Hello!,

How decluttering opens the stuck places
in your work, your creativity

This email comes directly from my heart.
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Seriously? Going through my clothes, my desk, my files is going to help me write? Paint? Grow my business? Come up for a solution to this problem?

When I’m feeling stuck in my writing, or in my creative work, I rely upon a couple of infallible tools. This may seem counter-intuitive to you, especially if you’re a push-through-and-force-it kinda gal (I know, I know, that’s my default too; these delicious, easy, self-loving solutions don't come easy to us, do they?)

The act of spending an hour (regularly, once a week, twice a month...) going through everything that inhabits an area of your house (pick just one area at a time, be gentle please), and asking yourself the following questions, is a powerful way to create openings without even trying.

The questions to ask for every single item:
• Do I use this now?
• Am I likely to use it in the future (next three months)?
• Do I cherish this item? (For best results, use this one sparingly, so that what you cherish is special, out of the ordinary. Don't get stuck in “over cherishing”, yo.)

The way this works. I know it may sound counterintuitive, inviting openings by reducing clutter. Here’s how I think it works (your mileage may vary): By stepping away from the computer, the journal, the canvas, the problem, and gently and lovingly releasing those things that no longer serve you, space opens up, not only in your closet and cupboards, but in your heart, and your mind. Ease replaces stress. 

Additional benefits. But wait, there’s more! The skills you pick up when you become a declutterer of stuff are skills you can use in other areas of your life. What's gunking up your wellness? Your relationships? Your finances? Check out this blogpost for more of the juicy and liberating details.

What was the other tool, you ask? Good for you for paying attention! This: Decluttering is rivaled as a spiritual self-loving freedom tool only by being in nature. And for me, now, in summer, that looks like watering, weeding, picking (and eating) blackberries, petting baby chicks. Decluttering and being outside. Tied for first!

Self-lovingly,
Sue