Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} says
April 3, 2016 at 6:16 PMI have a lot of decluttering to do, but I think my soul would be a good place to start. So interested in that book–thanks for sharing it. 🙂
Cotter Crunch says
April 4, 2016 at 9:13 AMYou will love it! <3 keep me posted on the book and the decluttering
Cara's Healthy Cravings says
April 3, 2016 at 6:31 PMWay to be authentic, real and vulnerable my friend, it is not an easy thing!! Cheers to you and your hubby as you figure all this stuff out, whether it’s the joyful moments or the tearful ones. And just remember, “You are Enough” through every step of the journey. xo
Cotter Crunch says
April 4, 2016 at 9:12 AMthank you friend. you are a light to my day!
Katie says
April 3, 2016 at 8:28 PMHooray!!! This makes me so so happy!! 🙂 I love these sunday posts <3
Cotter Crunch says
April 4, 2016 at 9:14 AMYou make me happy! xxoo
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape says
April 3, 2016 at 9:55 PMLove this post Lindsay! I am so glad to hear that positive and encouraging change has come your way and together you can both develop and grow, whilst being an awesome team.
Also very glad to hear that NZ isn’t off the table just yet 😉
Cotter Crunch says
April 4, 2016 at 9:14 AMThank you jen! and yes, NZ is our goal! Stay put! xxoo
Kristy @ Southern In Law says
April 4, 2016 at 1:25 AMLOVE LOVE LOVE this! We all definitely need a regular “spring clean” as it’s so easy to get stuck in a pattern that can quite easily become destructive!
Cotter Crunch says
April 4, 2016 at 9:04 AMwell said friend! and thank YOU!
Chuck says
April 4, 2016 at 1:44 AMThis put a lot in perspective for me as well; Thank you Lindsay! Sending many hugs!
Cotter Crunch says
April 4, 2016 at 8:54 AMThank you Chuck! good to hear from you.
Heather McClees says
April 4, 2016 at 2:06 AMLove this, and I can so relate. I did a closet and pantry purge last month for this very reason. I find it ironic that winter is my favorite season, and yet, it’s also the time I over-complicate life the most. Unclutterimg the soul is so important, and I think it is God’s divine spirit that allows us to do this with a simple (sometimes emotional) pantry or closet purge. Praying for you, xoxo!
Heather McClees says
April 4, 2016 at 2:07 AMUncluttering*
Cotter Crunch says
April 4, 2016 at 9:12 AMI lvoe this and I can soo relate to that pantry purge. I need to RESTOCK with spiritual nourishment.
jill conyers says
April 4, 2016 at 4:37 AMI love Brene Brown! And the brevity of amazing Ted Talks. This post could have been written for me a few months ago. Decluttering is a constant work in progress and I have stopped trying to keep up with unrealistic. Love this Lindsay. No surprise right?
Cotter Crunch says
April 4, 2016 at 8:50 AMYes, I could listen to her all day! And I am so thankful for you!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
April 4, 2016 at 8:33 AMBrene Brown is excellent. I always enjoy her on Oprah. “Daring Greatly” was most inspirational. I just moved into a new apartment, so decluttering was definitely a part of the process. There is something about Spring though that makes you want to clean things out and let the fresh air in. Living in a limited space I am always asking myself “do you need this?” when pondering a new purchase.
Blair says
April 4, 2016 at 9:17 AMYou should be so proud of yourself for recognizing your feelings/thoughts/struggles and confronting them! Loved this post, and I’m so glad that life is moving forward!!!
Cotter Crunch says
April 4, 2016 at 1:43 PMthank you friend. That means a lot
Sana says
April 4, 2016 at 10:28 AMSo happy for the good news for your husband and your marriage!
Cotter Crunch says
April 4, 2016 at 1:51 PMthank you so much Sana!
Sarah | Well and Full says
April 4, 2016 at 1:55 PMAMEN, Lindsay! This is such an amazing post, and your tips for uncluttering the soul are sublime. Also, I really applaud you for talking so openly about your own life/problems in this space…. I bet it was a little scary, but it really helps other people think about THEIR problems and find solidarity with you from experiencing similar things. <3
Cotter Crunch says
April 4, 2016 at 9:39 PMVulnerability. Scary but we all need it, right? Thank you for your kind words friends
Alysia at Slim Sanity says
April 4, 2016 at 3:49 PMCareer changes can be SO hard. And scary. Even though things got hard, the important part is that you helped eachother through it and are now moving into a new beginning! Xoxo
Jess @hellotofit says
April 4, 2016 at 5:10 PMOh, how I appreciate your raw honesty with this post! As the seasons change, I have more material clutter that needs to be decluttered. There are clothes and things that I hold on to that I don’t need! As far as the emotional clutter, I feel like it builds up every month, and I have to constantly declutter and refocus, or recharge. I hold too much in! I can relate to the quote up there; I don’t seek God’s help as much as I want to/should.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
April 6, 2016 at 5:46 AMCongratulations to you and the Kiwi on the new gig. That is fantastic news, and I’m thrilled for you both.
I also appreciate your openness and vulnerability in this post. Life is not always sunshine and roses and usually it’s because we’re off planting our own weeds, without even realizing it. I had to take a huge step back from blogging these past few months, and while I miss it and cooking, I simply couldn’t handle it along with my full time job and growing a tiny human, not without making myself crazy and potentially the Unborn Child. While I’d rather blog, mama has got bills to pay. Also I know, if I’m patient, I will be back to the things I love. It might look a little different, and it also might look a little better; depends on which plants I choose to focus my energy on.
I love this post and YOU.
Cotter Crunch says
April 6, 2016 at 6:43 AMI appreciate you more and am always amazed by you! I know things will be different with blogging when you are a mama but I think it’s going to be GREAT! Clean eats and little feets. <3 Love you, always.
Kim K. says
April 7, 2016 at 12:50 PMjust went through a breakup and i look forward to the day where i am ready to declutter and organize my apartment. it’s been a long time coming and i just know once it’s done, i will feel 100x better! miss you and kiwi!!
Jolene says
April 7, 2016 at 7:33 PMI LOVE this post friend!! One of my favorites from you lately and I loved that passage too. She is such a powerful author! I am sooo glad about the job news and can’t wait to hear more. xoxox always in my prayers!
Cotter Crunch says
April 7, 2016 at 10:21 PMThank you for your continued support friend! Love you
Molly says
April 10, 2016 at 9:59 PMThis is so nice to read because I can totally relate and I love your honesty!
Cotter Crunch says
April 10, 2016 at 10:53 PMThank you Molly!
Chris says
April 27, 2016 at 4:04 PMMy life is all kinds of cluttered and confused and chaotic right now. I know you posted this a while ago, but man this was the perfect thing to read today. I get so anxious not from the clutter necessarily, but just the uncertainty of it all. I thrive on plans; planning gives me a safety net. It helps me to feel in control. I don’t like being out of control. Right now my life is a whirlwind of out of control. I’m searching for strength and guidance, and I’ll use your words here as part of my plan and strategy. Cheers to the spring.
Cotter Crunch says
April 27, 2016 at 9:27 PMuncertainty is scary and allows our thoughts to wander. But focus on the things now, the blessings. I know God has great plans for you Chris. Email me or comment anytime. I get it. Cheers!