Stick those unworn flare jeans back to where they came from, shove those hole-y socks where no one can see them and gently step away from your closet. Yes, this is spring cleaning… but not as you know it.
We’re told to discard and dust off material things we no longer need but how often do we look within ourselves to see what we need to let go of? In celebration of Spring being the season of growth and rebirth, we’re taking this opportunity to declutter the dusty pockets of our mind, to make them fresh for the approaching new year.
Here’s your guide to getting started. We promise, it’s just as necessary as throwing out that itchy jumper. What you can do:
1. Declutter your mind.
What you’ll need: Pen and paper.
We collect way too many thoughts in our heads that often don’t serve us. They could be beliefs we’ve formed at a young age, something shitty someone once said or our own negative self-talk.
Find a quiet spot with your journal or some paper. Write down every negative thought that comes to mind. It could be, “I’ll never be good enough” or “I keep making the same mistakes!” or “Writing a list about shitty thoughts makes me feel stupid.” Yes, if that last thought comes up, write it down too.
Now, think of new and alternative ways of speaking to yourself. What does this look and sound like? It could be, “I don’t always know what I’m doing but it’s not going to stop me from trying”, “I am willing to learn” or “My mistakes do not define who I am. I can move forward.”
Pay attention to what you’re saying to yourself and release the thoughts that no longer fit who you are and who you want to be. Clear them out and make space for what serves you instead.
2. Sweep through your socials.
What you’ll need: Your phone. Brutal honesty with yourself.
Tap, scroll, like, repeat. Our apps can easily become nothing more than a collection of perfectly made-up celebrities, brands that tell us we need this new thing, selfies and someone else’s weekend plans. If any of that brings you down, here’s a suggestion: Unfollow.
Be brutally honest with yourself if these are the people, pages or brands who inspire you on a personal or professional level or if they’re the ones who create insta-envy the minute you wake up.
If you’re feeling extra courageous, maybe delete that ex or weekend fling you have on Facebook. Do you still speak to this person? Do you want them in your life? If the answer is no, liberate yourself from the weird need to stay Facebook-friends… it really doesn’t mean anything outside the digital world.
3. Dust off old friendships.
What you’ll need: A dose of courage.
Is there someone in your life you’ve lost touch with? Maybe work got busy, you moved… or life just got in the way. It happens to the best of us. If you’re looking for a sign to reach out, this is it. Send a text, call, schedule a catch up and put it in your calendar.
The people we care about are a reminder that we’re not alone in life. So no matter how tough or busy it’s been for you or them, drop them a note and check in. One of our favourite questions at Indigo is to ask, “How are you, really?” We think that’s a great place to start.
