In my last post, I talked about how Crohn’s disease flipped my life upside down in the middle of a global pandemic. Continuing on the topic of change, with my diagnosis came a wave of clarity. That clarity not only showed me that I needed to build a community surrounding Crohn’s Disease, but also that it was time to declutter and prepare for this new part of my life. I began reading about slow living and the idea of living with less so you can focus on what is important in life. Crohn’s taught me to slow down, but preparing to start my dream career meant starting with a giant, and I mean giant, clean out.

Going away for college meant numerous apartments and moves. I accumulated three apartments’ worth of stuff…furniture and all. When I moved home after school, I felt stuffed into my old room. Months passed as I figured, “Well, I don’t know what my next step is, so I guess I’ll just keep it for now.” I didn’t realize it at the time, but having junk all around me was doing damage to my mental health. I began to feel overwhelmed extremely easily and had a hard time handling stress. My temper felt short and I couldn’t explain why I was so aggravated. But deep down, I knew it was a combination of my, “grab and go,” eating habits, trying to fit too much into my schedule, and the endless unnecessary things floating around my parents’ house.

When COVID-19 broke out and I was told to stay home, I had my task ahead of me. I said goodbye to five bags of clothes, shoes, and accessories I never wore. I weeded out skincare that hadn’t seen the light of day in four years. I went through boxes of kitchen supplies, donated old things I don’t have a use for now and made lists of what I would need in the future. A piece of paper weighs a lot less than pots and pans not being used. This giant clean out allowed me to fit all my things into my room, including a dresser that had been taking up space in my family room and my favorite armchair that was being stored in our guest room. I was able to make a reading nook and what would become the space I film my Youtube videos…I never had a space like that before!

I cannot tell you how great the relief was knowing that I had accounted for everything I needed and got rid of the things I didn’t. When I move next, I will know exactly how much I have and what I will need. I will be able to enjoy the moving process rather than feel overwhelmed and anxious. I once again felt in control of life. My mind is at ease and I love spending time in my room instead of dreading it…something that is really important when you’re in quarantine! This whole process was crucial to me feeling prepared to start the next chapter in my life. I now feel inspired when I am in my room instead of anxious. I even sleep so much better. 

I encourage you to declutter your life. Donate to others, call friends and let them take clothes from your closet that they would enjoy. Offer your unused furniture to someone who needs it. Keep only what you need or things that are extremely important to you. I have a desk my dad made me and my favorite blue kettle and pan. I may not use those while living with my parents, but I would hate to give them up. Find out what’s truly important to you and what is not only taking up physical space, but space in your brain. That box of knick knacks that has been in the corner is begging you to cherish what’s inside or give it to someone who will!