Never miss a recipe! Subscribe Here

  • About
  • Contact
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cotter Crunch

Cotter Crunch

Delicious Healthy Gluten Free Recipes

  • All Recipes
    • By Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Egg-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Grain-Free
      • Low-Carb
      • Nightshade-Free
      • Nut-Free
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
    • By Type
      • Breakfasts
      • Casseroles
      • Condiments
      • Desserts
      • Drinks
      • Main Dishes
      • Sides & Salads
      • Snacks & Appetizers
      • Stews & Soups
    • By Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Blender
      • Instant Pot
      • No-Bake
      • Oven
      • Slow Cooker
      • Stovetop
    • Quick Meals
    • With Video
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
  • Start Here
    • Gluten-Free Eating
    • More Diet Guides
      • Autoimmune Protocol
      • Anti-Inflammatory
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
  • Cookbooks
  • Search
Home › Resources › Inspiration & Encouragement

Spring Cleaning for the Soul: Why We Need to Unclutter and Reprioritize Life

Avatar photo

by Lindsay Cotter Posted: April 3, 2016

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.

Spring Cleaning for the Soul: Why We Need to Unclutter and Reprioritize Life

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?

Lysa Terkuerst Proverbs31.org

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!

Spring Cleaning for the Soul: Why We Need to Unclutter and Reprioritize Life

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.

cotters - life update

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. 

 

www.cottercrunch.com

 

 

 

p.s.

Do yourself a favor, Listen to Brene Brown’s TED TALK. Or just buy her book Daring Greatly. It’s amazing!

 

10 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Categories: Inspiration & Encouragement

More recipes you’ll love!

Welcome to Restorative Month!
cotter crunch kitchen studio space
Studio Space to Share – We’re 80% there!
where woman cook farmhouse table magazine on table with vintage cameras and wooden word 'sweet' in white
Behind the Scenes: I Stopped Waiting for Things to be Perfect
Vizsla puppy on leash against concrete background looking straight at camera, text overlay with "Merry Christmas the Cotter Crew"
Life Behind the Scenes – Christmas Card Edition {Perspective Shifts}
Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Have a question? Use ctrl+f or ⌘+f on your computer or the “find on page” function on your phone browser to search existing comments!

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Rate & Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Chris

    04/27/2016 at 4:04 PM

    My 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.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/27/2016 at 9:27 PM

      uncertainty 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!

      Reply
  2. Molly

    04/10/2016 at 9:59 PM

    This is so nice to read because I can totally relate and I love your honesty!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/10/2016 at 10:53 PM

      Thank you Molly!

      Reply
  3. Jolene

    04/07/2016 at 7:33 PM

    I 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!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/07/2016 at 10:21 PM

      Thank you for your continued support friend! Love you

      Reply
  4. Kim K.

    04/07/2016 at 12:50 PM

    just 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!!

    Reply
  5. [email protected]

    04/06/2016 at 5:46 AM

    Congratulations 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.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/06/2016 at 6:43 AM

      I 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.

      Reply
  6. Jess @hellotofit

    04/04/2016 at 5:10 PM

    Oh, 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.

    Reply
  7. Alysia at Slim Sanity

    04/04/2016 at 3:49 PM

    Career 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

    Reply
  8. Sarah | Well and Full

    04/04/2016 at 1:55 PM

    AMEN, 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

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/04/2016 at 9:39 PM

      Vulnerability. Scary but we all need it, right? Thank you for your kind words friends

      Reply
  9. Sana

    04/04/2016 at 10:28 AM

    So happy for the good news for your husband and your marriage!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/04/2016 at 1:51 PM

      thank you so much Sana!

      Reply
  10. Blair

    04/04/2016 at 9:17 AM

    You 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!!!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/04/2016 at 1:43 PM

      thank you friend. That means a lot

      Reply
  11. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment

    04/04/2016 at 8:33 AM

    Brene 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.

    Reply
  12. jill conyers

    04/04/2016 at 4:37 AM

    I 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?

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/04/2016 at 8:50 AM

      Yes, I could listen to her all day! And I am so thankful for you!

      Reply
  13. Heather McClees

    04/04/2016 at 2:06 AM

    Love 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!

