Colleen Walsh Jednak is an expert in happiness, holistic health, and creating blueprints for a balanced life. She is the founder of Strong Mamas, LLC.
In the 16th Century, William Shakespeare wrote "The Merchant of Venice," which included the memorable line, “all that glitters is not gold.” The broad interpretation of this phrase is that things may not be as valuable as they appear. Truth. However, when it comes to your home, beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. I have a disco ball that I found in the trash room of an apartment building where I lived. It does not have any resale value at all, but it has been hanging in every home I have moved to since acquiring it and has given me immense joy.
As a life coach, I am a huge fan of decluttering and keeping things simple. I am also a big proponent of living your best life; one that follows your preferences and rules for joy and not worrying about anyone else’s opinions. You will find that clearing your countertops also creates space to achieve your other life goals.
This might be a lot to take in all at once. Let’s break it down into bite-sized pieces.
Why declutter and go through a “spring” cleaning? (This can happen at any time of the year…I like September when we are all in the back-to-school and sharpen your pencils frame of mind.) When my clients are stuck or blue or trying to make a change in their life, whether it is weight loss, job change, or looking for a new relationship, taking on a tangible challenge with a beginning and an ending can help with all those other goals too. Plus, it leaves you with a serene environment, which always allows you to think more clearly and act more decisively.
First, go through each room or space in your home with a notebook and pen and jot down what you love or would like to change about the room. Painting, decluttering, organizing, donating. Now, schedule those changes in your calendar so you have an action plan.
If you have something like my disco ball that you love, it stays. It does not matter what anyone else thinks about that item if it makes you smile. If you are holding on to something because someone you love gave it to you and it brings you happiness, it stays. If you have an item just because you have always had it, but it no longer serves you, it goes.
Go through every drawer. Every closet. Every inch.
We change. We grow. As Marie Kondo says, if you no longer need an item, thank it, and donate it. No guilt. Here is a tip: when you make your donation pile, do your absolute best to take those items to a place to donate them on the same day. If you now have a pile of bags to give away for weeks, this will not increase your feelings of peace and of moving forward. So, even if you are tired, finish the task and make the donation.
What you have left in your space should be things you need and things you love. When you look at those possessions, you should be able to see their inner glitter.
Now, think about the functionality of each space. Your closet will typically work better if you have all your shirts together, group your pants, your shoes, your sneakers. Will your clothes themselves sparkle? Likely not. But the feeling you get when you can get dressed and get out of the house faster should make you feel lighter and happier. When your drawers and closets are not stuffed with items that no longer fit you or serve you, you will be left with what you want to wear. This gives you a greater sense of control and order which leads to confidence.
In your kitchen, do you have Tupperware with mismatched bottoms and tops? Consider recycling those rather than wasting time each time looking for the missing pieces and getting frustrated. See the pattern? Streamlining your home = streamlining your life. Let your home work for you and not against you. If you have children who live with you, do the same thing around their daily processes…drop zones for backpacks, sneakers, and sports gear keep your whole home tidy and makes the morning flow rather than scramble.
You will learn through this decluttering that you can make changes in your life. You can do hard things. You can manifest and achieve. You can create a life that sparkles.
If this entire process seems overwhelming, consider hiring a life coach to accompany you in person or via FaceTime. Sometimes just having company can give you the confidence to begin. You will not regret making room in your home by organizing it. By making room physically, you also make room for innovative ideas, for happiness, for peace. When you sit down to express your gratitude for the progress, you just may see all that glitters. Breathe. All will be well.
Read more from Colleen Walsh Jednak
Colleen Walsh Jednak, Life Coach, Happiness Coach, Writer/Speaker, Lifestyle Coach
Colleen Walsh Jednak is an expert in happiness, holistic health, and creating blueprints for a balanced life. She is the founder of Strong Mamas, LLC and has been helping mothers of all ages decrease their feelings of stress while improving their physical and emotional health. Her mission is Health, Hope, and Happiness.
