How to Declutter Your Life by Tonia

What does it really mean to let go?
There are different ways to let go. When you hold onto beliefs, ideas, and stories that cause you suffering it looks like tension, stress, anger, resentment, anxiety and overall disconnection. When you won’t let go of belongings that you don’t need anymore you end up with chaos, confusion and a cluttered mind. When we hold on to how things “should” be done, we don’t have enough time to do other things that are important, including taking care of health and well-being.

Holding on means you are stuck in the past and to let go means to be present with what is now. Letting go means you’ve come to terms with what has happened. The power is in the now and that is where you can create. Now is where you are connected to your body, breath and your conscious mind. Letting go means cutting the energetic ties to the past that keep you weighed down, depressed, and stuck.

Decluttering Your Outer World
When you begin to declutter your outer world it allows you to see the inner patterns that created the clutter in the first place. When you let go of belongings in an intentional and conscious way you also let go of the emotional attachments you have to them( old beliefs, thoughts, “shoulds”, guilt, shame and resentments). This doesn’t mean getting rid of most of your belongings and becoming a minimalist. It also doesn’t mean that you have to do it in one round. It is a process of understanding what was coming in, why you are keeping it and what stops you from letting it go.

Step 1 – Connect
Get clear on what your values and intentions are. Make a list of 10 values that are most important to you now and then group them into three main themes. Those three themes will be your anchors for when you need to make decisions. You’ll reference them to see, ok, if commitment is important to me then skipping the gym today doesn’t align with that value.

Next is having a general sense of what your intentions are during this process. Then make a list of what anchors you will use to help you stay focused, grounded and connected when you get distracted, triggered, or overwhelmed. For example, going for a walk, doing a meditation, putting your hand on your heart.

Step 2 – Create
What is it that you want to create in your life? Creating is one of the wonderful gifts of being human. When we set definitive goals we stifle our creativity. Focusing on what you want to create gives you a map to follow that is wide open for life to happen and allow for change. When we focus on creating it allows for ideas, opportunities and possibilities that are way beyond what we originally thought. The values and intentions are your anchor to stay focused and not stray too far away.

Step 3 – Release
Take an inventory of what you have. I always recommend to start with your spaces and keep it simple by starting with one category at a time, ie. clothing, books. Do this by sorting that category on a large cleared surface, make an excel sheet for time and finances and use a journal when you are reflecting on your relationships.
Once you see it all,you are able to gain a lot of insight, awareness and guidance on what needs to change. Now it’s time to let go of what doesn’t match your values, intentions and what you want to create!

This step is probably the biggest one because the insight you gain allows you to see WHY you have so much life clutter. It could be a belief that you can’t let go of something because you might need it one day and understand that the fear is causing havoc in your life. Getting support and guidance from a trauma therapist or coach during this phase is integral to making true change.

Step 4 – Recalibrate and reorganize
Now it’s time to recalibrate with what’s left and get organized. When it comes to your belongings it means zoning your spaces so that they match your intentions. For example, you want to read more so you move your shelf next to a reading chair and have all your books there instead of having them in multiple places. When it comes to your time, you zone your day for what you are focusing on. For example, having a set time to check emails instead of doing it often and randomly throughout the day, which inevitably wastes time.

Step 5 – Rhythm
Getting into your rhythm means setting boundaries and creating new habits so that you can sustain the changes you’ve made. Where do you need to start saying no? Is it when you go shopping and see something on sale that you don’t need (this helps both financially and with physical clutter)? What habits and daily routines will you integrate to help keep your spaces organized so that you can focus on what you are creating instead of feeling stressed and overwhelmed? How will you integrate more self care and focus around your wellbeing and overall health?

Decluttering Your Inner World
Sounds a little weird, eh!? The reality is clutter comes in different forms including our minds, hearts and body. If you fill your mind with negative thoughts about yourself it creates clutter and prevents you from seeing your true essence. If you fill your body with food and substances that cause harm then it gets clogged up and doesn’t run smoothly and optimally. You get the picture.

This internal clutter then affects the decisions you make, how you behave and how you feel about yourself. This comes from a combination of how you grew up, your life experiences both in the home and the world around you, cultural viewpoints, trauma etc. Often people get disconnected from their inner world in order to cope and survive. This causes a weakening of intuition, mind-body connection and being able to act from your true power and with compassion. To learn more about this process you can check out this video here.