When you think of clutter, do you think of stuff or disorganization around your home? That is certainly one definition of clutter, but clutter is so much more than that. Clutter can be unfinished projects that are hanging over your head, or tolerations that you put up with in life. Clutter is unhealthy relationships, bad habits, negative thoughts and destructive emotional states. Basically, clutter is anything that interferes with living your best life and being your best self.

Why care about the clutter? Clutter is an instant energy drain. Whether it's messy closets, a bad attitude, a job you don't like, or unpaid taxes, they all interfere with living a joyful and fulfilling life. When you get rid of the clutter, you love yourself enough to grow and be your best. You know the old saying, "Out with the old and in with the new". Addressing the clutter in your life opens the door for new and exciting things to happen. Every time I say goodbye to something that is no longer aligned with my best life, a new opportunity magically appears.

There are four major areas of our lives that clutter tends to accumulate. Let's address each of these areas individually.

Physical Environment
Your physical environment consists of your home, office, and automobile. Decluttering your environments includes tossing out the junk and organizing what you wish to keep. When you walk into your space, are you nurtured by it? Is it clean and decorated in a way that brings you peace and happiness? Decluttering your environment means that everything in it is in good working order. Right now, my vehicle needs several repairs and it affects me. My air conditioner doesn't work. The driver side's window doesn't open, the electric locks make a loud grinding noise, and the fuel injector pump is going out. Does my car run and get me around? It does, but it's annoying to have these loose ends not taken care of. I don't enjoy driving my car. How are your environments? Do they enable you to live healthily and happily?

Health and Emotional Balance
Your physical and emotional health is all about you. Decluttering yourself physically and emotionally means you are taking the steps to eat right, exercise regularly and take care of your mind and body. You are addressing any health concerns and keeping regular checks ups with your doctor. Decluttering forces you to address stress in your life and do whatever it takes to live a peaceful existence. Maintaining emotional balance includes managing your thought and emotional life - doing your best to keep your mind positive. It means you are intellectually stimulating your brain, fostering creativity, and avoiding the things that are damaging to your mental state, like overworking or watching too much TV. When you've decluttered yourself, you look and feel good.

Money
Decluttering in the area of money requires us to maintain healthy financial habits. What is a healthy money manager? A healthy money manager has addressed all her emotional issues with money. She is comfortable handling money, and uses her money wisely. Decluttering requires you to address overspending or living in the dark when it comes to your financial picture. Having healthy financial habits means you are saving money for both short term and long term needs. You have a will that addresses all your assets, including your children. People in a healthy financial state understand the value of giving and not holding too tightly to money. Bills are paid on time, and debt is non-existent, with the exception of a mortgage. A healthy money manager is educated in wise investments or has a reliable and trusted financial advisor. Money is a tool that is necessary for you to live life in the way that is important to you.

Relationships
Relationships in your life include your family, friends, co-workers, and boss. Decluttering in the area of relationships means you are addressing any relationship problems and that you generally get along well with the people in your life. You have removed the relationships from your life that regularly drag you down or damage you. Keeping healthy relationships requires us to keep in touch with people by in person, phone or email visits. To declutter your relationships, you need to forgive everyone who has hurt you and put full closure to the relationships that are no longer in your life. Doing your part to maintain healthy relationships requires you to speak truthfully, avoid gossiping, and steer clear of criticizing and judging others. When we've decluttered our relationships, they provide the love and support we need on this journey through life.

Take an honest look at your life. In what areas could you use a little decluttering? What needs to change to help you live your best life and be your best self? Our pastor shared a thought that is worth hanging on to: "If I want my life to change, I must change." I'll take it one step further. "If I want to grow and live my best life, I must grow and be my best self."

Copyright © 2007 Lori Radun, CEC
Lori Radun, CEC is a certified life coach for moms. To receive her newsletter, other coaching products, and the special report, "155 Things Moms Can do To Raise Great Children," go to True2You Life Coaching.

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