Clear Your Mental Clutter

As many of you know, about seven months ago Hubs and I relocated back to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where we lived for almost 20 years before spending seven years in Washington, D.C. We merged two households––our D.C. apartment and the everything we had in storage from our prior Chapel Hill home. To say the least, it is overwhelming to have everything under one roof.

We have been slowly unpacking, focusing on clearing the clutter. We want to get it right by getting organized and ensuring we only hold on to what we really want and need. My motto for this process is the 3 D’s: Donate, Discard, Delight. I am identifying what needs to be donated, what needs to be discarded, and only holding onto what truly delights me. I keep reminding myself that it’s a process to go slow and be intentional. I would rather do it right than do it quickly!

This process has gotten me thinking. How do we clear our mental clutter? What are the parallels? We all have mental clutter. Much of it is not helpful or healthy. What do you need to donate, discard or delight in?

Donate your mental capacity to people and things that are most important to you. Are you taking on other people’s stuff? What mental clutter can you pass along to the rightful owner? 

Discard any mental clutter that is taking up unnecessary space. We let people and issues live in our heads RENT FREE that we would never allow in our homes. What can you discard?

Delight in those things that give you energy and help you be your best self. Where can you focus your attention? What do you need?

Seven ways to manage your mental clutter:

1. Journal about your experience, what is on your mind, your thoughts, your fears, your hopes and dreams. Sometimes writing it down helps clear the clutter. 
2. Write a letter to someone or something you are ready to discard or donate. No need to send or mail. Actually, I recommend you burn the letter after writing and releasing. 
3. Make a pros and cons list to help you analyze an issue or to make a decision. Ask yourself what is the worst that could happen? What is the best that could happen?
4. Meditate – not to clear your mind – it’s impossible with 60,000-80,000 thoughts per day! However, meditate and bring more focus and attention on either your breath or a mantra. Meditation can help you gain a new perspective.
5. Forgive someone. Let go of what happened. It is hurting you more than it is hurting them to hold on so tightly to a past issue.
6. Hire a therapist or coach to work through something challenging and help you find clarity. Working with a neutral, third party, objective professional can help you clear some mental clutter. 
7. Attend a spiritual service or retreat for a dose of positivity and to hit the reset button. A change in scenery and getting out of your element can really support a new way of thinking.

Which of these seven ideas will you try to clear your mental clutter? How can I best support you? Contact me for a discovery call if you decide to pursue #6, hiring a coach.