Liquid Gold

When I was in high school, I remember my boyfriend's mother (who is now my amazing mother-in-law!) would take an entire week off from her nursing job at the hospital each spring and the whole family would literally scrub every surface of the house.....She would even "Liquid Gold" the walls! I remember thinking she was crazy back then but now that I have a house of my own, I can appreciate this ritual and the discipline it took to set aside time each year to honor the family home. It feels fantastic when it's clean and clutter free. Because indeed, a clear space really does contribute to a clear mind. 
But you don't need to spend your week's vacation attached to a steam cleaner to see significant changes. Also, consider that it's more than just your physical space that could use a good spring cleaning.
 

Four Tips to Lighten-Up This Spring:
 

1. Physical Space Cleanse:  We underestimate the influence our space has on our moods, our effectiveness and our overall happiness. Commit to three large bags over the next 10 days. Label them "trash", "donate" and "recycle" and if you're really motivated, maybe even a 4th labeled "sell". Engage the whole family to fill up each bag and dispose of them in the appropriate place. If you are struggling with piles everywhere, google organization systems and choose one based in simplicity that will be easy to implement. If you feel totally overwhelmed, hire a personal organizer.  Visit The National Organization of Professional Organizers to find someone in your area.

2. Body Cleanse: Consider how you might cleanse the toxins from your body. Try cleansing exercises like jumping on a rebounder or yoga. Get a lymphatic drainage massage (game changer!) or a detox foot bath.  Drink lots of water.  Listen to your intuition. Are there certain foods you're eating that you know make you feel awful? What might you commit to removing from your diet? Every body is different. Start with just decreasing the sugar (or sugar substitutes that just trick your brain).  Or try removing it all together for a few days.   If that's too much for you to start, instead add a green smoothie to your morning routine. Here's a favorite recipe of mine:

• Spinach and/or Kale greens
• Granny Smith Apple
• Celery
• Cucumber
• Juice of a lemon
• Fresh Ginger
• Water
• **If you think that's a little too "green" for you, add some pineapple to sweeten it up.
• Toss all ingredients into your machine of choice. Because celery can be difficult to mix, blend twice for a smoother juice.

3. Mind Cleanse: BREATHE. Download a meditation or mindfulness app and using headphones, commit to at least 5-10 minutes of quiet each day. Spend time in nature. Nothing clears the mind like a beautiful landscape and some fresh air. Be mindful of what you are feeding your mind through books, TV, politics, etc. Set boundaries for where you allow your focus to wander.  Surround yourself with things that feel expansive, creative and inspiring. If you're feeling weighed down by anxious thoughts, saturate yourself with uplifting music and information. Even reading one positive paragraph from an influential book/author can change the tone of your entire day.

4. Relationship Cleanse: Experiencing drama in some of your relationships? Knowing that it's impossible to change someone else, take a moment to think about what reactions you might release? Are there repeated interactions that feel like chronic weight? What would happen if you created some new relationship rules for yourself from a "peace begins with me" perspective? Here are just a few options that can help you to feel lighter but come up with a few that work for you!  

• I see clearly that what is directed towards me is almost never actually about me.  I will not choose to take things so personally. I will not offend easily.

• I will focus more on appreciation rather than expectation.
  
• I will let things go- I release the heavy burden of a grudge.
• I give because I want to and not because I expect something in return.  I am clear about my motives.
  
• I accept those I love as they are.  I am responsible for my own happiness regardless of who others are choosing to be.
• I hold strong, healthy boundaries.  I speak clearly and say NO when necessary and YES when necessary. 
  

NOTE: These approaches are for those relationships that are, for the most part, in alignment with you and what you want for yourself but may just need some attention. Occasionally, we might find that a relationship has served its purpose yet we hold onto it longer than it's comfortable.   If you feel a relationship is causing extra weight for you, it's likely the same for the other person. Consider talking to a trusted friend or professional to work through next steps.  

Just like Liquid Gold enhances the natural beauty of wood.....Taking even small steps to cleanse your space, body, mind and relationships will enhance the natural beauty of your life.

You really are that powerful.