Clearing out the bad before adding the good

More and more people, especially in the last six years since the covid pandemic are more health conscious than they used to be. Every day people get a diagnosis which means they need to change what they are doing or they just get fed up with eating a certain way and want to create new habits.

We have to create space to allow the new in and although it's different for everyone I find it easier to release the old first to create a fresh environment for the new.

A good start is to brainstorm on a piece of paper or the Notes app on your phone if there is no paper around what is currently feeling negative in your life. This could be your home, certain people, your schedule, your exercise regime, your self care time.

Then start to see what can be removed.

1. Physical

If you have clutter at home, start by working on one area a day so it doesn't feel overwhelming. One wardrobe, one box, one drawer. Repeat for six days a week and give yourself one day off as a break.

If it's paperwork , work through one pile a day, burn, shred and recycle what you don't need.

If it's emails, go through a few each day.

If it's photos, delete a few each day.

2. Mental

I have clients telling me they wake up at night and can’t go back to sleep and although this can be hormone related, it can be the sheer weight of what is on your mind.

Look at what is absolutely necessary and delegate other things to another time.

Pick three things to focus on each day and then repeat. Give yourself a day off each week just to be, and write down the three things to focus on the following day so psychologically you know it's in hand.

3. Emotional

I think most of us have regrets, and sometimes we think “If only I had done this when I was younger” or ‘I wish I could be more…”. Accept the past is gone and look at what you can do now. If you are holding grudges, see if you can release them. It does not mean you forgive the person or situation, you are just allowing yourself not to carry the weight of it constantly.

When we have released a little from our lives we often feel lighter in mood and spirit and begin to see the possibilities available. We are the creators of our own lives, we all have the ability to try new things, learn new skills and change our minds. It’s not too late, there is always time and just because things have been a certain way doesn’t mean they have to stay that way. Sometimes when we don't have space, we can't see a way out but when we release and create space we realise there is room for new habits and a life that benefits us more. Then is a good time to look at what we would like to bring into our lives and start to make a plan of how we can make it happen.

Wishing you a wonderful week,

Claire