Spring cleaning is something almost all of us take part in. The weather gets warmer, windows are opened, we wipe away the dust, pack up the sweaters, and bring out the spring and summer clothes. We spend a lot of time cleaning up our homes and sprucing up our landscapes, but we should also take this opportunity to look inward and reflect on what might need to be cleaned up within ourselves.
Here are a few ways to think about that:
1. Clear out what doesn’t belong.
Take a moment and think about what may be taking up space in your life that shouldn’t be. Maybe it’s constant scrolling, a bad habit, a negative mindset, or even just noise that keeps you from feeling centered and at peace. Make a list of these and devote some intentional prayer time each day this week to working on removing them. Simply naming them and writing them down can be very powerful.
2. Clean up negative attitudes.
The older we get, the easier it can be to become annoyed when things aren’t done the way we think they should be. Maybe someone forgets to turn off the lights, put the seat down, or close the door. When you feel the urge to grumble, pause for a moment and simply smile to yourself. It’s a small shift, but it can change your whole mindset.
3. Fill that space with gratitude.
Once you’ve made some space in your mind and heart, fill it with thanksgiving. I try to spend a few moments each day thanking God for the things I never want to take for granted: my health, my family, my job and ministry, and so much more. Gratitude should also extend to others. Take time to thank the people you see every day—coworkers, family, friends, and neighbors.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s simply taking small steps toward becoming a better, happier, healthier version of yourself. I hope you use this season, as I intend to, to clear out some of the clutter from your head and heart.
