There’s a reason why decluttering has a tendency to make people happy - it frees up mental energy that was blocked or was just as cluttered as the physical environment surrounding you. And for that same reason, some people put up stubborn resistance to decluttering because what they really are is resistant to change.
While change is often tied to a fear of the unknown, it’s part of the cycle of life, and no matter how much we delay the inevitable, it happens anyway. So why not embrace it? Anything bought, made, or sold is only as good as their frequency and effectiveness. The more we have, the less effort we put into getting the most out of each thing individually. On the surface, having more anything seems satisfying until you take a closer look at what you don’t need or can no longer use. Chances are, if you were to open your refrigerator, a closet, or a drawer, you’ll immediately spot several things that can either be recycled, donated, or discarded.
Looking at, sorting through, or thinking about what we own is as physically and mentally draining as changing too much too fast or avoiding change altogether. For years, my life was literally and figuratively messy. I thought it made me more creative, but without healthy habits to nurture my potential, any bursts of inspiration I acted upon made me shut out everything else, until there came a point where that’s ALL I did…I had no time for cleaning, people I cared about, or goals. I spent money on whatever I fancied, even if it meant poor quality at a low cost, making me buy more, more often.
Being intentional about what products I own so they get used up or can be repurposed is something I am currently striving for, to avoid throwing any more of my money down the drain. I shop for deals on high-quality products that are also sustainable. And while I still don’t have much time (or motivation) to clean and straighten my house, I’ve come to appreciate owning less, which makes it easier to keep things tidy and organized without the hassle, with more time to devote to my faith, family, friends, and goals.
My life is by no means any less busy than it used to be, but I’ve learned how to do fewer tasks with better and longer-lasting results, all because I find joy in being “empty!”
