I have been working on a personal project of de-cluttering which involves organizing and structuring my TIME for both work and play. It is about time managment on the one hand but also about noticing what distractions and interruptions pop in to clutter my plans. So I am writing everything I want to do in my new Franklin planner and paying more attention to what I want to happen with my day and what actually does happen.

One of the questions that came up for me is “Does every thing actually have a Purpose?” Instead of dealing with guilt and regret because I took a nap and didn’t get the laundry done Saturday or feeling aggravated that I had to spend an extra hour on my computer trying to correct some problems - I am realizing that both the ‘nap’ and the ‘computer maintenance’ had a true purpose. It wasn’t that I didn’t want these in my life but rather that I was having trouble making room for them in my time schedule.

So what I am experimenting with now is a trick that not only works for handling household clutter but also mental or emotional clutter or even ‘time clutter’!

You might call it a reality check - it seems to be true that there is only so much space in our house and likewise only so many hours in our days. So if something comes along to distract or disrupt the usual plan then my question becomes “What is it’s purpose?” If I really do need a rest then the nap has a very valid purpose and I will gladly rearrange my work flow and time structure to allow for it. If on the other hand, I am avoiding doing something else from a place of resistance, and can clearly see that the ‘purpose’ is sabotage then I can excuse the notion of the nap and move on to something else on my list.

So you can see how this de-cluttering in your environment can carry over into many areas by simply asking the question - what is the purpose? Do I use it or love it? becomes Does it nurture me or serve a bigger goal? If not, toss it out, recycle or delegate it!

If you have read my previous tips and suggestions for De-Cluttering you will recall the plan of action for selecting what you want to keep and what you are ready to eliminate. We asked: do you either ‘use it’ or ‘love it’? Maybe you found that there were quite a few things tht you really love. Sometimes a ’stuck place’ occurs when we really want to keep some special momentoes and things that have special significance for us - but what to do with them?

One of my clients has been an inspiration for me these last few weeks. I took the opportunity to actually help her with the process over several weeks of sorting through various parts of her home. One of the things that we have both enjoyed is uncovering beloved items and giving them a place of honor.

‘Kathy’ (not her real name) has been very open to this process of letting go, passing on things that could be useful or appreciated by someone else and storing away things that might one day be passed along to family or friends at a more opportune time. What Kathy is now enjoying is the new alive feelings that her home has as she is able to see and appreciate the many small things that have meaning.

We have rearranged photos to make them more attractive and enjoyable, displayed small photos and keepsakes on special shelves and wall areas that didn’t have any ‘aliveness’, added some new color and drama here and there with contact paper, scarves, greeting cards and stuffed animals,etc - all things that were there in the house but not being noticed. We found a special gold gift box to hold some special items that had been just piled in a drawer - not they are a true ‘collection’ to be enjoyed.

Just as it is important to remove objects that have any negative memories or history, it is also very important to honor and celebrate the things that recall loving memories and bring new energy; that represent the person you have now become. If you haven’t been through this process in the last 3-5 years you may be surprised at the changes that you discover about what is now important and sacred and what is not!

And don’t forget to celebrate your new sacred space - maybe a party is called for! Light some candles and bring out some refreshments and enjoy sharing your space with some friends.

You are welcome to share your success stories - click on comments.