I am just wrapping up a January clutter cleanse and I can’t stop talking about it. Essentially, for the month of January, I got rid of an item that corresponded to each day. For example, on the first of January, I got rid of one item. One the second of January, two items had to go. On the third day, three items found their way to Goodwill or the trash … and so on for each corresponding day. I am almost done with the month and it is really amazing to constantly find books, cords, clothes, and junk that can be thrown out each day.
I have been thinking a lot about “clutter” lately — that is, the clutter that is in our minds, our bodies, our homes, and our overall surrounding areas. I have been thinking about the types of television I watch and music I listen to. I have been taking stock of how many old files, books, and clothing items I am holding onto for reasons now unknown. If I am moving toward an abundant life in the fullest sense of the word, how can I have ease and abundance with old items from years past lingering around?
I have been looking at so many items around my house and asking myself if this item still serves a purpose in my life. I have been tackling those infamous junk drawers that hold so many random items, from receipts and rubber bands to old takeout menus and miscellaneous candles. It always amazes me just how light my house feels after I take out the trash after cleaning out just a simple drawer or clearing off an old bookshelf.
Recognizing that I no longer need Latin workbooks from high school or statistics textbooks from graduate school was something akin to leaving an old mountain — I have lugged those items from apartment to apartment and I am not sure why. They are now in the home of someone else and ideally bringing them joy in some way.
As we begin February, a relatively short month, I encourage you to think about a clutter cleanse. All studies show that releasing items allows for more energy to enter your life — fulfilling energy that jump-starts new thoughts and new beginnings. January can be daunting and exhausting, and February is a great way to begin anew. In fact, each month is a great opportunity to begin something new… or each new week … or each new day … or each new moon. We can always find ways to start with new memories. There were so many items I had forgotten I even owned because they were hidden by “stuff” I no longer needed, used, or looked at.
Here’s to releasing in the new month.
Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University; author of the books “How to Build a Democracy: From Fannie Lou Hamer and Barbara Jordan to Stacey Abrams” and “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream”; and co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC.