I think I have an undiagnosed case of ADD. I can’t seem to concentrate on one thing until all other tasks are taken care of. I have numerous projects going on and can’t seem to finish anyone of them. I sometimes feel like I have no focus or direction.

I’m sure you are asking “What does this have to do with weight loss?” Last week I realized the clutter in my mind is directly tied with the clutter in my space. Mental health goes hand in hand with physical health. How can one be physically healthy and fit when the mind is preoccupied and full of clutter? Instead of exercising, my mind would wander to all of the unfinished tasks I need to complete. Instead of focusing on my mental well-being I would focus on the crap in my corners. It’s hard for me to think about one thing when I have other issues looming over me like death. I needed to get my mind and spirit in the game.

I decided the best way to combat my mind clutter is to clear out my space clutter. I need to clear and simplify my space and free it of unnecessary things. After all, over 6,000 years of Feng Shui can’t be wrong, right? Cleaning out my closest and getting rid of old, unnecessary, and meaningless stuff is a great way for me to organize my thoughts, focus on streamlining my life, and raise my energy level. Yes, I say raise my energy level. Think of that feeling of accomplishment and burst of energy you feel when you finish a task. Now times that by 10 and you’ve got the energy level I have been lifted to! (I’m sure my co-workers found me much more annoyingly energetic than unusual today.)

Trying on every piece of clothing to check for fit and condition is actually quite a physical and mental workout.  I was able to keep the items I love that still fit, and get rid of those that don’t. I had to literally look at myself in the mirror and be honest. Does it fit? Does it look good? When was the last time I wore it? Getting rid of certain items was difficult but very therapeutic. I really had to look at my current shape and accept who I am right now. Curves and all! After a while, I was more comfortable with my current physical appearance that I have been for the last ten years. Seeing myself, accepting myself, and realizing I’m Ok was a huge breakthrough for me. Now I can focus on how I want to look and feel, and not just physically. Mentally, I’m ready.  Clearing the clutter means letting go and moving on and that includes all of the old, unnecessary, negative energy along with the objects. Most of the items will go to the Goodwill while my vintage items will be sold on eBay

Being a human of the female persuasion, I have a ton of shoes as well. I would have to say, going through these items was the most painful! But again, when was the last time I wore them? Are they in good shape? Wow, hard stuff. But once I was done clearing the clutter I had an overwhelming sense of peace. It’s astonishing how much energy (positive and negative) we place into objects. Letting go became easier and easier. Sounds corny I know, but I feel amazing.  My closet looks pretty awesome as well.

So, I pulled out my 3 “goal dresses,” sent them to the cleaners to remove the dust that collected on the shoulders, and am anxiously waiting for the day when I can flaunt them again.  Next de-clutter project…the office (ugh).

Liz