Okay, what do you see in this picture? It’s unfortunately the result of me cleaning out my pantry after a few years and realizing how far I had let it get cluttered. I’m also frustrated with myself because of the neglect. What you don’t also see are the numerous draws and cabinets that followed the same decluttering all in the same July 4th weekend. I’m proud that I did the work and have a clean slate for our family and for my soul. But what else happened that weekend is the real story…
Why did the kitchen get so cluttered? Because there are closed doors. When the doors are closed, the world sees a clean kitchen. I focused on the window dressing for the last few years and quietly ignored the clutter that was building up behind the scenes. I got accustomed to moving things around to find what I needed and was not incentivized to do much more. Sound familiar?
I also was putting on a facade of taking care of myself and my well-being. I know I’ve been on a journey that has made me look better on the outside. Many of you have commented about my transformation. But behind the facade, there was still clutter and a lack of commitment to lose weight. I’m quite healthy, so there was no urgency to change. However, building up inside was clutter that I was not proud of. I’m pleased to say given now the clean kitchen inside and out, I’m also decluttering my body both outside and inside. Stay tuned for more changes.
Turning now to you, I pose a few questions for you to ponder:
- Do have a great life, but maybe you are still uncertain about the future?
- Did you recently take a vacation, but really didn’t fully relax and feel renewed?
- Do you have everything you need, but still worry about financial security?
- Do you have a closet or draw you’ve been meaning to clean up, but procrastinate?
- Could it be you’ve worked hard to be a better You, but fall short of fulfilling your soul?
The theme is falling short of truly committing to yourself and until you think about that gap between great and being fulfilled, you may never feel like you’ve decluttered your life.
Take a look at my kitchen again and can you see the clutter that may still hold you back from feeling amazing?
My advice to you: Take one draw, one cabinet, one car, one plant, one pile and clean it up. In the process, your mind will be clear or it might wander. I promise you by the time you clean up the 1st, the 2nd and the 10th thing in your surroundings, you’ll cleanse your soul and maybe find a path to fulfillment in other areas.
Let me know if you tried this and what came to you as a result of the process.
For me, I have a clean kitchen and when I get back from my business trip, the huge pile of photographs may finally get organized! I’m also focused on an evolved branding campaign and an intense weight loss program. I’ll show you pictures of my progress! I’d love to see yours after you take the first step!
Until then, happy cleaning!
-Deb