    Reply
    • Heather McClees

      04/04/2016 at 2:07 AM

      Uncluttering*

      Reply
      • Cotter Crunch

        04/04/2016 at 9:12 AM

        I lvoe this and I can soo relate to that pantry purge. I need to RESTOCK with spiritual nourishment.

        Reply
  14. Chuck

    04/04/2016 at 1:44 AM

    This put a lot in perspective for me as well; Thank you Lindsay! Sending many hugs!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/04/2016 at 8:54 AM

      Thank you Chuck! good to hear from you.

      Reply
  15. Kristy @ Southern In Law

    04/04/2016 at 1:25 AM

    LOVE 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!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/04/2016 at 9:04 AM

      well said friend! and thank YOU!

      Reply
  16. Jen @ Chase the Red Grape

    04/03/2016 at 9:55 PM

    Love 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 😉

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/04/2016 at 9:14 AM

      Thank you jen! and yes, NZ is our goal! Stay put! xxoo

      Reply
  17. Katie

    04/03/2016 at 8:28 PM

    Hooray!!! This makes me so so happy!! 🙂 I love these sunday posts <3

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/04/2016 at 9:14 AM

      You make me happy! xxoo

      Reply
  18. Cara's Healthy Cravings

    04/03/2016 at 6:31 PM

    Way 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

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/04/2016 at 9:12 AM

      thank you friend. you are a light to my day!

      Reply
  19. Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama}

    04/03/2016 at 6:16 PM

    I 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. 🙂

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/04/2016 at 9:13 AM

      You will love it! <3 keep me posted on the book and the decluttering

      Reply
  20. P.Jeanne

    04/03/2016 at 5:06 PM

    I 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 ❤

    Reply
  21. Marsha

    04/03/2016 at 11:39 AM

    Love 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.

    Reply
  22. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious

    04/03/2016 at 9:48 AM

    Such 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?

    Reply
  23. Erin @ Erin's Inside Job

    04/03/2016 at 9:40 AM

    Love 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!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/03/2016 at 1:04 PM

      I’m so glad you got through it! Takes a lot of support. Always here for you .and thank you for being an encouragement

      Reply
  24. [email protected]

    04/03/2016 at 9:15 AM

    Hey 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

    Reply
  25. Susie @ Suzlyfe

    04/03/2016 at 8:46 AM

    I feel like I am just now finally getting myself a bit decluttered mentally. I can’t wait to declutter my space when we move.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      04/03/2016 at 1:03 PM

      I feel ya!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Reader Favorites

  • photo collage of dairy-free gluten-free anti-inflammatory meal plan recipes
    Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan {Dairy Free, Gluten-Free Recipes & Tips}
  • cinnamon bites in turquoise bowl, top protein ball has bite taken out to show inside texture.
    Cinnamon Vanilla Protein Breakfast Bites + Video
  • a bowl of curried cauliflower rice soup
    Curried Cauliflower Soup with Kale
  • Collage of 4 saucepans and skillets filled with 4 different varieties of gluten free roux.
    How to Make Gluten Free Roux for Keto Sauces + Soups
  • stack of dried orange slices on white background
    Dried Orange Slices (Oven or Dehydrator)
  • a skillet full of four balsamic roasted cranberry chicken thighs surrounded by roasted cranberries
    Balsamic Roasted Cranberry Chicken

Recipes by Diet

  • Dairy-Free
  • Egg-Free
  • Gluten-Free
  • Grain-Free
  • Low-Carb
  • Nightshade-Free
  • Nut-Free
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Whole30

Recipes by Method

  • Air Fryer
  • Blender
  • Instant Pot
  • No-Bake
  • Oven
  • Slow Cooker
  • Stovetop

Recipes by Type

  • Breakfasts
  • Casseroles
  • Condiments
  • Desserts
  • Drinks
  • Main Dishes
  • Sides & Salads
  • Snacks & Apps
  • Stews & Soups

Resources & More

  • Meal Plans
  • Nutrition Guides
  • How-To
  • Quick Meals
  • Videos
  • Round Ups
  • Cookbook
  • GF Start Here
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Cotter Crunch
  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Contact

© 2023 · Cotter Crunch · Disclaimer & Terms · Privacy Policy

10 shares