Discover the Power of Compassionate Decluttering

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Would you believe me if I told you there is not a single person on this planet who doesn’t have clutter?

Well, it’s the truth. No matter how tidy, organized, or mindful a person is, there will always be something (or someone) that can be cleared.

Clutter is anything or anyone that gets in the way of you living an optimal life, and because each of us will forever be a work in progress (I mean, how boring would it be to be “perfect”?), we all carry some form of clutter.

Compassion and Clutter

Recognizing that you’re not alone and that there’s no overarching finish line in your decluttering journey may inspire some compassion. After all, clutter doesn’t define your worth or your abilities. It’s just a normal part of our lives.

But that’s not to say clutter is devoid of emotion. The process of clearing clutter often stirs up a tornado of emotions and the best thing you can do is honor that rollercoaster.

The Emotional Journey of Decluttering

Feeling sentimental or guilty when letting go is natural. When these feelings arise, grab a journal and pour your heart out.

Kindness and compassion mean accepting and embracing your emotions rather than pushing them away.

Long-standing change never comes from a self punitive place. You’ll have much more decluttering success when you give yourself grace with your pace and feel whatever comes up without judgment.

Curiosity as a Tool

Another powerful tool in the art of decluttering is curiosity. When you find yourself unable to get started, have that difficult conversation, or make a healthier choice, instead of getting critical, get curious.

How might you benefit from not clearing the clutter you say you want gone? Get compassionately curious and see what insights you can uncover.

The Hidden Perks of Inaction

During your investigation, leave your judgment at the door. You’re not looking for reasons why you’re not good enough. Instead, you’re looking for those hidden perks or “secondary gains,” you get from not taking action.

For example, by avoiding the papers on your desk, you’re also avoiding facing the unopened bills and your potential fears around money.

Or by allowing yourself to be mistreated by a friend, you’re avoiding having to set what could be a difficult boundary.

Decluttering: More than Just Cleaning Up

Decluttering isn’t just about setting aside time and pushing yourself; it’s about understanding your behavior and the emotions tied to your clutter. The stubborn jobs can teach you a lot about yourself and it’s through compassionate curiosity that that happens.

Remember, the decluttering job is never done, and that’s okay. Clearing clutter is an ongoing act of self-care and a way to create space for a more balanced and harmonious life.

Be gentle, my friend.

P.S. If you’d like some compassionate support on your decluttering journey, join me in my online membership community Clutter Clear Your Life. With an assortment of workshops, courses, and weekly live sessions, you’ll find a loving environment for you as you make space in your world for your very best life.