Have you ever felt the need to declutter your life?
To be quite honest…I never really thought I needed to. It wasn’t until I moved house recently that I came to the shocking realisation that…I was a hoarder. What’s worse is coming to the understanding that this wasn’t just a habit that allowed me to accumulate pointless “things” but it also leaked into every other facet of my life (gulp).
So what did I do?
I copped the cold hard truth and came to the realisation that I was the culprit in making my life chaotic. This was a hard cross to bare, especially when all I really wanted was the serenity of simplicity.
So, seeking the positive side to moving house, I took this as a prime opportunity to K.I.S (‘Keep It Simple’) and really simplify all facets of my life. And you know what… already I have found it so empowering, invigorating and to be honest, a massive relief! De-cluttering is really a lot of fun.
How did I start?
Looking around my home, I was thinking about what I could tackle first. It was then that I decided to narrow it down to these few things: My closet, phone/computer, training regime, shopping, beauty cabinet, and my own thought life.
1. Decluttering my mind:
I grabbed a pen and paper and released everything that was consuming my thought life and burdening my spirit. And I mean everything! From the seemingly silly things to substantial life changing decisions I was faced with. This was the foundation of my decluttering. When I was done, it was like a heavy weight was lifted from my shoulders, and from there I felt released to sift through other areas of my life contently and with renewed strength.
Note to you: It all starts with your headspace, once you abide yourself to K.I.S it makes decluttering in every area of your life possible.
2. Decluttering My Beauty Regime:
Through modeling and being an ambassador, it’s safe to say I have had my fair share of beauty products applied to my face, and as a result, have accumulated a whole lot of product. This may seem like an awesome thing, but considering the fact I use a mere 5% of it all, now is the ideal time to K.I.S and start fresh. So what did I do? I culled all the things that I hadn’t used in the past 6-months or more, think crushed eye shadows, vintage mascara tubes and grubby brushes. I then made the executive decision to get rid of all of my MAC products, and swap it for nourishing products made by Australian owned brands, like ISSADA mineral makeup. Let me tell you something, this felt AMAZING, plus my skin loves me more for it too.
Note to you: Try not to hold onto sample packs or products that you haven’t used in over 6-months. Give yourself some clarity in your beauty regime, and of course K.I.S.
3. Decluttering My Closet:
Okay, so being a very eclectic personality, I don’t have one particular clothing style. I wear whatever goes, and I dress for how I feel that day. Because of this, my wardrobe has become quite extensive, and rather cluttered and confused. So, I took this prime opportunity when I moved house to be ruthless. Possessions only become moth eaten and turn to dust and rust at the end of the day anyway, right? So I got over my attachment to items and confronted myself by asking the question…
“Bec, have you worn this in the last year?”
I was amazed at how much I hadn’t worn so I culled – BIG TIME! My friends and the local Op shop were happy recipients of the unwanted, and that was an awesome feeling too.
Note to you: If you haven’t worn it in over a year (or ever) declutter and pass it on to someone who will enjoy wearing it. It’s very rewarding!
5. Simplifying My Shopping Strategy:
Being a female, I can get a little impulsive, which inclines me to spend money on anything and everything from time-to-time. So this was a simple K.I.S fix. All I had to do was exercise some self-control and be strategic in making a shopping list and sticking to it! Think about it like this, every hard earned dime and penny that you spend could be plopped in the piggy bank and put towards your dream holiday or that new sport you have always wanted to play. Thinking of things like this helped me to be self-controlled, and I am no longer excessively buying things that I don’t need, which multiply the clutter in my life.
Note to you: Be content with what you have, you don’t need all that extra stuff. People who have less than you, are just as happy, so why can’t you be?
6. Decluttering my computer, phone, ipad etc.
You know when you see people dumping inspirational quotes and images onto their desktop? Yeah, well that’s me. Just even looking at my disorderly desktop and scattered folders really stresses me out. Not to mention the inbox (logging on each morning and receiving the influx of junk mail certainly makes me regret signing up for group-ons). Now, I vow to organise my folders/desktop weekly and re-name, delete and put emails, images and documents in their correct place. This simple change brings me such clarity and relief and helps me to keep focused and work more effectively.
Note to you: Don’t be lazy; take those few minutes to go the extra mile in keeping your desktop/emails/folders orderly. It makes a huge difference in the long haul.
7. Simplifying My Approach To Working Out:
When it comes to working out, I was really beginning to feel a little overwhelmed when I tried to decide HOW to move my body each week. If you don’t have a routine or plan in place, there are just so many options…
“Do I do arms, legs, core or bootcamp, boxing, running, swimming or yoga?”
What makes it worse is that I had it in my head that I MUST exercise for an hour each time, which was not always realistic with my schedule. So, when I would get into these indecisive flurries, I would end up not wanting to work out at all. However, since having the mantra of “K.I.S” I have come to the conclusion that IT DOESN’T MATTER how long you exercise for or what you do, as long as you do it! Even if it’s a 20-minute stint on the excercyle, it all counts. For me, keeping to a routine and not being too hard on myself has significantly helped to declutter my exercise routine, plus increased fitness and a clearer headspace to boot!
Note to you: At the end of the day, you don’t need to flog your beautiful body by training every day because the recovery days are when you recuperate and build better muscle quality. Your rest days are just as important as your training days so don’t clutter your routine!
What can you declutter in your life?
Be INSPIRED to declutter & K.I.S in your life. Some other areas that you can de-clutter could be: in the nooks and crannies of your home, your car, wallet, handbag, your old room at your parents, desk, the way you cook, pantry, and even your relationships. There is no facet of your life that is exempt from a good and decent decluttering.
For me, taking the opportunity to simplify & declutter certain areas of my life was a completely freeing process, and it certainly made me a whole lot more appreciative for all the little things in my life. If (without any reservations) you can part ways with material possessions and habits that clutter your mind, spirit, home life, work life and everything in between, trust me when I say you will feel like a renewed woman before you know it!
I believe the art of simplicity is remembering that worldly possessions only turn to dust and rust at the end of the day, so choose them wisely because for where your treasures lie, so also does your heart. Don’t let yourself be fooled, because nearly all the time, less is more! On this particular Monday Motivation, I urge you to declutter & simplify your life, it is the perfect primer for beginning to experience the beauty of simplicity.
Love Bec
Xx