If there’s one thing that can really make one’s life feel chaotic, it’s clutter.  When our closets, cupboards, desks, offices, etc. are cluttered, our mind feels the same way.  We tend to feel overwhelmed by it all and often don’t know where to begin to fix it.  If you haven’t guessed it yet, I’m talking from experience.  My garage is full of boxes, toys, garden tools, oh my! And yet my car, the whole reason for the garage, does not fit due to all the stuff.

At one point we got a storage unit just to free up some of the garage space.  How ridiculous is that?  We were paying to store stuff, things that we don’t use but are afraid to throw out.  Not that long ago I heard on NPR (National Public Radio) that self-storage business has become so big because we love to own and have things.  They said, “…the unglamorous self-storage business now has revenues exceeding the annual US movie box-office sales…The industry’s annual sales are about $15 billion.”  Can you believe that?

When we begin to let go of material things we gain a little mental freedom.  It’s good to purge oneself of all the stuff we don’t need or use.  Considering we’re doing a Detox Your Life series, this is the ideal time to start.  I’m willing to guess that there’s a good majority of us out there.  Why else would there be a $15 billion a year business in existence if there weren’t more than a few of us?

We can start small.  Even cleaning up the smallest drawer will make you feel better.  Heck, start with your purse or wallet!  Get rid of those old receipts or the business card you took off that guy when you know you’re never going to use him.  Really.  I recently cleaned out two bedroom closets and the coat closet and I swear I was walking with more of a bounce in my step (or was that all the holiday cookies I’ve been eating?).  Regardless, of the reason behind the bounce I did feel in a much better mood because of the de-cluttering of my closets.  I felt I could think clearer because my mind was clear.

I wouldn’t suggest starting with the biggest project unless you have some time off work or better yet, if you’re able to enlist a friend or family member to help.  We all know someone that is super organized.  That’s the person you want to help you.  You can learn a lot from them, especially if you can get them to “show” you how it’s done while you sit back and pretend to take notes.  No, just kidding.  It really is more freeing if you do the work yourself.  Besides, you have a better idea of where everything should go (hint: Not back in the drawer!).  Please remember to keep things out of our landfills by recycling paper, giving usable items to charity or repurposing the item.

Day 1: Motivation
Day 2: Just Breathe
Day 3: Back to Basics with Your Health
Day 4: Giving is Receiving
Day 5: Planning One Day at a Time
Day 6: Just A Spoonful of Sugar
Day 7: Positive Thoughts, Positive Outcomes
Day 8: Filter That Water
Day 9: Yoga At Your Computer
Day 10: Look Your Best, Feel Your Best, Be Your Best
Day 11: Be Alert and Stay Safe
Day 12: Giving Back To The Community Starts At Home
Day 13: Reach For That Pomegranate
Day 14: Breathing and Posture
Day 15:  Detox Your Finances
Day 16: Take Time For Entertainment
Day 17: Detox Your Skin
Day 18: Laugh It Up
Day 19: Live In The Moment
Day 20: Mind Your Chin